Jump to: Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia In the Bible, the term "father" holds significant theological, cultural, and relational importance. It is used to describe God, human relationships, and spiritual leadership. The concept of fatherhood is foundational to understanding the nature of God, the structure of the family, and the dynamics of spiritual mentorship.God as Father The Bible frequently refers to God as "Father," emphasizing His role as Creator, Sustainer, and Protector. This paternal imagery underscores God's authority, care, and intimate relationship with His creation. In the Old Testament, God is depicted as the Father of Israel, guiding and nurturing His chosen people. Deuteronomy 32:6 states, "Is this how you repay the LORD, O foolish and unwise people? Is He not your Father and Creator? Has He not made you and established you?" In the New Testament, the fatherhood of God is further revealed through the teachings of Jesus Christ. Jesus frequently referred to God as "Father," highlighting a personal and relational aspect of God. In the Lord's Prayer, Jesus instructs His disciples to pray, "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name" (Matthew 6:9). This prayer reflects the intimate relationship believers are invited to have with God, recognizing His holiness and sovereignty. Human Fathers The role of human fathers is also a significant theme in the Bible. Fathers are called to be leaders, providers, and spiritual guides within their families. The patriarchal narratives in Genesis, such as those of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, illustrate the importance of fatherhood in the lineage of God's people. Fathers are instructed to teach their children the ways of the Lord, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:6-7: "These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." The New Testament continues to emphasize the role of fathers in the family. Ephesians 6:4 advises, "Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." This verse highlights the balance fathers must maintain between discipline and nurturing, ensuring that their children grow in faith and character. Spiritual Fathers Beyond biological fatherhood, the Bible also speaks of spiritual fatherhood. Spiritual fathers are those who mentor and guide others in their faith journey. The Apostle Paul often referred to himself as a spiritual father to the churches he established and to individuals he mentored. In 1 Corinthians 4:15, Paul writes, "Even if you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel." This spiritual fatherhood is characterized by teaching, encouragement, and correction, aimed at helping believers mature in their faith. Spiritual fathers play a crucial role in the growth and development of the Christian community, modeling Christ-like behavior and imparting wisdom. Cultural and Symbolic Significance In biblical times, the father was the head of the household, responsible for the welfare and spiritual direction of the family. This cultural context is reflected in the biblical narrative, where fathers are often seen as figures of authority and respect. The symbolic use of "father" extends to describe leaders and elders within the community, emphasizing their role in guiding and protecting the people. The concept of fatherhood in the Bible is rich and multifaceted, encompassing divine, familial, and spiritual dimensions. It serves as a model for understanding God's relationship with humanity, the responsibilities of earthly fathers, and the importance of spiritual mentorship within the faith community. Smith's Bible Dictionary FatherThe position and authority of the father as the head of the family are expressly assumed and sanctioned in Scripture, as a likeness of that of the Almighty over his creatures. It lies of course at the root of that so-called patriarchal government, (Genesis 3:16; 1 Corinthians 11:3) which was introductory to the more definite systems which followed, and which in part, but not wholly, superseded it. The father's blessing was regarded as conferring special benefit, but his malediction special injury, on those on whom it fell, (Genesis 9:25,27; 27:27-40; 48:15,20; 49:1) ... and so also the sin of a parent was held to affect, in certain cases, the welfare of his descendants. (2 Kings 5:27) The command to honor parents is noticed by St. Paul as the only one of the Decalogue which bore a distinct promise, (Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:2) and disrespect towards them was condemned by the law as one of the worst crimes. (Exodus 21:15,17; 1 Timothy 1:9) It is to this well-recognized theory of parental authority and supremacy that the very various uses of the term "father" in Scripture are due. "Fathers" is used in the sense of seniors, (Acts 7:2; 22:1) and of parents in general, or ancestors. (Daniel 5:2; Jeremiah 27:7; Matthew 23:30,32) ATS Bible Dictionary FatherIs often synonymous with ancestor, founder, or originator, as Genesis 4:20-21 John 8:56 Romans 4:16. Joseph was a father to Pharoah, Genesis 45:8, as his counselor and provider. God is the FATHER of men, as their Creator, De 32:6 Isaiah 63:16 64:8 Luke 3:38. But as we have forfeited the rights of children by our sins, it is only through Christ that we can call God by that endearing name, "our Father," John 20:17 Romans 8:15-17. In patriarchal times, a father was master and judge in his own household, and exercised and authority almost unlimited over his family. Filial disobedience or disrespect was a high offence. Under the law, certain acts of children were capital crimes, Exodus 21:15,17 Le 20:9; and the father was required to bring his son to the public tribunal, De 21:18-21. See MOTHER. Easton's Bible Dictionary A name applied (1) to any ancestor (Deuteronomy 1:11; 1 Kings 15:11; Matthew 3:9; 23:30, etc.); and (2) as a title of respect to a chief, ruler, or elder, etc. (Judges 17:10; 18:19; 1 Samuel 10:12; 2 Kings 2:12; Matthew 23:9, etc.). (3) The author or beginner of anything is also so called; e.g., Jabal and Jubal (Genesis 4:20, 21; Comp. Job 38:28).Applied to God (Exodus 4:22; Deuteronomy 32:6; 2 Samuel 7:14; Psalm 89:27, 28, etc.). (1.) As denoting his covenant relation to the Jews (Jeremiah 31:9; Isaiah 63:16; 64:8; John 8:41, etc.). (2.) Believers are called God's "sons" (John 1:12; Romans 8:16; Matthew 6:4, 8, 15, 18; 10:20, 29). They also call him "Father" (Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:3; 2 Corinthians 1:2; Galatians 1:4) Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) One who has begotten a child, whether son or daughter; a generator; a male parent.2. (n.) A male ancestor more remote than a parent; a progenitor; especially, a first ancestor; a founder of a race or family; -- in the plural, fathers, ancestors. 3. (n.) One who performs the offices of a parent by maintenance, affectionate care, counsel, or protection. 4. (n.) A respectful mode of address to an old man. 5. (n.) A senator of ancient Rome. 6. (n.) A dignitary of the church, a superior of a convent, a confessor (called also father confessor), or a priest; also, the eldest member of a profession, or of a legislative assembly, etc. 7. (n.) One of the chief ecclesiastical authorities of the first centuries after Christ; -- often spoken of collectively as the Fathers; as, the Latin, Greek, or apostolic Fathers. 8. (n.) One who, or that which, gives origin; an originator; a producer, author, or contriver; the first to practice any art, profession, or occupation; a distinguished example or teacher. 9. (n.) The Supreme Being and Creator; God; in theology, the first person in the Trinity. 10. (v. t.) To make one's self the father of; to beget. 11. (v. t.) To take as one's own child; to adopt; hence, to assume as one's own work; to acknowledge one's self author of or responsible for (a statement, policy, etc.). 12. (v. t.) To provide with a father. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia FATHERfa'-ther (Anglo-Saxon, Foeder; German, Vater; Hebrew 'abh, etymology uncertain, found in many cognate languages; Greek pater, from root pa, "nourisher," "protector," "upholder"): FATHER, GOD THE In the Christian religion God is conceived of as "Father," "Our Father. in heaven" (Matthew 6:9, 14, 26, etc.), "the God and Father of the Lord Jesus" (2 Corinthians 11:31, etc.). The tenderness of relation and wealth of love and grace embraced in this profound designation are peculiar to Christ's gospel. Pagan religions also could speak of God as "Father" (Zeus Pater), and in the general sense of Creator God has a universal fatherly relation to the world (Acts 17:24-28). In the Old Testament God was revealed as Father to the chosen nation (Exodus 4:22), and to the special representative of the nation, the king (2 Samuel 7:14), while fatherly love is declared to be the image of His pity for those who fear Him (Psalm 103:13). In the gospel of Jesus alone is this Fatherhood revealed to be of the very essence of the Godhead, and to have respect to the individual. Here, however, there is need for great discrimination. To reach the heart of the truth of the Divine Fatherhood it is necessary to begin, not with man, but with the Godhead itself, in whose eternal depths is found the spring of that Fatherly love that reveals itself in time. It is first of all in relation to the eternal Son-before all time-that the meaning of Fatherhood in God is made clear (John 1:18). In "God the Father" we have a name pointing to that relation which the first Person in the adorable Trinity sustains to "Son" and "Holy Spirit"-also Divine (Matthew 28:19). From this eternal fountain-head flow the relations of God as Father GOD, THE FATHER See FATHER, GOD THE. Greek 3962. pater -- a father ... a father. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: pater Phonetic Spelling: (pat-ayr') Short Definition: father, Father, ancestor Definition: father ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3962.htm - 8k 3995. pentheros -- a father-in-law 5. Abba -- Abba, father 2291. Thara -- Terah, the father of Abraham 914. Barachias -- Barachiah, the father of a man killed in the ... 2421. Iessai -- Jesse, the father of King David 3969. Patrobas -- "father's life," Patrobas, a Christian 2197. Zacharias -- Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist ... 2384. Iakob -- Jacob, the son of Isaac, also the father of Joseph ... 2797. Kis -- Kish, the father of King Saul Strong's Hebrew 1. ab -- father... 5624, 1. ab. 2 . father. Transliteration: ab Phonetic Spelling: (awb) Short Definition: father. Word Origin from an unused word ... /hebrew/1.htm - 6k 2524. cham -- husband's father 2. ab -- father 1160. Beor -- "a burning," father of an Edomite king, also the ... 85. Abraham -- "exalted father," the father of the Jewish nation 42. Abinoam -- "my father is delight," the father of Barak 2860b. chothen -- wife's father or mother 25. Abi Gibon -- father of Gibeon 5369. Ner -- father of Abner, also the father of Kish 256. Achab -- "father's brother," a king of Isr., also a false ... Library The Father Glorified The Hands of the Father. Father and Judge What is Said of the Father and Son Together, and what Not. 'Our Father' Going to the Father His Father Whether the Son is in the Father, and Conversely? The Father and the Son are Together one Wisdom, as one Essence ... Glory to the Father Be, Thesaurus Father (11359 Occurrences)... They also call him "Father" (Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:3; 2 Corinthians 1:2; Galatians 1:4). ... 10. (vt) To make one's self the father of; to beget. 11. ... /f/father.htm - 21k Father-in-law (25 Occurrences) Nursing-father (2 Occurrences) Father's (251 Occurrences) Salmon (7 Occurrences) Kish (18 Occurrences) Shem (17 Occurrences) Hamor (13 Occurrences) Serveth (24 Occurrences) Snakes (25 Occurrences) Resources Did Jesus mean that we should never refer to our earthly father as “father” (Matthew 23:9)? Is it wrong for Catholics to refer to their priests as “father”? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to be a godly father? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of “Everlasting Father” in Isaiah 9:6? | GotQuestions.org Father: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Father (11359 Occurrences)Father appears 11359 times in 12 translations. You can narrow your search using the Advanced Bible Search. Subtopics Father: An Idolatrous Title of Priests Father: Forbidden to be Used As a Title Among the Disciples Related Terms Father-in-law (25 Occurrences) |