Bible Dictionary
Abba
Abba is an Aramaic word meaning “Father,” used as a warm and trusting form of address to God. Jesus used it in prayer, and believers use it through the Spirit as an expression of filial confidence in God.
Definition
Abba is a Syriac or Chaldee word meaning “Father.” It expresses warm affection, filial confidence, and direct address to God. Because no single English word fully conveys its force, the original term is retained in the New Testament alongside its Greek equivalent, “Father.”
Biblical Usage
Abba occurs in Mark 14:36, Romans 8:15, and Galatians 4:6. Jesus uses it in prayer, and it appears in the language of believers’ relationship with God through the Spirit, expressing filial confidence and affectionate dependence.
Historical Background
The term was used in Jewish and early Christian prayers. It later entered European languages as an ecclesiastical term, “abbot,” and in Eastern churches became a title for bishops and patriarchs.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
This Syriac or Chaldee word is found three times in the New Testament (Mark 14:36; Rom. 8:15; Gal. 4:6), and in each case is followed by its Greek equivalent, which is translated “father.” It is a term expressing warm affection and filial confidence. It has no perfect equivalent in our language. It has passed into European languages as an ecclesiastical term, “abbot.”
Smith's Bible Dictionary
See Ab.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>ab'-a (abba, 'abba', Hebraic-Chaldaic, "Father"): In Jewish and old-Christian prayers, a name by which God was addressed, then in oriental churches a title of bishops and patriarchs. So Jesus addresses God in prayer (Mt 11:25,26, 26:39,42, Lu 10:21; 22:42; 23:34, Joh 11:41; 12:27; 17:24,25). In Mr 14:36; Ro 8:15, and Ga 4:6 ho pater, is appended even in direct address, in an emphatic sense. Servants were not permitted to use the appellation in addressing the head of the house. See Delitzsch on Ro 8:15; compare G. Dalman, Gram. des jud.-palast. Aramaisch, etc., section 40, c. 3.</p><p>J. E. Harry</p>