Comfort – To strengthen, give support, console.
God used this word, in its various forms, 131 times in Scripture: 98 times to Israel in their Masoretic Text Old Testament; and 33 times to the Body of Christ in the Dispensation of Grace.
Strengthen – 8 times with food; 1 time with water; 1 reference to a bed; 1 time referring to the rod and staff of God; 1 time with the promise of the restoration of the land; 1 time with the promise of restoration of Israel; 4 times with healing.
Support – Once with peace; once with kindness
Console – In most instances comfort is accomplished with words: 73 times with words, and 6 times with vengeance.
Jesus was the comforter of Israel (John 14:16). After His resurrection, as promised, He sent the Holy Spirit to comfort Israel’s Little Flock, which occurred in Acts 2.
Of the 33 occurrences to The Body of Christ, most comfort is accomplished by people. The Body of Christ also has the comfort of the Scripture (Romans 15:4); Scripture produces comfort through understanding and unity (Colossians 2:2-3).
This word is never used in connection to Israel’s Little Flock in the tribulation; Israel’s Little Flock has the Holy Spirit with them (Acts 9:31).
See also Console, Discomfit, Discomfort