Meaning: an intimate term of endearment meaning “father,” equivalent to our “daddy”

“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 NIV

Old Testament: The word “Abba” does not appear in the Old Testament, but its Hebrew equivalent, “ab” (referring to a human father) is used frequently. God is referred to as the Father of Israel.

New Testament: The word “Abba” occurs only 3 times in the New Testament, each time it is followed by the more formal Greek word “pater” meaning “father.”

“Abba” was used by Jesus to speak of His own intimate relationship with God. But it is also a relationship that we can have with God through faith.

Jesus offended many people with His teaching of God’s intimate relationship with humanity because they considered Abba to be too familiar in addressing God. But this helped establish our view of God and our relationship with Him. Paul used “Abba” to describe God’s adoption of believers as His children (Romans 8:15) and our acceptance with God as a son and heir. (Galatians 4:6-7)

When I was born I had a birth defect. They first discovered it when I was about one year old. It was called a congenital dislocated hip. In layman’s terms, I had no hip socket. Through surgery it was corrected but I was in a body cast for some time while it healed.

My mom tells me of how my dad was afraid to hold me, afraid to change my diaper, afraid that he would hurt me. I don’t remember of any hugging and holding times. I can honestly say that it affected our relationship as I grew older.

About 12 years after I married I had a daughter myself. My dad and Emily were very close. She constantly sat on his lap and he was her “PapPap.” Some people that knew of my relationship issues with my dad asked me if I was jealous of their relationship and it never really dawned on me till they asked. At first I was jealous but God softened that when I realized that my dad had a second chance to be that “daddy” he couldn’t be with me.

I longed for intimacy. I wanted a “Daddy” who will pull his little girl up on his lap and hug and hold her, and give her a gentle little “Daddy” kiss on her forehead. I long for the daddy who will read me bed time stories and rescue me from the scary monsters in my closet. I wanted a Daddy who would kiss his little girl good night every night as he tucked her into bed. Is this a fairy tale Daddy?

No. I can know my “Abba, Father” as that kind of “Daddy.”

If you are a father be a “daddy” to your children; take the time to hold them, hug them, kiss them, and tell them that you love them.

“Because you are 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 a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.” Galatians 4:5-6

“I love you, Abba, Daddy.”