“Abba” Father

Father’s Day is approaching.  It is a reminder of the men in our lives – especially father figures – who have deposited something of value inside us.

It is no mistake that “father” is an important word in the Bible. The word is used more than a thousand times.  In most instances, it is used of earthly and human fathers who give birth to progeny.

Yet, we cannot miss that Jesus refers to God as Father ( Matthew 6:1-9, Luke 10:21, and many others).  In fact, this is where we get our doctrine of Trinity – Father, Son, and Spirit – all equally God in mutual relationship and support of one another.

But the real surprise comes when Jesus utters the words “Abba.”  Jesus uses this word in the Garden of Gethsemane, ““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).  It is also used two more times in the Epistles – Romans 8:15 and Galatians 4:6.

I have regularly read that this word is the favorite household word that children might use in reference to their father.  Possible translations might be “daddy” or “papa.”  But I was recently challenged about the meaning of the word.

“Abba is not Hebrew, the language of liturgy, but Aramaic, the language of home and everyday life … We need to be wary of the suggestion … that the correct translation of Abba is ‘Daddy.’ Abba is the intimate word of a family circle where that obedient reverence was at the heart of the relationship, whereas Daddy is the familiar word of a family circle from which all thoughts of reverence and obedience have largely disappeared … The best English translation of Abba is simply ‘Dear Father.”
Thomas A. Smail, The Forgotten Father

I have not looked further into the etymology of the word – but I suspect Smail is right.  And if he is, we have robbed Jesus’ endearing phrase for our Father from an important aspect – that Dad still wears the pants.  That Dad still requires reverence.  Sure, Dad can snuggle and tickle and give piggy-back rides.  But Dad also protects and gives direction that must be heeded.

How is your view of God as Father as this important weekend approaches?