Bible Trivia - 7/14/2008

Question: What did the Aramaic word "abba" mean?

Answer: Father. (Mark 14:36)

Comments: Abba is the English transliteration of an Aramaic word meaning "Father". Abba is left in the Aramaic three times in the New Testament, once from Jesus (Mark 14:36) and twice in tthe writings of Paul (Romans 8:15, Galatians 4:6) The word does not occur in either the Hebrew Old Testament or the Septuagint (LXX). Each time it is used it is in connection to prayer and followed by its Greek equivalent.

And He was saying, "Abba! Father! All things are possible for You; remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will." (Mark 14:36, NASB)

Many have suggested that though the word essentially means father, that the term "abba" expresses a much deeper affection. The word "is the Aramaic diminutive for 'Father,' perhaps suggesting the overtones of the English word 'Daddy'" [The Expositor's Bible Commentary, volume 10, p. 473]. Joachim Jeremias (1900-1979) adds, "Abba was the address of a small child to his father" [The Lord's Prayer, p. 19]. In this interpratetion, "Abba" would equate with the modern English "papa".

The name of the Swedish band ABBA is unrelated. The band name is an acronym formed from the first letters of each of the group member's given name (Agnetha, Björn, Benny, Anni-Frid).