COMFORT          

I think I’ve had it wrong. The word comfortable has always sparked mental pictures for me of down bedding or a steaming bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup.

But a recent reading educated me.

Our English word comes from the Old French verb conforter (to comfort). It is made up of two Latin words meaning “with” (used as an intensive to infer a great degree) and “strengthen” or “embolden.” That is, to comfort means to strongly reassure, to fortify, to make strong. It wasn’t until the middle of the 17th century that the word took on the idea of comfort as something that produced physical ease.

Add to this the Greek for paraklesis (such as we see in the biblical “God of all comfort” and several other applications to Father, Son, and Spirit), and my picture of a cozy bed or soothing soup loses force.

If I want to get or give comfort, I guess I need to learn about something more than linens and food!