Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Meaning: The term "exhort" in the biblical context refers to the act of urging, encouraging, or admonishing someone to pursue a course of action or to adhere to certain principles. It is derived from the Greek word "parakaleo," which means to call to one's side, to comfort, or to encourage. Exhortation is a vital aspect of Christian ministry and fellowship, serving to build up the body of Christ and to promote spiritual growth and maturity among believers.
Biblical Usage: Exhortation is a recurring theme in the New Testament, where it is often associated with teaching, preaching, and pastoral care. It is considered a spiritual gift and an essential function within the church. The Apostle Paul frequently uses the term in his epistles, emphasizing its importance in the life of the church and individual believers.
Key Scripture References:1.
Romans 12:8 : "if it is to encourage, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully."
· In this passage, Paul lists exhortation as one of the spiritual gifts, highlighting its role in edifying the church.
2.
1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 : "For you know that we treated each of you as a father treats his own children—encouraging you, comforting you, and urging you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into His own kingdom and glory."
· Paul describes his ministry among the Thessalonians as one of exhortation, likening it to a father's guidance, which includes encouragement and urging towards godly living.
3.
Hebrews 3:13 : "But exhort one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness."
· The author of Hebrews underscores the necessity of daily exhortation to prevent spiritual hardening and to maintain faithfulness.
4.
2 Timothy 4:2 : "Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction."
· Timothy is charged with the task of exhortation as part of his pastoral duties, combining it with correction and teaching.
The Role of Exhortation in the Church: Exhortation serves multiple purposes within the Christian community. It is a means of:
·
Encouragement: Strengthening believers in their faith and motivating them to persevere in their spiritual journey.
·
Correction: Gently guiding individuals back to the truth when they stray from biblical teachings.
·
Instruction: Providing practical guidance and wisdom for living a life that honors God.
·
Unity: Fostering a sense of community and mutual support among believers.
Exhortation as a Spiritual Gift: The gift of exhortation is given by the Holy Spirit to certain individuals within the church to inspire and uplift others. Those with this gift are often able to communicate effectively, offering comfort and motivation that resonate with the hearts of their listeners. They play a crucial role in discipleship and mentoring, helping others to apply biblical truths to their lives.
Practical Application: Believers are encouraged to practice exhortation in their daily interactions, whether through words of encouragement, acts of kindness, or sharing scriptural insights. It is a communal responsibility, as seen in
Hebrews 10:24-25 : "And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
Exhortation is a powerful tool for spiritual growth and should be exercised with love, patience, and humility, always aiming to glorify God and edify His people.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
v. t.) To incite by words or advice; to animate or urge by arguments, as to a good deed or laudable conduct; to address exhortation to; to urge strongly; hence, to advise, warn, or caution.
2. (v. i.) To deliver exhortation; to use words or arguments to incite to good deeds.
3. (n.) Exhortation.
Greek
3867. paraineo -- to exhort, advise ... to
exhort, advise. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: paraineo Phonetic Spelling:
(par-ahee-neh'-o) Short Definition: I admonish, advise,
exhort Definition
... 3870. parakaleo -- to call to or for, to exhort, to encourage
... to call to or for, to exhort, to encourage. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration:
parakaleo Phonetic Spelling: (par-ak-al-eh'-o) Short Definition: I summon ...
3560. noutheteo -- to admonish, exhort
... to admonish, exhort. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: noutheteo Phonetic Spelling:
(noo-thet-eh'-o) Short Definition: I admonish, warn, counsel Definition ...
4837. sumparakaleo -- to exhort together, pass. to be strengthened ...
... 4836, 4837. sumparakaleo. 4838 . to exhort together, pass. ... Word Origin
from sun and parakaleo Definition to exhort together, pass. ...
4389. protrepo -- to turn forward, urge forward
... forward, urge forward. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: protrepo Phonetic Spelling:
(prot-rep'-om-ahee) Short Definition: I encourage, exhort Definition: I ...
3888. paramutheomai -- to encourge, comfort
... paramutheomai Phonetic Spelling: (par-am-oo-theh'-om-ahee) Short Definition: I
encourage, comfort, console Definition: I encourage, comfort, console, exhort. ...
1286. diaseio -- to shake violently, to intimidate
... 1286 ("exhort") is only used in Lk 3:14. Word Origin from dia and seio Definition
to shake violently, to intimidate NASB Word Usage take money...by force (1). ...
5603. ode -- a song, ode
... heart. Spirit-inspired songs God and exhort others, giving testimony about
the living God to other worshipers. Word Origin contr. ...
4823. sumbouleuo -- to take counsel together, advise
... of Speech: Verb Transliteration: sumbouleuo Phonetic Spelling: (soom-bool-yoo'-o)
Short Definition: I give advice Definition: I give advice, exhort; mid: I ...
4900. sunelauno -- to reconcile
... to reconcile From sun and elauno; to drive together, ie (figuratively) exhort (to
reconciliation) -- + set at one again. see GREEK sun. see GREEK elauno. ...
Library
How to Exhort Men to Faith, Repentance, and Advancement.
... A Treatise on nature and grace, against pelagius; Chapter 82 [LXVIII.]"
How to Exhort Men to Faith, Repentance, and Advancement. ...
How Titus Gave Orders to Demolish the Tower of Antonia and Then ...
... CHAPTER 2. How Titus Gave Orders To Demolish The Tower Of Antonia And Then
Persuaded Josephus To Exhort The Jews Again [To A Surrender]. ...
Ears to Hear are a Willingness to Obey.
... a Willingness to Obey. Although, therefore, we say that obedience is the
gift of God, we still exhort men to it. But to those who ...
Exhortation to Other Gifts of God in Like Manner.
... Nor do those on whose account I am saying these things, who cry out that exhortation
is checked by the preaching of predestination and grace, exhort to those ...
Extracts from the Acts. Session I.
... Theodore of Mopsuestia and Nestorius with their impieties, and maintain that that
letter of Ibas was received by the Synod of Chalcedon, so do we exhort you to ...
Here is the Sum of My Examination Before Justice Keelin, Justice ...
... And further, I said, Blessed be the Lord for it; we are encouraged to meet together,
and to pray, and exhort one another; for, we have had the comfortable ...
Epistle ii. From the Roman Clergy to the Carthaginian Clergy ...
... should be found hirelings, but we desire you to be good shepherds, since you are
aware that no slight danger threatens you if you do not exhort our brethren to ...
Human Directions not to be Despised, Though God Makes the True ...
... rightly dividing the word of truth?" [1963] And in the same place: "Preach the word;
be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all long ...
Now if any one Says that we Need not Direct Men How or What...
... ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth?" And in the same place: "Preach the
word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all ...
Practice of Cyprian and Ambrose.
... is gratuitous, as we must believe and declare it to be; and that they should not
think that preaching opposed to the preaching whereby we exhort the indolent ...
Thesaurus
Exhort (37 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Exhort (37 Occurrences).
... Acts 27:22 Now I
exhort you to
cheer up, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship.
...Urge (34 Occurrences)
... YLT). Acts 27:22 Now I exhort you to cheer up, for there will be no loss
of life among you, but only of the ship. (See NAS NIV). Acts ...
Exhortation (16 Occurrences)
... In the Septuagint of the Old Testament it is used in the sense of "consolation";
but in APC 2Macc 7:24, it is translated "exhort," the Revised Version (British ...
Instruction (117 Occurrences)
... 1 Thessalonians 4:1 Finally then, brothers, we beg and exhort you in the Lord Jesus,
that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, that ...
Rebuke (77 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 5:1 Don't rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father; the younger
men as brothers; (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
Encourage (34 Occurrences)
... 1 Thessalonians 5:14 We exhort you, brothers, admonish the disorderly, encourage
the fainthearted, support the weak, be patient toward all. ...
Younger (39 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 5:1 Don't rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father; the younger
men as brothers; (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
Reprove (35 Occurrences)
... (WEB WEY ASV YLT). 2 Timothy 4:2 preach the word; be urgent in season and out of
season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with all patience and teaching. ...
Euodia (1 Occurrence)
... Euodia (1 Occurrence). Philippians 4:2 I exhort Euodia, and I exhort Syntyche, to
think the same way in the Lord. (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
Excel (12 Occurrences)
... 1 Thessalonians 4:1 Finally then, brothers, we beg and exhort you in the Lord Jesus,
that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, that ...
Resources
What is the definition of exhortation? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the gift of encouragement? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the responsibilities of deacons in the church? | GotQuestions.orgExhort: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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