3962. patér
Lexical Summary
patér: Father

Original Word: πατήρ
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: patér
Pronunciation: pah-TAIR
Phonetic Spelling: (pat-ayr')
KJV: father, parent
NASB: father, fathers, father's, parents
Word Origin: [apparently a primary word]

1. a "father"
{literally or figuratively, near or more remote}

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 patḗrfather; 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 Origin
a prim. word
Definition
a father
NASB Translation
father (348), father's (13), fathers (53), parents (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 3962: πατήρ

πατήρ (from the root, pa; literally, nourisher, protector, upholder; (Curtius, § 348)), πατρός, πατρί, πατέρα, vocative πάτερ (for which the nominative 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, (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 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 (), etc.; in the stricter sense of the founders of a race, John 7:22; Romans 9:5; Romans 11:28.

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; πατήρ 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); πατήρ 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(),; ; Θεός καί πατήρ πάντων, of all Christians, Ephesians 4:6; with the addition of a genitive of quality (Winer's Grammar, § 34, 3 b.; § 132, 10), πατήρ τῶν οἰκτίρμων, 2 Corinthians 1:3; τῆς δόξης, Ephesians 1:17; on the phrases Θεός καί πατήρ ἡμῶν, Θεός πατήρ, etc., see Θεός, 3, p. 288{a}.

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 πατήρ (opposed to υἱός), Matthew 11:25-27; Luke 10:21; John 5:20-23, 26, 36; John 10:15, 30, etc.; 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 (); ; with ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς added, Matthew 7:11, 21, 32; Matthew 12:50; Matthew 16:17; Matthew 18:10, 19; οὐράνιος, Matthew 15:13; ἐπουράνιος, Matthew 18:35 Rec. β. by the apostles: Romans 15:6; 2 Corinthians 1:3; 2 Corinthians 11:31; Ephesians 1:3; Ephesians 3:14 Rec.: Colossians 1:3; Hebrews 1:5; 1 Peter 1:3; Revelation 1:6. See (Tholuck (Bergrede Christi) on Matthew 6:9; Weiss, Biblical Theol. d. N. T., Index under Vater; C. Wittichen, Die Idee Gottes als d. Vaters (Göttingen, 1865); Westcott, Epistles of St. John, pp. 27-34, and) below in υἱός and τέκνον.

Topical Lexicon
Overview

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.
2. Holiness: Children imitate the Father’s character (1 Peter 1:14-16).
3. Fellowship: Corporate prayer unites believers before one Father (Ephesians 3:14-15).
4. Family Life: Earthly fathers model divine traits—love, provision, discipline.
5. Mission: Evangelism invites the orphaned world into the Father’s house (John 14:2).

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.

Forms and Transliterations
θεοῦ κύριος Πατερ Πάτερ Πατερα Πατέρα πάτερα πατερας πατέρας πατερες πατέρες πατερων πατέρων πατηρ πατήρ πατὴρ πάτηρ πατητού πατράσι πατρασιν πατράσιν πατρι πατρί πατρὶ πατρος πατρός πατρὸς προπατορα προπάτορα Pater patēr patḗr patḕr Páter Patera Patéra pateras patéras pateres patéres pateron paterōn patéron patérōn patrasin patrásin patri patrí patrì patros patrós patròs propatora propátora theou theoû
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Matthew 2:22 N-GMS
GRK: 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
GRK: ἐν ἑαυτοῖς Πατέρα ἔχομεν τὸν
NAS: Abraham for our father; for I say
KJV: Abraham to [our] father: for
INT: within yourselves [For] father we have

Matthew 4:21 N-GMS
GRK: Ζεβεδαίου τοῦ πατρὸς αὐτῶν καταρτίζοντας
NAS: with Zebedee their father, mending
KJV: Zebedee their father, mending their
INT: Zebedee the father of them mending

Matthew 4:22 N-AMS
GRK: καὶ τὸν πατέρα αὐτῶν ἠκολούθησαν
NAS: the boat and their father, and followed
KJV: and their father, and followed him.
INT: and the father of them they followed

Matthew 5:16 N-AMS
GRK: δοξάσωσιν τὸν πατέρα ὑμῶν τὸν
NAS: and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
KJV: glorify your Father which is in
INT: might glorify the Father of you who [is]

Matthew 5:45 N-GMS
GRK: υἱοὶ τοῦ πατρὸς ὑμῶν τοῦ
NAS: that you may be sons of your Father who
KJV: of your Father which
INT: sons of the Father of you who is

Matthew 5:48 N-NMS
GRK: ὡς ὁ πατὴρ ὑμῶν ὁ
NAS: as your heavenly Father is perfect.
KJV: even as your Father which is in
INT: even as the Father of you who [is]

Matthew 6:1 N-DMS
GRK: παρὰ τῷ πατρὶ ὑμῶν τῷ
NAS: reward with your Father who
KJV: of your Father which is in
INT: with the Father of you who [is]

Matthew 6:4 N-NMS
GRK: καὶ ὁ πατήρ σου ὁ
NAS: will be in secret; and your Father who sees
KJV: and thy Father which seeth
INT: and the Father of you who

Matthew 6:6 N-DMS
GRK: πρόσευξαι τῷ πατρί σου τῷ
NAS: and pray to your Father who
KJV: pray to thy Father which is in
INT: pray to Father of you who [is]

Matthew 6:6 N-NMS
GRK: καὶ ὁ πατήρ σου ὁ
NAS: is in secret, and your Father who
KJV: and thy Father which seeth
INT: and the Father of you who

Matthew 6:8 N-NMS
GRK: θεὸς ὁ πατὴρ ὑμῶν ὧν
NAS: do not be like them; for your Father knows
KJV: for your Father knoweth what things
INT: God the Father of you of what things

Matthew 6:9 N-VMS
GRK: προσεύχεσθε ὑμεῖς Πάτερ ἡμῶν ὁ
NAS: in this way: 'Our Father who
KJV: ye: Our Father which art in
INT: pray you Father of us who [is]

Matthew 6:14 N-NMS
GRK: ὑμῖν ὁ πατὴρ ὑμῶν ὁ
NAS: your heavenly Father will also
KJV: your heavenly Father will also forgive
INT: you the Father of you

Matthew 6:15 N-NMS
GRK: οὐδὲ ὁ πατὴρ ὑμῶν ἀφήσει
NAS: then your Father will not forgive
KJV: neither will your Father forgive your
INT: neither the Father of you will forgive

Matthew 6:18 N-DMS
GRK: ἀλλὰ τῷ πατρί σου τῷ
NAS: by men, but by your Father who
KJV: but unto thy Father which is in
INT: but to Father your who [is]

Matthew 6:18 N-NMS
GRK: καὶ ὁ πατήρ σου ὁ
NAS: is in secret; and your Father who
KJV: and thy Father, which seeth
INT: and the Father of you who

Matthew 6:26 N-NMS
GRK: καὶ ὁ πατὴρ ὑμῶν ὁ
NAS: and [yet] your heavenly Father feeds
KJV: your heavenly Father feedeth them.
INT: and the Father of you

Matthew 6:32 N-NMS
GRK: γὰρ ὁ πατὴρ ὑμῶν ὁ
NAS: for your heavenly Father knows
KJV: your heavenly Father knoweth that
INT: indeed the Father of you

Matthew 7:11 N-NMS
GRK: μᾶλλον ὁ πατὴρ ὑμῶν ὁ
NAS: more will your Father who is in heaven
KJV: more shall your Father which is in
INT: more the Father of you who [is]

Matthew 7:21 N-GMS
GRK: θέλημα τοῦ πατρός μου τοῦ
NAS: the will of My Father who is in heaven
KJV: of my Father which is in
INT: will the Father of me who [is]

Matthew 8:21 N-AMS
GRK: θάψαι τὸν πατέρα μου
NAS: to go and bury my father.
KJV: bury my father.
INT: bury the father of me

Matthew 10:20 N-GMS
GRK: πνεῦμα τοῦ πατρὸς ὑμῶν τὸ
NAS: but [it is] the Spirit of your Father who speaks
KJV: of your Father which
INT: Spirit of the Father of you which

Matthew 10:21 N-NMS
GRK: θάνατον καὶ πατὴρ τέκνον καὶ
NAS: to death, and a father [his] child;
KJV: death, and the father the child: and
INT: death and father child and

Matthew 10:29 N-GMS
GRK: ἄνευ τοῦ πατρὸς ὑμῶν
NAS: to the ground apart from your Father.
KJV: without your Father.
INT: apart from the Father of you

Strong's Greek 3962
418 Occurrences


πατὴρ — 112 Occ.
Πάτερ — 24 Occ.
Πατέρα — 94 Occ.
πατέρας — 12 Occ.
πατέρες — 24 Occ.
πατέρων — 14 Occ.
πατράσιν — 3 Occ.
πατρὶ — 33 Occ.
πατρὸς — 101 Occ.
προπάτορα — 1 Occ.

3961
Top of Page
Top of Page