[Greek] παρηγορία (parēgoria), [Latin] consolationem, [Latin] solacium: comfort, exhortation, mitigation, consolation, assistance, help, relief; Col.4:11
An old bottle of Paregoric, circa 1940’s. The large red X on the label indicates that it was classified as a exempt narcotic sold without prescription.
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means exhortation, persuasion, and consolation. Plutarch’s Pericles 34 states “And some consolation was to be had from what their enemies suffered wherein also it was evident that though their enemies did the Athenians much harm by land, they suffered much too at their hand at sea.” Aeschylus’ Agamemnon 95 states “For all the gods our city worships, the gods have their altars ablaze with offerings. The flames rise high as heaven, yielding to the soft and guileless persuasion of holy ointment.” Apollonious Rhodius’ Argonautica 2.1281 states “They let the ship ride at anchor, and it was near at hand in their course and they passed the night. And dawn appeared in their expectant eyes.”
New Testament: This term means comfort or consolation. In his Letter to the Colossians, Paul was responding and addressing the problems caused by the false teachers who were stressing angels, principalities and powers, and cultic practices. Paul needed to reaffirm the pre-eminence of Christ for salvation. During this time, Paul was imprisoned and sought the help of his co-workers Tychichus, Onesimus, Aristarchus, Mark, and Justus. These co-workers were Paul’s messengers and were a great comfort to him.
Paregoric: This substance was prepared as an elixir in the early 18th century, with origins from Renaissance chemistry. Narcotics (opium or cocaine) have been used in various formulations. Peragoric has been historically used as an anti-diarrheal, expectorant, and pain reliever.
Etymology: This term is related to the Greek verb paregoreo, addressing from (para-) an assembly (agora). The outdated Greek word paregoricon originally applied to oratory. Essentially, a paregoricon is one who mitigates, smooth talks, or soothes others with kind words.
Conclusion:
Consolation, console, solace
It was interesting to discover that this term has its origins in the assembly area (agora). At some points in our lives, we have encountered a paregorican (smooth talker, dynamic speaker, etc). Perhaps, this could include Perry Como (what a smooth voice)!
In the Greek Hellenistic era, this term is used in figurative or metaphorical way. One finds consolation when the enemy has also suffered. The holy ointment fans the flames in the god’s temple. Expectant eyes see the dawn.
In the New Testament, Paul needed to address the problems with the Colossians. However, Paul was imprisoned. Paul sought the help of his co-workers to convey his message to Colossae. They were a real comfort and consolation.
My final Coronavirus pandemic update: With this term, I thought it was fitting to now make my concluding thoughts and observations about this pandemic. First of all, we must extend our comfort, consolation and prayers to all those families who have lost (and who will) lose loved ones during this pandemic.
Now I hope I can provide you with some comforting words. In a sense, many of us had willingly or unwillingly ‘taken our own medicine’ in shuttering our businesses, because it was the right thing to do. We have accepted this (out of public safety), especially when it is unpleasant and difficult. Each of us were doing on our small part in keeping each other safe (which is to be greatly admired). However, as a result, many of us have fallen into financial difficulties in one form or another. So we all must pray for and help each other so that we can find a way through these difficulties. We all had the best of intentions in trying to mitigate the spread and exposure to this virus (to flatten the curve).
In our system of federalism, each state, based on its own circumstances, has begun the phased process of restarting aspects of our economy. In this trying process, many of us have already reached beyond our own economic comfort levels and desperately need to go back to work. Others are nervous (worried) about opening up some sectors (schools, restaurants, churches, and salons, etc.) too soon. Many still are somewhat nervous, not yet having that comfort level about returning to these venues. But we must continue to support our local small businesses.
Update: I would like to offer my prayers, thoughts and consolation to George Floyd’s family and loved ones. And from the aftermath of this event, we must also must offer our best wishes, thoughts and prayers to those folks who have been physically harmed (and those whose businesses have been destroyed). Now more than ever, we need to somehow come together to address these wrongs. We also need to seek justice for these victims during these trying times. We also need to have some perspective here. Unfortunately, the reality is that there will be those situations where racist individuals will commit heinous actions in the future. It is naive to think otherwise. But also let’s not forget that these events are not endemic of the vast majority of Americans. Although these incidents are often tragic when they occur, let’s not paint a broad brush regarding all Americans on why this happens.
If it is any comfort to you, I think prayers (more so than time) will help calm and soothe our real fears (and worries) during this crisis.