Jump to: Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Webster's • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Etymology: "Ab" is a Hebrew term meaning "father." It is often used in the Old Testament to denote a paternal figure, both in a literal and metaphorical sense. The term is foundational in understanding familial and tribal relationships within the biblical narrative. Biblical Usage: The word "Ab" appears in various contexts throughout the Bible, primarily in the Old Testament. It is used to describe biological fathers, ancestors, and even as a title of respect for leaders or elders. The term is also part of compound names and titles, such as "Abraham" (meaning "father of many") and "Abimelech" (meaning "my father is king"). Key References: 1. Literal Fatherhood: · Genesis 4:20 : "Adah gave birth to Jabal; he was the father of those who dwell in tents and raise livestock." · Here, "father" denotes a biological relationship and a progenitor of a particular lifestyle or profession. 2. Ancestral Lineage: · Exodus 3:15 : "God also said to Moses, 'Say to the Israelites, ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you.’" · In this context, "fathers" refers to the patriarchs of Israel, emphasizing the continuity of God's covenant through generations. 3. Metaphorical and Honorific Use: · 2 Kings 2:12 : "As Elisha watched, he cried out, 'My father, my father, the chariots and horsemen of Israel!'" · Elisha refers to Elijah as "father," indicating a relationship of mentorship and spiritual leadership rather than biological descent. 4. Compound Names and Titles: · "Abraham" (Genesis 17:5): "No longer will you be called Abram, but your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations." · The name change from Abram to Abraham signifies a divine promise and a broader paternal role over many nations. Cultural and Theological Significance: In ancient Israelite society, the concept of "father" extended beyond the immediate family to include tribal and national leadership. The patriarchal system placed significant emphasis on the role of the father as the head of the household, responsible for the spiritual and moral guidance of the family. This understanding is reflected in the biblical portrayal of God as a father figure, emphasizing His authority, care, and covenant relationship with His people. Related Terms and Concepts: · Patriarchs: The founding fathers of the Israelite nation, including Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. · Fatherhood of God: A theological concept where God is depicted as a father to His people, providing protection, guidance, and discipline. · Abba: An Aramaic term for father, used in the New Testament to express a close, personal relationship with God (Mark 14:36, Romans 8:15). Historical Context: The role of the father in ancient Near Eastern cultures was central to the social and religious structure. Fathers were seen as the primary authority figures, responsible for the welfare and continuity of the family line. This cultural backdrop informs the biblical narrative and the use of "Ab" in various contexts. Conclusion: The term "Ab" is integral to understanding the familial, social, and theological dimensions of the Bible. It encapsulates the roles of biological fathers, ancestral figures, and spiritual leaders, reflecting the multifaceted nature of fatherhood in the biblical world. Smith's Bible Dictionary Ab(father), an element in the composition of many proper names, of which Abba is a Chaldaic form, having the sense of "endowed with," "possessed of." ATS Bible Dictionary Ab1. Father, found in many compound Hebrew proper names: as Abner, father of light; Absalom, father of peace. 2. The fifth month of the sacred, and the eleventh of the civil year among the Jews. It began, according to the latest authorities, with the new moon of August. It was a sad month in the Jewish calendar. On its first day, a fast was observed for the death of Aaron, Numbers 33:38; and on its ninth, another was held in memory of the divine edicts which excluded so many that came out of Egypt from entering the promised land; and also, of the overthrow of the first and second temple. See MONTH. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) The fifth month of the Jewish year according to the ecclesiastical reckoning, the eleventh by the civil computation, coinciding nearly with August.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia AB (1)('abh, the Hebrew and Aramaic word for "father"): It is a very common word in the Old Testament; this article notes only certain uses of it. It is used both in the singular and in the plural to denote a grandfather or more remote ancestors (e.g. Jeremiah 35:16, 15). The father of a people or tribe is its founder, not, as is frequently assumed, its progenitor. In this sense Abraham is father to the Israelites (see, for example, Genesis 17:11-14, 27), Isaac and Jacob and the heads of families being fathers in the same modified sense. The cases of Ishmael, Moab, etc., are similar. The traditional originator of a craft is the father of those who practice the craft (e.g. Genesis 4:20, 21, 22). Sennacherib uses the term "my fathers" of his predecessors on the throne of Assyria, though these were not his ancestors (2 Kings 19:12). The term is used to express worth and affection irrespective of blood relation (e.g. 2 Kings 13:14). A ruler or leader is spoken of as a father. God is father. A frequent use of the word is that in the composition of proper names, e.g. Abinadab, "my father is noble." See ABI. AB (2) ('abh): The name of the fifth month in the Hebrew calendar, the month beginning in our July. The name does not appear in the Bible, but Josephus gives it to the month in which Aaron died (Ant., IV, iv, 6; compare Numbers 33:38). Greek 5. Abba -- Abba, father ... Abba, father. Part of Speech: Proper Noun, Indeclinable Transliteration: Abba Phonetic Spelling: (ab-bah') Short Definition: Father Definition: Abba, Father. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5.htm - 6k 4872. sunanabaino -- to go up with 2602. katabole -- a laying down 2603. katabrabeuo -- to give judgment against 3848. parabates -- one who stands beside 11. Abraam -- Abraham, the Heb. patriarch 305. anabaino -- to go up, ascend 4460. Rhaab -- Rahab, a Canaanitess and an ancestor of Christ 9. Abilene -- Abilene, territory northwest of Damascus 3850. parabole -- to expose oneself to danger Strong's Hebrew 2. ab -- father... 1, 2. ab. 3 . father. Transliteration: ab Phonetic Spelling: (ab) Short Definition: father. Word Origin (Aramaic) corresponding ... /hebrew/2.htm - 5k 5646. ab -- perhaps a landing 5645. ab -- dark cloud, cloud mass, thicket 1. ab -- father 53. Abishalom -- "my father is peace," two Israelites 32. Abihayil -- "my father is might," an Israelite name 29. Abiyyah -- "Yah is my father," an Israelite name 26. Abigayil -- "my father is joy," two Israelite women 52. Abishay -- "my father is Jesse," an Israelite name 5688. aboth -- cord, rope, cordage Library Loca S. Scriptur?? Ab H??reticis in vituperium Matrimonii Adducta ... Tenet Ecclesia Nostra, Tenuitque Semper Firmam Illam Et Immotam ... Appendix I (To 2 of Part I, Pp. 59 F. ) Appendix iii. Rabbinic views as to the Lawfulness of Images ... The Litany of the Saints Quatenus Plato Aliique E Veteribus Pr??iverint Marcionitis ... Appendices Appendix K. Carpocrates, Cerinthus, Ebion. Footnotes: Thesaurus Aaron's... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. AB (1). ... Willis J. Beecher. AB (2). ('abh): The name of the fifth month in the Hebrew calendar, the month beginning in our July. ... /a/ab.htm - 8k Eli'ab (19 Occurrences) Ab'igail (16 Occurrences) Ab'arim (5 Occurrences) Ab'igal (1 Occurrence) Ab'ishag (5 Occurrences) Ab'ihail (6 Occurrences) Jo'ab (120 Occurrences) Ab'salom (85 Occurrences) Jesheb'e-ab (1 Occurrence) Resources Who is Allah? What is the origin of belief in Allah? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Textus Receptus? | GotQuestions.org Ab: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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