ABBA FATHER

Scriptures References:

Greek –

Abba, is an Aramaic word meaning Father or Papa; an intimate term for God; intimates dependence, trust, love and endearment.

Pater is a Greek root word for father, signifying a nourisher, protector, and upholder;

According to Word Studies in the New Testament, Abba pronounced Ab-ba’, is interpreted as “father my father”.  The word Abba is from the Aramaic word meaning Father.  In the New Testament, Abba is used as an intimate term for God.  This is what a child called a father on a day to day basis.  It was the address of a child’s love and dependency.  When the child, whether in joyfulness or brokenness, called out “Abba”, he knew without doubt that his father would hear and turn to him in response.

According to W.E. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of NT Words, “Abba” is a word framed by the lips of infants, and betokens unreasoning trust.  Whereas “Father” expresses an intelligent apprehension of the relationship.  The two combined, Abba and Father, expresses the love and intelligent confidence of a child.

According to Unger’s Bible Dictionary, “Abba” was a word used only by children when addressing their father.  It is equivalent to “Papa” as an endearing, loving expression. 

A slave was not allowed to address a father as “Abba”.  Only a child of a father could properly use this intimate word.

Mark 14:34-36 “And Jesus saith unto them (Peter, James & John), My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch.  And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.  And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.”

Romans 8:14-17 “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.  For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.  The Spirit himself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.”

Galatians 4:4-7“But when the fullness of time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.  And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.  Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.”