Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Etymology:"Abba" is an Aramaic term that translates to "father" in English. It is a term of endearment and intimacy, akin to "daddy" or "papa" in modern English. The word "Abba" is used in the New Testament to express a deep, personal relationship with God, emphasizing both reverence and closeness. Biblical References: 1. Mark 14:36 : In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus uses the term "Abba" in His prayer to God the Father, demonstrating His intimate relationship with God and His submission to the Father's will. The verse states, "‘Abba, Father,’ He said, ‘all things are possible for You. Take this cup from Me. Yet not what I will, but what You will.’" 2. Romans 8:15 : The Apostle Paul uses "Abba" to describe the relationship believers have with God through the Holy Spirit. This verse highlights the transformation from fear to adoption as children of God. It reads, "For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’" 3. Galatians 4:6 : Paul again emphasizes the intimate relationship between believers and God, made possible through the Spirit of His Son. The verse states, "And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, ‘Abba! Father!’" Theological Significance: The use of "Abba" in the New Testament signifies a revolutionary understanding of the relationship between God and His people. It reflects a shift from a distant, formal relationship to one characterized by intimacy and personal connection. This term underscores the believer's adoption into God's family, highlighting the privilege of addressing God with the same familiarity and trust that Jesus did. Cultural Context: In the Jewish culture of the time, "Abba" was a term used by children to address their fathers, conveying both respect and affection. Its use by Jesus and the early Christians would have been striking, as it broke with traditional Jewish customs that emphasized the transcendence and holiness of God, making Him seem distant and unapproachable. Implications for Believers: The invocation of "Abba, Father" in prayer and worship encourages believers to approach God with confidence and trust, assured of their status as His children. It invites Christians to experience the love, care, and guidance of a personal and loving Father, fostering a relationship that is both reverent and deeply personal. Nave's Topical Index Mark 14:36And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible to you; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what you will. Nave's Topical Index Romans 8:15 Galatians 4:6 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 Library Abba, Father! Abba, Father. "Whereby we Cry, Abba, Father. " "Whereby we Cry, Abba, Father. " In what Sense the Holy Spirit Solicits for Us, Crying, Abba ... "But Ye have Received the Spirit of Adoption, Whereby we Cry, Abba ... The Holy Spirit Bearing Witness to Our Sonship. Of what Took Place in the Piece of Ground or Garden to which they ... January 25 Evening Psalm CVII. Resources Did Jesus mean that we should never refer to our earthly father as “father” (Matthew 23:9)? Is it wrong for Catholics to refer to their priests as “father”? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Baha'i faith? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about adoption? | GotQuestions.org Abba: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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