Articles
Abba Father
“Abba” is a Syriac or Chaldee word and is found three times in the New Testament (Mark
14:36; Romans 8:15; Galatians 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. The term Abba has led to some controversy in its
translation. We do know that people of all ages used this term during Jesus’s time to address
their father.
Jesus used this term. "Abba, Father," He said, "everything is possible for You. Take this cup
from Me. Yet not what I will, but what You will" (Mark 14:36). The term shows us something
special about His relationship with God. We do know that the term was one of affection and
showed His confidence in God to take care of the situation that He would soon be facing.
The term “Abba” is used in two passages addressed to us as Christians. “The Spirit you
received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received
brought about your adoption to sonship. And by Him we cry, Abba, Father" (Romans 8:15).
The second passage is similar to the first. “Because you are His sons, God sent the Spirit of
His Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." So you are no longer a slave,
but God's child; and since you are His child, God has made you also an heir” (Galatians 4:6-7).
Like our human relationships, our relationship with God is often complicated. God loves us
and wants what is best for us. God corrects us and expects obedience. We can both love and fear
God at the same time. The Bible points out to us that we can have that same loving relationship,
that same confidence in God to take care of us that Jesus showed in one of the hardest most
trying times in His life, His crucifixion. The only true way to understand that, is to read the
Bible, a truly astounding letter of a Father’s love. ~B Tolbert
