Father

BY She Reads Truth

In this Names of God reading plan, we are learning more about God by studying the names given to Him in Scripture. Rather than having our writers share their own reflections on these passages, we’ve instead provided research-rich content to aid in your study of each day’s featured name of God, including the background of the name(s), a brief explanation of the character of God emphasized by the name(s), and a reflection question to help you dig deeper into the text.

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Father

Ab (Hebrew), Pater (Greek)

Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 32:1-6, Psalm 68:4-6, Jeremiah 3:19–22, Mark 14:35-36, Romans 8:14-17, Galatians 4:1-7

Description

When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He told them to address God as “our Father” (Mt 6:9). When He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane before His arrest, trial, and crucifixion, Jesus cried out, “Abba, Father,” using personal and relational names for God (Mk 14:36). Abba is an Aramaic word, from the Hebrew Ab, for “father.” Pater is the Greek word used for “father.”

These are deeply familial names when used to address God. Belief brings us into a close yet respectful relationship with God, the holy Creator of all things. Father is a reverential yet personal name for God.

Emphasis

The personal, familial, and intimate name for God

Reflection

What does this name teach me about God?