“For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear;
but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.”
(Romans 8:15)
When Jesus prayed, He addressed the God of heaven and Creator of all things with the reverent familial word a child would use for his father, Abba. For this reason, this word should be considered more closely to understand its significance.
Commonly, abba is an Aramaic word used by Aramaic-speaking people when addressing their earthly father; and it is the first word Middle Eastern children learn. It is also used to address a respected person of rank, as when a student addresses a teacher.
Abba appears three times in the New Testament—Mark 14:36, Romans 8:15, and Galatians 4:6. In all three cases, the phrase occurs in fervent prayer. In Mark 14:36, Jesus uses this word when praying in the Garden of Gethsemane before being arrested and taken to be crucified. He referred to His heavenly Father as abba, and taught His disciples to follow His example.
In each instance, the Greek expression ho patēr (“the Father”) immediately follows. This means that when the Aramaic abba is used, it is directly translated for Greek readers unfamiliar with Aramaic. The original Greek reads Abba, ho patēr, joining both languages side by side in a single phrase.
It would have been simpler to write ho patēr alone in Greek. But the apostles retained abba, even in Greek writings, because of its weight and meaning in the early Christian community.
Kenneth Baily rightly said, “This Aramaic word affirms both respect in addressing a superior and a profound personal relationship between the one who uses it and the one addressed. It is easy to understand why the early Christian church continued to use it even while praying in Greek. It invoked the quality of relationship the believer had with God through Christ. The early Christian use of the Lord’s Prayer substantiates this meaning.”[1]
Believers should therefore follow Christ’s example to pray “Abba, Father,” because it is a term of familial tenderness and affection toward the Heavenly Father, and because its use conveys an intense desire to hear from Him when calling on His name.
Contemplations:
- Praying “Our Father.” Lord, I see that You used the common languages of Your day—both Aramaic and Greek—when You modeled the Lord’s Prayer for Your disciples. Your example reminds me that across all nations and peoples there is a way to pray, “Our Father.”
- For both Jews and Gentiles. As I think about the Lord’s Prayer and the word “abba” and how Paul uses it in Romans in the context of salvation, which is for both Jews and Gentiles, I can see why You, Lord Jesus, used both a Greek word for “father” for Gentiles and an Aramaic word for “father” for Jews.
- Through His Spirit. You teach us to pray, “Abba, Father,” which causes me to wonder whether it is the Holy Spirit or my own spirit that cries “Abba, Father?” I believe it is both His Spirit working through me and my voice sounding with His breath carrying it, for we can only cry “Abba Father” by His Spirit.
- The breath of prayer. Jesus prayed, “Abba, Father,” with the greatest earnestness. This was an effectual prayer, even if He had said nothing more. Lord, thank you that You feel and understand even the breath of our prayer (Lam. 3:56).
Prayer (Adoration)
Abba, Father, how marvelous is the grace that permits such a phrase to pass my lips. You are high above the heavens, dwelling in unapproachable light, yet in Christ You draw near and bid me come without dread. You are the Ancient of Days, yet You welcome me with the affection of a perfect Father. I adore You for Your majesty and Your mercy, for the vastness of Your glory and the nearness of Your care.
You have not given the Spirit of bondage again to fear, but the Spirit of adoption, by whom I cry out this holy name. For this reason, I am no longer a stranger and alien but am brought into the household of God. I praise You for this new identity, purchased by the blood of Christ, sealed by the Spirit, and kept forever by Your power. My heart swells with joy that I may call You not only Lord and Master, but also Father—One who knows me, loves me, disciplines me, and delights in me for Christ’s sake.
Lord, as my Father, You have planned my steps, guarded my ways, and supplied my needs before I even ask. Your eye is never turned from me. Your hand is never withdrawn in care. I adore You for such steadfast love that does not falter when I falter, but restores me when I stray. You give me more than I deserve, and withhold the wrath that I deserve. In every mercy, I see the heart of a Father toward His child.
Let my soul be quick to run to You in prayer as a child who runs into the arms of a loving parent. Let my lips speak “Abba, Father” often, with reverence and tenderness, knowing this name was on the lips of my Savior in His deepest anguish. Let my worship be marked by trust, my obedience by love, and my life by a constant leaning upon You as Father.
I bow before You in holy adoration, delighting in the privilege to know You by this name, and longing for the day when I shall see Your face without the hindrance of sin. Until then, keep my heart childlike, my faith strong, and my love warm toward You. All glory be to You, my Abba, my Father, forever and ever.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Further References for Romans 8:15:
Gal. 4:6; Mark 14:36; 2 Tim. 1:7; 1 Chron. 29:10.
[1] Kenneth E. Bailey, Jesus through Middle Eastern Eyes: Cultural Studies in the Gospels (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2008), 98.
