1. Shaddai
1.1. Scripture
1.1.1. WHEN ABRAM was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, I am the Almighty God; walk and live habitually before Me and be perfect (blameless, wholehearted, complete). (Genesis 17:1)
1.1.2. May God Almighty bless you and make you fruitful and multiply you until you become a group of peoples. (Genesis 28:3)
1.1.3. And God said to him, I am God Almighty. Be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall come from you and kings shall be born of your stock; (Genesis 35:11)
1.1.4. May God Almighty give you mercy and favor before the man, that he may release to you your other brother and Benjamin. If I am bereaved [of my sons], I am bereaved. (Genesis 43:14)
1.1.5. And Jacob said to Joseph, God Almighty appeared to me at Luz [Bethel] in the land of Canaan and blessed me. (Genesis 48:3)
1.2. Definition
1.2.1. El is another name that is translated as "God" and can be used in conjunction with other words to designate various aspects of God's character. Another word much like Shaddai, and from which many believe it derived, is shad meaning "breast" in Hebrew (some other scholars believe that the name is derived from an Akkadian word Šadu, meaning "mountain," suggesting strength and power). This refers to God completely nourishing, satisfying, and supplying His people with all their needs as a mother would her child. Connected with the word for God, El, this denotes a God who freely gives nourishment and blessing, He is our sustainer.
2. Adonai
2.1. Scripture
2.1.1. Three times in the year shall all your males appear before the Lord God, the God of Israel. (Exodus 34:23)
2.1.2. You shall not use or repeat the name of the Lord your God in vain [that is, lightly or frivolously, in false affirmations or profanely]; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain. (Exodus 20:7)
2.2. Definition
2.2.1. Adonai is the verbal parallel to Yahweh and Jehovah. Adonai is plural; the singular is adon. In reference to God the plural Adonai is used. When the singular adon is used, it usually refers to a human lord. Adon is used 215 times to refer to men. Occasionally in Scripture and predominantly in the Psalms, the singular adon is used to refer to God as well (cf. Exd 34:23). To avoid contravening the commandment "Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain" (Exd 20:7), sometimes Adonai was used as a substitute for Yahweh (YHWH). Adonai can be translated literally as, "my lords' " (both plural and possessive).
3. Elohim
3.1. Scripture
3.1.1. “The Holy One, Blessed be He, said to those, You want to know my name? I am called according to my actions. When I judge the creatures I am Elohim, and when I have mercy with My world, I am named YHVH” (Ex R. 3:6).
3.1.2. The Name Elohim occurs 2,570 times in the Tanakh. See Isa. 54:5; Jer. 32:27; Gen. 1:1; Isa. 45:18; Deut. 5:23; etc.
3.2. Definition
3.2.1. Elohim is the Name of God as the Creator and Judge of the universe (Gen 1:1-2:4a).
3.2.2. The name Elohim is unique to Hebraic thinking: it occurs only in Hebrew and in no other ancient Semitic language. The masculine plural ending does not mean “gods” when referring to the true God of Israel, since the name is mainly used with singular verb forms and with adjectives and pronouns in the singular (e.g., see Gen. 1:26). However, considering the Hashalush HaKadosh (Trinity), the form indeed allows for the plurality within the Godhead.
4. Yahweh
4.1. Scripture
4.1.1. You shall not use or repeat the name of the Lord your God in vain [that is, lightly or frivolously, in false affirmations or profanely]; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain. (Exodus 20:7)
4.1.2. This is the history of the heavens and of the earth when they were created. In the day that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens. (Genesis 2:4)
4.2. Definition
4.2.1. Lord, Master, denoting the omnipotence of God (TDNT), despot, absolute ruler
4.2.2. Yahweh is the promised name of God. This name of God which (by Jewish tradition) is too holy to voice, is actually spelled "YHWH" without vowels. YHWH is referred to as the Tetragrammaton (which simply means "the four letters"). YHWH comes from the Hebrew letters: Yud, Hay, Vav, Hay. While YHWH is first used in Genesis 2, God did not reveal Himself as YHWH until Exodus 3. The modern spelling as "Yahweh" includes vowels to assist in pronunciation. Many pronounce YHWH as "Yahweh" or "Jehovah." We no longer know for certain the exact pronunciation. During the third century A.D., the Jewish people stopped saying this name in fear of contravening the commandment "Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain" (Exd 20:7). As a result of this, Adonai is occasionally a substitute for YHWH. The following compound names which start with "YHWH" have been shown using "Jehovah." This is due to the common usage of "Jehovah" in the English of these compound names in the early English translations of the Bible (e.g., the Geneva Bible, the King James Version, etc.).
5. Jehovah
5.1. Nissi
5.1.1. Scripture
5.1.1.1. And the Lord said to Moses, Pass on before the people, and take with you some of the elders of Israel; and take in your hand the rod with which you smote the river [Nile], and go. (Exodus 17:5)
5.1.2. Defintion
5.1.2.1. Jehovah is translated as "The Existing One" or "Lord." The chief meaning of Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew word Havah meaning "to be" or "to exist." It also suggests "to become" or specifically "to become known" — this denotes a God who reveals Himself unceasingly. Nes (nês), from which Nissi derived, means "banner" in Hebrew. In Exd 17:15, Moses, recognizing that the Lord was Israel's banner under which they defeated the Amalekites, builds an altar named Jehovah-Nissi (the Lord our Banner). Nes is sometimes translated as a pole with an insignia attached. In battle opposing nations would fly their own flag on a pole at each of their respective front lines. This was to give their soldiers a feeling of hope and a focal point. This is what God is to us: a banner of encouragement to give us hope and a focal point.
5.1.2.2. kurios kataphugê mou — the Lord is my refuge
5.2. Rohi
5.2.1. Scripture
5.2.1.1. THE LORD is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack. (Psalm 23:1)
5.2.1.2. Then [Jacob] blessed Joseph and said, God [Himself ], before Whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac lived and walked habitually, God [Himself ], Who has [been my Shepherd and has led and] fed me from the time I came into being until this day, (Genesis 48:15)
5.2.1.3. But his bow remained strong and steady and rested in the Strength that does not fail him, for the arms of his hands were made strong and active by the hands of the Mighty God of Jacob, by the name of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel. (Genesis 49:24)
5.2.1.4. Return, O faithless sons, [says the Lord, and] I will heal your faithlessness. [And they answer] Behold, we come to You, for You are the Lord our God. (Jeremiah 3:22)
5.2.1.5. Moreover, the light of the moon will be like the light of the sun, and the light of the sun will be sevenfold, like the light of seven days [concentrated in one], in the day that the Lord binds up the hurt of His people, and heals their wound [inflicted by Him because of their sins]. (Isaiah 30:26)
5.2.1.6. GIVE EAR, O Shepherd of Israel, You Who lead Joseph like a flock; You Who sit enthroned upon the cherubim [of the ark of the covenant], shine forth. (Psalm 80:1)
5.2.1.7. Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul, and forget not [one of] all His benefits, who forgives [every one of] all your iniquities, who heals [each one of] all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and corruption, who beautifies, dignifies, and crowns you with loving-kindness and tender mercy; who satisfies your mouth [your necessity and desire at your personal age and situation] with good so that your youth, renewed, is like the eagle's [strong, overcoming, soaring]! (Psalm 103:2-5)
5.2.1.8. THE SPIRIT of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed and qualified me to preach the Gospel of good tidings to the meek, the poor, and afflicted; He has sent me to bind up and heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the [physical and spiritual] captives and the opening of the prison and of the eyes to those who are bound, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord [the year of His favor] and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, to grant [consolation and joy] to those who mourn in Zion--to give them an ornament (a garland or diadem) of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment [expressive] of praise instead of a heavy, burdened, and failing spirit--that they may be called oaks of righteousness [lofty, strong, and magnificent, distinguished for uprightness, justice, and right standing with God], the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. (Isaiah 61:1-3)
5.2.2. Definition
5.2.2.1. Jehovah is translated as "The Existing One" or "Lord." The chief meaning of Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew word Havah meaning "to be" or "to exist." It also suggests "to become" or specifically "to become known" — this denotes a God who reveals Himself unceasingly. Rô'eh from which Raah derived, means "shepherd" in Hebrew. A shepherd is one who feeds or leads his flock to pasture (Eze 34:11-15). An extend translation of this word, rea', is "friend" or "companion." This indicates the intimacy God desires between Himself and His people. When the two words are combined — Jehovah Raah — it can be translated as "The Lord my Friend."
5.2.2.2. kurios poimainei me — the Lord shepherds me
5.3. Rapha
5.3.1. Scripture
5.3.1.1. Saying, If you will diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord your God and will do what is right in His sight, and will listen to and obey His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases upon you which I brought upon the Egyptians, for I am the Lord Who heals you. (Exodus 15:26)
5.3.1.2. For I will restore health to you, and I will heal your wounds, says the Lord, because they have called you an outcast, saying, This is Zion, whom no one seeks after and for whom no one cares! (Jeremiah 30:17)
5.3.2. Definition
5.3.2.1. Jehovah is translated as "The Existing One" or "Lord." The chief meaning of Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew word Havah meaning "to be" or "to exist." It also suggests "to become" or specifically "to become known" - this denotes a God who reveals Himself unceasingly. Rapha (râpâ') means "to restore", "to heal" or "to make healthful" in Hebrew. When the two words are combined — Jehovah Rapha — it can be translated as "Jehovah Who Heals." (cf. Jer 30:17; Jer 3:22; Isa 30:26; Isa 61:1; Psa 103:3). Jehovah is the Great Physician who heals the physical and emotional needs of His people.
5.3.2.2. kurios ho iômenos se — the Lord your healer
5.4. Shammah
5.4.1. Scripture
5.4.1.1. The distance around the city shall be 18,000 [4 x 4,500] measures; and the name of the city from that day and ever after shall be, THE LORD IS THERE.
5.4.2. Definition
5.4.2.1. Jehovah is translated as "The Existing One" or "Lord." The chief meaning of Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew word Havah meaning "to be" or "to exist." It also suggests "to become" or specifically "to become known" - this denotes a God who reveals Himself unceasingly. Shammah is derived from the Hebrew word sham, which can be translated as "there." Jehovah Shammah is a symbolic name for the earthly Jerusalem. The name indicates that God has not abandoned Jerusalem, leaving it in ruins, but that there will be a restoration.
5.4.2.2. estai to onoma autês — the name thereof
5.5. Tsidkenu
5.5.1. Scripture
5.5.1.1. In His days Judah shall be saved and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is His name by which He shall be called: The Lord Our Righteousness. (Jeremiah 23:6)
5.5.1.2. In those days Judah shall be saved and Jerusalem shall dwell safely. And this is the name by which it will be called, The Lord is Our Righteousness (our Rightness, our Justice). (Jeremiah 33:16)
5.5.2. Definition
5.5.2.1. Jehovah is translated as "The Existing One" or "Lord." The chief meaning of Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew word Havah meaning "to be" or "to exist." It also suggests "to become" or specifically "to become known" - this denotes a God who reveals Himself unceasingly. Tsedek (tseh'-dek), from which Tsidkenu derived, means "to be stiff," "to be straight," or "righteous" in Hebrew. When the two words are combined — Jehovah Tsidkenu — it can be translated as "The Lord Who is our Righteousness."
5.5.2.2. kuriou tou theou hêmôn elalêsen pros hêmas — the Lord our God spoke to us
5.6. Mekoddishkem
5.6.1. Scripture
5.6.1.1. Say to the Israelites, Truly you shall keep My Sabbaths, for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I, the Lord, sanctify you [set you apart for Myself ]. (Exodus 31:13)
5.6.1.2. And you shall keep My statutes and do them. I am the Lord Who sanctifies you. (Leviticus 20:8)
5.6.2. Definition
5.6.2.1. Jehovah is translated as "The Existing One" or "Lord." The chief meaning of Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew word Havah meaning "to be" or "to exist." It also suggests "to become" or specifically "to become known" — this denotes a God who reveals Himself unceasingly. Mekoddishkem derives from the Hebrew word qâdash meaning "sanctify," "holy," or "dedicate." Sanctification is the separation of an object or person to the dedication of the Holy. When the two words are combined — Jehovah Mekoddishkem — it can be translated as "The Lord who sets you apart."
5.6.2.2. kurios ho hagiazôn humas — the Lord that sanctifies you
5.7. Jireh
5.7.1. Scripture
5.7.1.1. So Abraham called the name of that place The Lord Will Provide. And it is said to this day, On the mount of the Lord it will be provided. (Genesis 22:14)
5.7.2. Definition
5.7.2.1. Jehovah is translated as "The Existing One" or "Lord." The chief meaning of Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew word Havah meaning "to be" or "to exist." It also suggests "to become" or specifically "to become known" - this denotes a God who reveals Himself unceasingly. Jehovah-Jireh is a symbolic name given to Mount Moriah by Abraham to memorialize the intercession of God in the sacrifice of Isaac by providing a substitute for the imminent sacrifice of his son.
5.7.2.2. kurios eiden — the Lord has seen
5.8. Shalom
5.8.1. Scripture
5.8.1.1. Then Gideon built an altar there to the Lord and called it, The Lord is Peace. To this day it still stands in Ophrah, which belongs to the Abiezrites. (Judges 6:24)
5.8.2. Definition
5.8.2.1. Meaning and Derivation: Jehovah is translated as "The Existing One" or "Lord." The chief meaning of Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew word Havah meaning "to be" or "to exist." It also suggests "to become" or specifically "to become known" — this denotes a God who reveals Himself unceasingly. Shalom is a derivative of shâlêm (which means "be complete" or "sound") Shalom is translated as "peace" or "absence from strife." Jehovah-Shalom is the name of an altar built by Gideon in Ophrah.
5.8.2.2. eirênê kuriou — peace of the Lord
5.9. Sabaoth
5.9.1. Scripture
5.9.1.1. This man went from his city year by year to worship and sacrifice to the Lord of hosts at Shiloh, where Hophni and Phinehas, the two sons of Eli, were the Lord's priests. (1 Samuel 1:3)
5.9.1.2. Lift up your heads, O you gates; yes, lift them up, you age-abiding doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is [He then] this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory. Selah [pause, and think of that]! (Psalm 24:9-10)
5.9.1.3. Yes, the sparrow has found a house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young--even Your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God. (Psalm 84:3)
5.9.1.4. When David had finished offering the burnt offerings and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name [and presence] of the Lord of hosts, and distributed among all the people, the whole multitude of Israel, both to men and women, to each a cake of bread, a portion of meat, and a cake of raisins. So all the people departed, each to his house. (2 Samuel 6:18-19)
5.9.1.5. Then said I, Woe is me! For I am undone and ruined, because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts! (Isaiah 6:5)
5.9.1.6. Then said David to the Philistine, You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the ranks of Israel, Whom you have defied. (1 Samuel 17:45)
5.9.2. Definition
5.9.2.1. Jehovah is translated as "The Existing One" or "Lord." The chief meaning of Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew word Havah meaning "to be" or "to exist." It also suggests "to become" or specifically "to become known" - this denotes a God who reveals Himself unceasingly. Sabaoth (se bâ'ôt) means "armies" or "hosts." Jehovah Sabaoth can be translated as "The Lord of Armies" (1Sa 1:3). This name denotes His universal sovereignty over every army, both spiritual and earthly. The Lord of Hosts is the king of all heaven and earth.
5.9.2.2. kurios sabaôth — the Lord of hosts (sabaôth: Gr. transliteration of Heb. "hosts")
6. Qanna
6.1. Scripture
6.1.1. You shall not bow down yourself to them or serve them; for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate Me, but showing mercy and steadfast love to a thousand generations of those who love Me and keep My commandments. (Exodus 20:5-6)
6.1.2. For you shall worship no other god; for the Lord, Whose name is Jealous, is a jealous (impassioned) God, lest you make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and when they play the harlot after their gods and sacrifice to their gods and one invites you, you eat of his food sacrificed to idols, and you take of their daughters for your sons, and their daughters play the harlot after their gods and make your sons play the harlot after their gods. (Exodus 34:14-16)
6.1.3. For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God. (Deuteronomy 4:24)
6.1.4. 9You shall not bow down to them or serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, 10And showing mercy and steadfast love to thousands and to a thousand generations of those who love Me and keep My commandments. (Dueteronomy 5:9-10)
6.1.5. For the Lord your God in the midst of you is a jealous God; lest the anger of the Lord your God be kindled against you, and He destroy you from the face of the earth. (Dueteronomy 6:15)
6.2. Definition
6.2.1. Qanna is translated as "jealous," "zealous," or "envy." The fundamental meaning relates to a marriage relationship. God is depicted as Israel's husband; He is a jealous God, wanting all our praise for Himself and no one else.
6.2.2. zêlôtês — jealous
7. Olam
7.1. Scripture
7.1.1. Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba and called there on the name of the Lord, the Eternal God. (Genesis 21:33)
7.1.2. So trust in the Lord (commit yourself to Him, lean on Him, hope confidently in Him) forever; for the Lord God is an everlasting Rock [the Rock of Ages]. (Isaiah 26:4)
7.1.3. But the Lord is the true God and the God of truth (the God Who is Truth). He is the living God and the everlasting King. At His wrath the earth quakes, and the nations are not able to bear His indignation. (Jeremiah 10:10)
7.2. Definition
7.2.1. El is another name that is translated as "God" and can be used in conjunction with other words to designate various aspects of God's character. Olam derives from the root word 'lm (which means "eternity"). Olam literally means "forever," "eternity," or "everlasting". When the two words are combined — El Olam — it can be translated as "The Eternal God."
7.2.2. [ho] theos [ho] aiônios — the everlasting God
8. Elah
8.1. Scripture
8.1.1. But Jeshurun (Israel) grew fat and kicked. You became fat, you grew thick, you were gorged and sleek! Then he forsook God Who made him and forsook and despised the Rock of his salvation. (Deutoronomy 32:15)
8.1.2. So now, do not let Hezekiah deceive or mislead you in this way, and do not believe him, for no god of any nation or kingdom was able to deliver his people out of my hand or the hand of my fathers. How much less will your God deliver you out of my hand! (2 Chronicles 32:15)
8.1.3. They refused to obey, nor were they mindful of Your wonders and miracles which You did among them; but they stiffened their necks and in their rebellion appointed a captain, that they might return to their bondage [in Egypt]. But You are a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great steadfast love; and You did not forsake them. (Nehemiah 9:17)
8.2. Definition
8.2.1. The origin of the Aramaic word Elah is somewhat uncertain, though it might be related to a root meaning “fear” or “reverence.” It is found only in the books of Ezra and Daniel. Notice the Mappiq in the final Hey for this Name: e-laH.
8.2.2. Aramaic. Name for God as Awesome One.
9. Hakkadosh
9.1. Scripture
9.1.1. The Lord has made bare His holy arm before the eyes of all the nations [revealing Himself as the One by Whose direction the redemption of Israel from captivity is accomplished], and all the ends of the earth shall witness the salvation of our God. (Isaiah 52:10)
9.1.2. O SING to the Lord a new song, for He has done marvelous things; His right hand and His holy arm have wrought salvation for Him. (Psalm 98:1)
9.2. Definition
9.2.1. As the Holy One (hakkadosh), YHVH is utterly unique, distinct, sacred, and set apart as the only One of its kind. He alone is worthy of true worship and adoration, since He alone is utterly peerless, without rival, and stands in relation to the world as Creator and Lord. Yes, only the Lord is infinitely and eternally Other -- known to Himself as "I AM THAT I AM" (Exo. 3:15). To say that God is holy is to affirm that He is uniquely to be hallowed as utterly sacred.
9.2.2. The Holy One. The One set apart as utterly perfect and unique, utterly transcending the realm of the finite, the fallen, and the imperfect. Only God is worthy of worship, for He alone is holy.
10. Agape
10.1. Scripture
10.1.1. Peter had denied Jesus three times while Jesus was on trial (Matthew 26:44; Matthew 26:69-75). Jesus seems to be reminding Peter of his three denials with his three-time questioning of him in John 21. Unfortunately, the English translation hides an important part of the three questions. Let's examine the Greek with each of Jesus' questions and Peter's responses. We will translate Agape as love and Phileo as like to make the meaning clear. "So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon. son of Jonas, lovest (agape) thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord thou knowest that I like (phileo) thee." (John 21:15) What we miss with the English is that Peter is answering with a different word. Jesus is using "agape," which is sacrificial love. Peter is answering with "phileo," brotherly love. "He saith unto him again the second time, Simon Son of Jonas, lovest (agape) thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I like (phileo) thee." (verse 16) This is a repentant Peter. He implied before Jesus' death that his devotion was so great for Jesus that it was greater than all the others (Matthew 23:33, 35). In his first question, Jesus asked if Peter had agape greater than all the others. Peter could only answer that he had phileo for Christ. In this second question, Christ has dropped the "more than these," lessening the requirement. Peter still only answers he has phileo for Jesus. This is a humble Peter who now recognizes his weakness. Now we can see why Peter was grieved with the third question. "He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, Do you like (phileo) me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Do you like (phileo) me?" (verse 17). Christ had dropped the requirement to only brotherly love, which Peter had been saying all along.
10.1.2. "for this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous."
10.1.3. "this is love, that we walk after his commandments." (2John 1:6)
10.1.4. "if you fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, thou shalt love (agape) thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well . . ."
10.2. Definition
10.2.1. It is not just FEELING good but it is DOING good for: "Love is the fulfilling of the law" (Romans 13:10).
10.2.2. the deepest love, which is based on doing good things for another person.
11. Abba
11.1. Scripture
11.1.1. "I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty." (2 Corinthians 6:18)
11.1.2. "Our God and Father" (Galatians 1:4; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; 3:11) and "our Lord and Father" (James 3:9, KJV "God, even the Father"). Paul sees unity in "one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all" (Ephesians 4:6).
11.1.3. Often we see the phrase "God the Father," sometimes to distinguish him from "Jesus Christ" and sometimes standing alone (Galatians 1:1; Ephesians 5:20; 6:23; Colossians 3:17; 1 Corinthians 15:24; Jude 1), while sometimes "Father" appears alone (2 Corinthians 6:18; Ephesians 3:14). While Paul and Peter tend to modify Father in some way, such as, "God the Father," in John's Letter, "the Father" usually stands alone (1 John 1:21; 2:13, 15-16, 22-23; 3:1; 4:14; 2 John 9). In Revelation, Father is used three times to distinguish between Jesus and the Father (Revelation 1:6; 3:5; 14:1).
11.1.4. "Jesus answered, "'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.' Philip said, 'Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.' Jesus answered: 'Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'? Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work.'" (John 14:6-10)
11.1.5. "In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father." (John 16:26-28)
11.1.6. "Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:3; 2 Corinthians 1:2; Galatians 1:3; Ephesians 1:2; Philippians 1:2; cf. Colossians 1:2; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:1; Titus 1:4; 2 John 3.)
11.2. Definition
11.2.1. Jesus is trying to heal and bring wholeness to both men and women who have been wounded by their human fathers. Jesus is trying to help you and me know a Father who loves us and will not do us harm, a Father who will not slap us around, but will encircle us in his arms and let us feel his love, a Father who will not let you go. My dear friend, Jesus wants to reintroduce you to his Father, to your Father, so that you might be whole -- spiritually and emotionally. Reclaim your birthright to know and enjoy and love Abba as your Father. Perhaps that is why you are reading this today. Perhaps this will be the frontier of your quest for God over the next few weeks and months.
11.2.2. Biblical Definiton
11.2.2.1. "In the patriarchal societies of antiquity, the father figure is endowed with two particular characteristics. On the one hand, the father rules as head of the household and the person to whom most respect is due, having absolute authority over his family. On the other hand, he has the responsibility of guarding, supporting, and helping the other members. Both these characteristics are also present when a deity is described or addressed as father."
11.2.3. "... Abbā as a form of address to one's father was no longer restricted to children, but also used by adult sons and daughters. The childish character of the word ("daddy") thus receded, and abbā acquired the warm, familiar ring which we may feel in such an expression as "dear father."
11.2.4. God is Father of the nation, of the people. I make this point to accentuate how new and different was Jesus' revelation of God as Father -- his Father, Abba, our Father, the Father we can pray to.