What was Abba?

Abba is not a person or a place, but an Aramaic term meaning “father” or more intimately, “dear father” or “Papa.” It is a word that reflects both respect and close relationship. The term is transliterated from the Aramaic אַבָּא (’abbā), corresponding to the Hebrew אָב (’av) and rendered in Greek as Ἀββᾶ (Abba). It appears three times in the New Testament—in Mark 14:36, Romans 8:15, and Galatians 4:6—and each instance is deeply tied to the believer’s relationship with God the Father through the Son, Jesus Christ.

Paul’s use of Abba in Romans 8:15 reflects a remarkable theological truth: through the work of the Holy Spirit, believers are no longer slaves to fear but are adopted as sons and daughters of God, enabling them to cry out to Him as “Abba, Father.”

Biblical References and Cross References

• Romans 8:15 – “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’”

• Mark 14:36 – Jesus cries, “Abba, Father, everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”

• Galatians 4:6 – “Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba, Father.’”

• Cross references: John 1:12-13, Ephesians 1:5, 1 John 3:1, Hebrews 2:11, Matthew 6:9 (The Lord’s Prayer).

The Meaning and Use of “Abba” in the Bible

Jesus’ Use in Gethsemane

In Mark 14:36, Jesus addressed God as Abba, Father in His moment of deepest agony before the crucifixion. This shows the intimacy of Jesus’ relationship with the Father even in the face of suffering. Jesus’ use of Abba sets the precedent for the kind of personal, childlike relationship believers are invited into.

Paul’s Teaching on Adoption and the Spirit

In Romans 8:15, Paul explains that the Holy Spirit does not bring fear but adoption. When believers are indwelt by the Spirit, they are adopted into God’s family and can address Him not just as a distant ruler, but as Abba, Father. This shows that salvation isn’t merely a legal transaction but a familial transformation. In Galatians 4:6, Paul makes the same point: God sends the Spirit of His Son into our hearts so that we cry out Abba from a place of deep relational security.

Cultural and Linguistic Significance

In Jewish culture, Abba was a common term used by children to address their father. It was not a babyish babble but a term of both affection and trust. By the time of the New Testament, it had become a way of expressing both familiarity and reverence—much like a child saying “Daddy” with deep respect.

Theologically, the use of Abba is revolutionary. No Old Testament figure addressed God this way. The access to call God Abba is made possible only through Jesus, the eternal Son, and extended to us by adoption into God’s family.

Meaning for Today’s Christians

For the believer today, Abba expresses the personal, intimate relationship we now have with God. It assures Christians that they are no longer slaves to fear or sin but children of God, loved and accepted. In a world filled with insecurity and broken relationships, the word Abba reminds us that God is not a distant, cold authority, but a loving Father who hears, cares, disciplines, and embraces His children.

Calling God Abba is a declaration of:

• Our new identity in Christ.

• Our security in God’s love.

• Our confidence in prayer.

• Our inheritance as children of the King.

How “Abba” Points to Jesus and the Gospel

The ability to cry out “Abba” is grounded in the gospel. Jesus, the eternal Son, enjoyed perfect fellowship with the Father. Through His life, death, and resurrection, He made a way for sinners to be reconciled to God—not only judicially justified but familially adopted. The Spirit of Christ now dwells within believers and enables them to share in Jesus’ own relationship with the Father.

Thus, “Abba” is not just a word—it is a gospel privilege, a sign that we are united with Christ, and by union with Him, sons and daughters of the Father.

Broader Biblical Themes

• Adoption – Believers are brought into God’s family (Ephesians 1:5, Romans 8:23).

• Sonship and Inheritance – We are heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17).

• Intimacy with God – Our faith is not ritualistic but relational (Hebrews 4:16).

• The Work of the Spirit – The Spirit confirms our status as God’s children (Romans 8:16).

• Security and Assurance – Calling God “Abba” is a sign of assurance and belonging (John 10:27-30).

Reflection Questions

1. Do I see God as a distant figure or as a loving Father who invites me to call Him Abba?

2. How does the truth of spiritual adoption encourage me in my daily walk with Christ?

3. What fears or insecurities do I need to surrender to the Father who has adopted me?

4. In what ways can I live more fully out of the identity of being a child of God?

5. How can I cultivate a more personal and prayerful relationship with my heavenly Father?

Abba is not just a name—it’s an invitation to relationship. Through Jesus, we don’t merely approach God as Judge or King, but as Father. That one word changes everything.