Biblical Word Etymology
The Etymology of “Exhortation”
The biblical word “Exhortation” traces back to Greek (parakaleo (παρακαλέω)), where it meant “A calling upon, an exhorting or encouraging someone”. Across 3eras it evolved into the modern sense: “An earnest or passionate urging or strongly advising to do something”.
How the Meaning Evolved
Ancient Greek
Greekparakaleo (παρακαλέω)A calling upon, an exhorting or encouraging someone
From para (beside) + kaleo (to call). Paul uses parakaleo throughout 1 Thessalonians (1:4, 4:1) to mean exhort/encourage the believers.
Medieval Latin / Church
LatinexhortatioAn urgent or earnest request to do good; an appeal to Christian virtue
Latin exhortatio from exhortari (to urge on, encourage). Church fathers used this to describe apostolic admonition in spiritual instruction.
Modern English
EnglishexhortationAn earnest or passionate urging or strongly advising to do something
From Old French exhortacion via Medieval Latin. Common in English theology from 15th century onward, especially in sermon rhetoric.