Lexical Summary patér: Father Original Word: πατήρ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance father, parent. Apparently a primary word; a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote) -- father, parent. HELPS Word-studies 3962 patḗr – father; one who imparts life and is committed to it; a progenitor, bringing into being to pass on the potential for likeness. 3962 /patḗr ("father") is used of our heavenly Father. He imparts life, from physical birth to the gift of eternal life through the second birth (regeneration, being born again). Through ongoing sanctification, the believer more and more resembles their heavenly Father – i.e. each time they receive faith from Him and obey it, which results in their unique glorification. [3962 /patḗr ("father") refers to a begetter, originator, progenitor – one in "intimate connection and relationship" (Gesenius). Just as in the NT, the OT never speaks of universal fatherhood of God toward men (see. G. B. Steven's concession, The Theology of the New Testament, p 70; see p 68) (TWOT 1, 6). For more on the Fatherhood of God see: Bruce, F. F., NIDNTT 2. 655-656; Burton, E. de W., The Epistle to the Galatians (Edinburgh: Clark 1921) 384-392; Jeremias, J., The Prayers of Jesus (ET) (London: SCM, 1967) 11-65.] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition a father NASB Translation father (348), father's (13), fathers (53), parents (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3962: πατήρπατήρ (from the root, pa; literally, nourisher, protector, upholder; (Curtius, § 348)), πατρός, πατρί, πατέρα, vocative πάτερ (for which the nominative ὁ πατήρ is five times used, and (anarthrous) πατήρ in John 17:21 T Tr WH, 24 and 25 L T Tr WH; cf. B. § 129, 5; Winers Grammar, § 29, 2; WH's Appendix, p. 158), plural πατέρες, πατέρων, πατρασι (Hebrews 1:1), πατέρας, ὁ (from Homer down), the Sept. for אָב, a father; 1. properly, equivalent to generator or male ancestor, and either a. the nearest ancestor: Matthew 2:22; Matthew 4:21; Matthew 8:21; Luke 1:17; John 4:53; Acts 7:14; 1 Corinthians 5:1, etc.; οἱ πατέρες τῆς σαρκός, fathers of the corporeal nature, natural fathers (opposed to ὁ πατήρ τῶν πνευμάτων), Hebrews 12:9; plural of both parents, Hebrews 11:23 (not infrequent in secular auth, cf. Delitzsch at the passage); or b. a more remote ancestor, the founder of a race or tribe, progenitor of a people, forefather: so Abraham is called, Matthew 3:9; Luke 1:73; Luke 16:24; John 8:39, 53; Acts 7:2; Romans 4:1 Rec., Romans 4:17f, etc.; Isaac, Romans 9:10; Jacob, John 4:12; David, Mark 11:10; Luke 1:32; plural, fathers i. e. ancestor's, forefathers, Matthew 23:30, 32; Luke 6:23, 26; Luke 11:47; John 4:20; John 6:31; Acts 3:13, 25; 1 Corinthians 10:1, etc., and often in Greek writings from Homer down; so too אָבות, 1 Kings 8:21; Psalm 21:5 c. equivalent to one advanced in years, a senior: 1 John 2:13f. 2. metaphorically; a. the originator and transmitter of anything: πατήρ περιτομῆς, Romans 4:12; the author of a family or society of persons animated by the same spirit as himself: so πατήρ πάντων τῶν πιστευόντων, Romans 4:11, cf. Romans 4:12, 16 (1 Macc. 2:54); one who has infused his own spirit into others, who actuates and governs their minds, John 8:38, 41f, 44; the phrase ἐκ πατρός τίνος εἶναι is used of one who shows himself as like another in spirit and purpose as though he had inherited his nature from him, John 8:44. b. one who stands in a father's place, and looks after another in paternal way: 1 Corinthians 4:15. c. a title of honor (cf. Sophocles, Lexicon, under the word), applied to α. teachers, as those to whom pupils trace back the knowledge and training they have received: Matthew 23:9 (of prophets, 2 Kings 2:12; 2 Kings 6:21). β. the members of the Sanhedrin, whose prerogative it was, by virtue of the wisdom and experience in which they excelled, to take charge of the interests of others: Acts 7:2; Acts 22:1; cf. Gesenius, Thesaurus i., p. 7{a}. 3. God is called the Father, a. τῶν φώτων (A. V. of lights i. e.) of the stars, the heavenly luminaries, because he is their creator, upholder, ruler, James 1:17. b. of all rational and intelligent beings, whether angels or men, because he is their creator, preserver, guardian and protector: Ephesians 3:14f G L T Tr WH; τῶν πνευμάτων, of spiritual beings, Hebrews 12:9; and, for the same reason, of all men (πατήρ τοῦ παντός ἀνθρώπων γένους, Josephus, Antiquities 4, 8, 24): so in the Synoptic Gospels, especially Matthew, Matthew 6:4, 8, 15; Matthew 24:36; Luke 6:36; Luke 11:2; Luke 12:30, 32; John 4:21, 23; James 3:9; ὁ πατήρ ὁ ἐν (τοῖς) οὐρανοῖς, the Father in heaven, Matthew 5:16, 45, 48; Matthew 6:1, 9; Matthew 7:11, 21; Matthew 18:14; Mark 11:25, 26 R G L; Luke 11:13 (ἐξ οὐρανοῦ; cf. Buttmann, § 151, 2{a}; Winer's Grammar, § 66, 6); ὁ πατήρ ὁ οὐρανοῖς, the heavenly Father, Matthew 6:14, 26, 32; Matthew 15:13. c. of Christians, as those who through Christ have been exalted to a specially close and intimate relationship with God, and who no longer dread him as the stern judge of sinners, but revere him as their reconciled and loving Father. This conception, common in the N. T. Epistles, shines forth with especial brightness in Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:6; in John's use of the term it seems to include the additional idea of one who by the power of his Spirit, operative in the gospel, has begotten them anew to a life of holiness (see γεννάω, 2 d.): absolutely, 2 Corinthians 6:18; Ephesians 2:18; 1 John 2:1, 14( d. the Father of Jesus Christ, as one whom God has united to himself in the closest bond of love and intimacy, made acquainted with his purposes, appointed to explain and carry out among men the plan of salvation, and (as appears from the teaching of John) made to share also in his own divine nature; he is so called, α. by Jesus himself: simply ὁ πατήρ (opposed to ὁ υἱός), Matthew 11:25-27; Luke 10:21; John 5:20-23, 26, 36; John 10:15, 30, etc.; ὁ πατήρ μου, Matthew 11:27; Matthew 25:34; Matthew 26:53; Luke 10:22; John 5:17; John 8:19, 49; John 10:18, 32, and often in John's Gospel; Revelation 2:28 ( The principal New Testament title for God that expresses intimate relationship, authority, provision, and origin. Occurring more than four hundred times, the term spans divine-human communion, human family structures, and ancestral lineage, binding the storyline of Scripture from creation to consummation. Divine Fatherhood in the Teaching of Jesus Jesus’ preaching centers on God as Father. In the Sermon on the Mount He repeats the title for reassurance (“Your Father who sees in secret will reward you,” Matthew 6:4) and for ethical summons (“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect,” Matthew 5:48). The Lord’s Prayer anchors worship and petition in filial address: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name” (Matthew 6:9). By confessing God as Father, disciples are drawn into the Son’s own relationship with Him. Father and Son in Eternal Relationship The Fourth Gospel unveils pre-temporal glory shared between Father and Son: “And now, Father, glorify Me in Your presence with the glory I had with You before the world existed” (John 17:5). Unity of essence is affirmed (“I and the Father are one,” John 10:30) while personal distinction is maintained (“The Father loves the Son and has placed all things in His hands,” John 3:35). Redemption flows from this eternal bond; the Father sends (John 20:21), the Son obeys (John 14:31), and believers behold mutual love (John 17:24). Father and Spirit Trinitarian harmony includes the Spirit proceeding from the Father (John 15:26) and sent in the Son’s name (John 14:26). Through the Spirit believers cry, “Abba, Father!” (Galatians 4:6; Romans 8:15). Thus filial consciousness is Spirit-wrought, not humanly achieved. Adoption and Access for Believers By faith in Christ, believers receive adoption (Ephesians 1:5). The Father draws them (John 6:44), makes them heirs (Romans 8:17), and grants confident access (“through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit,” Ephesians 2:18). Prayer, communion, and obedience are now filial rather than servile. Fatherly Compassion and Discipline God’s fatherhood combines tenderness and corrective love. The parable of the prodigal (Luke 15) pictures compassion: “While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion” (Luke 15:20). Hebrews 12:7-10 interprets trials as paternal discipline aimed at holiness: “God is treating you as sons.” Mission and Providence Kingdom mission depends on the Father’s care: “Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him” (Matthew 6:8), “Fear not, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32). Provision for birds and lilies underscores the same care for disciples (Matthew 6:26). Human Fathers and the Moral Order Earthly fatherhood reflects divine authority. Honor is commanded (Matthew 15:4; Ephesians 6:2), and fathers must nurture without provoking (Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21). The term also covers patriarchs (Acts 7:2) and national ancestors (Romans 9:5), reminding the church of covenant roots. Spiritual Fathers in Ministry Paul calls himself a father to converts (“though you have countless instructors in Christ, you do not have many fathers,” 1 Corinthians 4:15), illustrating mentoring responsibility. Yet Jesus forbids seeking honorific titles that obscure God’s unique paternity (“Do not call anyone on earth your father, for you have one Father, who is in heaven,” Matthew 23:9). Warnings Concerning False Fatherhood Jesus exposes the devil as counterfeit father: “You are of your father, the devil… he is a liar” (John 8:44). Spiritual lineage is determined by deeds and faith, not mere descent (John 8:39-41). Eschatological Vindication Final judgment and glory are linked to the Father. The Son returns “in the glory of His Father” (Matthew 16:27). Overcomers will sit with Christ on His Father’s throne (Revelation 3:21). The new name of the Father is written on the redeemed (Revelation 14:1). Pastoral and Devotional Implications 1. Assurance: The Father’s knowledge and care banish anxiety. Select References Matthew 5:16; Matthew 6:1-34; Matthew 11:25-27; Matthew 23:9; Mark 14:36; Luke 10:21-22; Luke 15:11-32; John 1:14-18; John 5:17-23; John 14–17; Acts 1:7; Romans 4:16-18; Romans 6:4; Romans 8:15-32; 1 Corinthians 8:6; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4; Galatians 4:4-7; Ephesians 1:3-6; Ephesians 4:6; Philippians 2:11; James 1:17; 1 Peter 1:3; 1 John 3:1; Revelation 1:6. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 2:22 N-GMSGRK: ἀντὶ τοῦ πατρὸς αὐτοῦ Ἡρῴδου NAS: in place of his father Herod, KJV: of his father Herod, INT: in place of the father of him Herod Matthew 3:9 N-AMS Matthew 4:21 N-GMS Matthew 4:22 N-AMS Matthew 5:16 N-AMS Matthew 5:45 N-GMS Matthew 5:48 N-NMS Matthew 6:1 N-DMS Matthew 6:4 N-NMS Matthew 6:6 N-DMS Matthew 6:6 N-NMS Matthew 6:8 N-NMS Matthew 6:9 N-VMS Matthew 6:14 N-NMS Matthew 6:15 N-NMS Matthew 6:18 N-DMS Matthew 6:18 N-NMS Matthew 6:26 N-NMS Matthew 6:32 N-NMS Matthew 7:11 N-NMS Matthew 7:21 N-GMS Matthew 8:21 N-AMS Matthew 10:20 N-GMS Matthew 10:21 N-NMS Matthew 10:29 N-GMS Strong's Greek 3962 |
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