What Does Acts 20:2 Mean in the King James?

And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece,

Acts 20:2 · KJV

The analysis reads the King James wording.

King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.

THE KEY

The word translated “exhortation” can also mean comfort: the same speech steadies you and urges you onward.

THE MEANING

You can receive words that both comfort and move you forward; this verse holds those together. Reassurance is not a pause from movement, it can be part of how you continue.

WHAT THIS UNDOES

It loosens the belief that comfort means being left undisturbed: the word that comforts can also urge you forward.

THE ROOT

παρακαλέσας

parakalesas

GROWS FROM

παρακαλέω

parakaleō

To comfort, appeal, or urge.

The Greek word translated “exhortation” can carry both comfort and urging. The verse presents the words that strengthen people as words that also press them onward.

ALSO GROWS

paraklēsis: Comfort, consolation, or appeal.

παράκλησις

This related noun shows that the same word family can name consolation as well as exhortation.

paraklētos: Comforter or advocate.

παράκλητος

This related word names one who brings support, extending the verse’s sense of encouragement beyond a bare demand.

THE PATTERN

Words that comfort can also urge people onward; consolation and appeal belong to the same work of strengthening.

Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.

Isaiah 40:1 · KJVComfort comes as an active address, giving consolation through words.

Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

2 Corinthians 1:4 · KJVComfort received becomes comfort spoken to others, showing how strengthening words continue through people.

And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words.

Hebrews 13:22 · KJVThe same Greek word family names exhortation as a word that can be received, not merely a demand imposed.

THE THREAD

And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words.

Hebrews 13:22 · KJV

Acts uses ⁨παρακαλέω⁩ (parakaleō, to comfort, appeal, or urge); Hebrews uses a related form for “exhortation.” The shared root reveals how a word can console and urge a response at once.

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