In digging up the Hebraic Roots of Christianity, my research led to the realization that God's Name is not "God." He IS a god, and I believe Him to be the one true God, but His Name, as written in the Hebrew Scriptures almost 7,000 times, is Yahweh (YAW way) -- YHWH. (The Name of His Son is Yeshua [yeah SHOO ah].) But is there any other Name that I can use to address my Creator that would be respectful? Many years ago I was taught that Abba is another Name for God and means "Daddy", but it always bothered me when someone in a public prayer service referred to Him as "Daddy", it just didn't sound properly respectful. Therefore, since digging at those Hebraic Roots has made me obsess about important details, I wanted to do some research on this term "Abba". Does it really just mean 'Daddy?' As you might expect, the term "Abba" carries a much deeper meaning than 'daddy'. The word 'Abba' is found three times in the New Testament. ---
1. " And He (Jesus) was saying, "Abba! Father! All things are possible for You; remove this cup from Me; (Mark 14:36).
2. "And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”( Romans 8:15) (Paul speaking).
3. " God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” Galatians 4:6. (Paul speaking).
Each time the term 'Abba' is used, it is followed by the word 'Father'. 'Abba' is an Aramaic word that means ' O Father'. ( Aramaic is a Semitic language that was used widely in the Near East and was used by ancient Hebrews. Much of the Bible is written in Aramaic. It is widely believed that Aramaic was spoken by Jesus Himself.) 'Abba' It is a term that expresses warm affection and really has no English equivalent. Not only does the word 'Abba' denote affection, but also extreme reverence and was often used by Jews in their prayers. Our word 'Daddy' is way too casual and familiar to be substituted for the word 'Abba'. In the ancient world, only children in the home were permitted to use the word 'Abba' when addressing their fathers, slaves were never permitted this privilege. I conclude then that 'Abba' is a word of many layers. It carries with it the connotations of respect, reverence, love, admiration, submission, obedience, trust and confidence. It means "O my Father......as Your child, I have great affection for You.....I have extreme respect for You and complete confidence in You." The English word 'daddy' is not a proper equivalent to this word for it is far too familiar and lacks the reverence required when one addresses the Creator of the universe. (Also, He is not the "man upstairs" or "the big guy". These are terribly disrespectful terms that lack reverence for the Creator, but they seem to get big laughs from ignorant audiences watching profane TV comedies.) I submit then, that if we want to draw near to Yahweh in a Holy prayer relationship, 'Abba' is a loving and respectful Name by which we may address Him. Shalom.
