Dictionaries :: Abba

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Abba:

This Syriac or Chaldee word is found three times in the New Testament (Mar 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."

Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary

Abba:

father

International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia

Abba:

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 jüd.-paläst. Aramäisch, etc., section 40, c. 3.

Written by J. E. Harry

King James Dictionary

Abba: Aramaic/hebrew for "father".

For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, ABBA, Father. (Romans 8:15)

Nave's Topical Bible

Abba: Father

Mar 14:36; Rom 8:15; Gal 4:6

Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words

1Strong's Number: g5Greek: abba

Abba:

is an Aramaic word, found in Mar 14:36; Rom 8:15 and Gal 4:6. In the Gemara (a Rabbinical commentary on the Mishna, the traditional teaching of the Jews) it is stated that slaves were forbidden to address the head of the family by this title. It approximates to a personal name, in contrast to "Father," with which it is always joined in the NT. This is probably due to the fact that, abba having practically become a proper name, Greek-speaking Jews added the Greek word pater, "father," from the language they used. "Abba" is the word framed by the lips of infants, and betokens unreasoning trust; "father" expresses an intelligent apprehension of the relationship. The two together express the love and intelligent confidence of the child.

Smith's Bible Dictionary

Abba:

SEE [AB].