Bible Dictionaries
Consolation

Holman Bible Dictionary

Comfort which eases grief and pain. The Hebrew terms are closely related to the words for compassion—nichum, nocham . See Job 6:10 ). David sent servants to console Hanun, king of Ammon, after his father died (2 Samuel 10:1-2 ). People brought food and drink to console the grieving (Jeremiah 16:7; compare John 11:19 ). God's response to prayer brings consolation to the worried soul (Psalm 94:19 ). Even as God destroyed Jerusalem, He provided consolation in the person of faithful survivors (Ezekiel 14:22-23 ).

Israel's ultimate hope was the consolation only the Messiah could bring. The faithful waited expectantly for this (Luke 2:25; compare Isaiah 40:1-2 ). Those who trust in riches rather than in the coming of the Son of Man have all the consolation they will receive (Luke 6:24 ). Believers receive consolation through the ministry of proclamation (1 Corinthians 14:3 ).