Lexical Summary Abiathar: Abiathar Original Word: Ἀβιάθαρ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Abiathar. Of Hebrew origin ('Ebyathar); Abiathar, an Israelite -- Abiathar. see HEBREW 'Ebyathar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Hebrew origin Ebyathar Definition Abiathar, an Isr. NASB Translation Abiathar (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 8: ἈβιαθάρἈβιαθάρ, indeclinable proper name (though in Josephus, Antiquities 6, 14, 6 Ἀβιαθάρος, ), אֶבְיָתָר (father of abundance), Abiathar, a certain Hebrew high priest: Mark 2:26 — where he is by mistake confounded with Ahimelech his father (1 Samuel 21:1ff); (yet cf. 1 Samuel 22:20 with 1 Chronicles 18:16; 1 Chronicles 24:6, 31; also 2 Samuel 15:24-29; 1 Kings 2:26, 27 with 2 Samuel 8:17; 1 Chronicles 24:6, 31. It would seem that double names were especially common in the case of priests (cf. 1 Macc. 2:1-5; Josephus, Vit. §§1,2) and that father and son often bore the same name (cf. Luke 1:5, 59; Josephus, the passage cited and Antiquities 20, 9, 1). See McClellan at the passage and B. D. American edition, p. 7). Topical Lexicon Old Testament Background of Abiathar Abiathar, son of Ahimelech and descendant of Eli, entered the biblical narrative during the reign of Saul. After Saul massacred the priests at Nob, Abiathar alone escaped with the ephod to David (1 Samuel 22:20–23). From that time he served David through wilderness years, coronation, and early kingship, sharing priestly duty with Zadok (2 Samuel 8:17). He carried the ark, consulted the LORD for David, and suffered banishment by Solomon after supporting Adonijah’s rebellion (1 Kings 2:26–27). His removal fulfilled the word of judgment spoken against Eli’s house (1 Samuel 2:31–35). Narrative Context in Mark 2:26 Jesus’ single New Testament reference comes during a confrontation over Sabbath observance: “How he entered the house of God in the time of Abiathar the high priest and ate the consecrated bread— which is lawful only for the priests— and shared it with those who were with him.” (Mark 2:26) The Lord appeals to David’s precedent to demonstrate that human need may supersede ceremonial restriction, validating His pronouncement, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27). Historical Considerations Mark names Abiathar where 1 Samuel 21:1–6 places Ahimelech. Several conservative solutions preserve Scriptural inerrancy: Thus, the apparent variation underscores Scripture’s internal harmony rather than error. Theological Significance 1. Priestly Mediation: Abiathar’s ministry illustrates the priest as intercessor bearing the ephod and inquiring of God (1 Samuel 23:9–12). Christ, our ultimate High Priest (Hebrews 4:14), surpasses Abiathar by offering Himself and granting continual access. Patterns of Mercy and Practical Piety Jesus’ appeal to the Abiathar incident affirms that ritual laws serve rather than oppress God’s people. Ministry that imitates Christ will weigh compassion heavily, guarding against legalism that ignores genuine need (Matthew 12:7). Priestly Line and Messianic Typology • Shared Rejection: Abiathar fled Saul; David was an outlaw; Jesus faced hostility from religious leaders. Each period features the faithful remnant aligning with God’s anointed. Lessons for Ministry Today 1. Uphold Scripture’s unity; apparent discrepancies invite deeper study, not distrust. Related Passages for Further Study 1 Samuel 21:1–6; 1 Samuel 22:20–23; 1 Samuel 23:6–12; 2 Samuel 8:17; 2 Samuel 15:24–29; 1 Kings 2:26–27; Hebrews 4:14–16; Matthew 12:1–8; Luke 6:1–5. Forms and Transliterations Αβιαθαρ Ἀβιαθὰρ Ἀβιάθαρ Abiathar AbiátharLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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