Abba, Father

Illustration of Abba, Father
Daddy. Papa. The most intimate name for God in Scripture - the word Jesus used in Gethsemane, and the word the Holy Spirit puts in the mouth of every adopted child of God.

Abba, Father (แผˆฮฒฮฒแพถ แฝ ฮ ฮฑฯ„ฮฎฯ) combines the Aramaic 'Abba' - an intimate term like 'Daddy' - with the Greek 'Pater.' It first appears in Mark 14:36 when Jesus prayed in Gethsemane. Paul teaches in Romans 8:15 that believers receive the Spirit of adoption enabling them to cry 'Abba, Father.' This name reveals the intimate relationship available to God's children - the same trust Jesus has with the Father.

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Meaning: Daddy, Papa - intimate Father

First Usage: Mark 14:36

Key Chapters

Mark 14 The Anointing and Arrest of Jesus 9 min read This passage shows that even in deep anguish we can approach God intimately as F... Romans 8 Life in the Spirit 6 min read This passage shows that through the Spirit we are adopted as God's beloved child...

Key Passages

Jesus in Gethsemane

Mark 14:36

This passage shows that even in deep anguish we can approach God intimately as Father and surrender to His loving will.

A36nd 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.

Spirit of Adoption

Romans 8:15

This passage shows that through the Spirit we are adopted as God's beloved children, freeing us to approach Him with intimate trust instead of fear.

F15or ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

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Prayers 2

Jesus in Gethsemane On the night before his crucifixion, Jesus withdrew to a garden called Gethsemane, fell on his face, andโ€ฆ The Lord's Prayer Jesus taught this prayer to his disciples on a mountainside in Galilee, offering them a model for how toโ€ฆ

Connected Themes

Themes

Did You Know?

1

Abba is the intimate Aramaic word for "Father." Jesus used it in Gethsemane. The Spirit enables us to cry "Abba, Father." The name is the invitation into the family of God.

2

The name was shocking in its intimacy. No one in the Old Testament called God "Abba." Jesus opened the door to a relationship that was previously unthinkable.

3

We do not approach God as distant subjects. We approach as sons and daughters. The Spirit of adoption has given us the right to use the family name. Abba is the sound of home.