Abba

/ˈɑbə/ noun

Definition

A title meaning 'father' in Aramaic and Hebrew, used in the Bible and still used by Jews and Christians as a term of affection or respect for God.

Etymology

From Aramaic 'abbā' and Hebrew 'abba,' both meaning 'father.' Used in biblical texts, particularly in Paul's letters in the New Testament, to show intimate relationship with God as a parent figure.

Kelly Says

The Aramaic word 'Abba' reveals how personal and familial the early Christian prayer experience was meant to be—when Jesus prayed using this word, he was using everyday speech, like a child saying 'Dad' rather than a formal 'Father.' It humanized divinity in a revolutionary way.

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