Term

Paraclete

A title for the Holy Spirit in the Gospel of John, derived from a Greek term meaning 'defending counsel.'

Filed underPneumatologyBiblical Languages

Definition

A Greek word meaning 'defending counsel' (in a lawsuit). It is used as a title of the Holy Spirit in the Gospel of John.

Sources

  1. 1.Alan Richardson and John Bowden The Westminster Dictionary of Christian Theology. (Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1983). 426Original citation: Richardson, Alan, and John Bowden. The Westminster Dictionary of Christian Theology. Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1983, 426.

Last revised August 14, 2026