Father: 8 definitions

Introduction
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In Christianity
1. General definition
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Introduction:

Father means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, Christianity, Jainism, Prakrit. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. On this page you will also find search and cross-referencing tools.

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In Christianity

General definition (in Christianity)

Source: archive.org: Easton's Bible Dictionary

Father definition and references: A name applied (1) to any ancestor (Deuteronomy 1:11; 1 Kings 15:11; Matthew 3:9; 23:30, etc.); and (2) as a title of respect to a chief, ruler, or elder, etc. (Judges 17:10; 18:19; 1 Samuel 10:12; 2 Kings 2:12; Matthew 23:9, etc.). (3) The author or beginner of anything is also so called; e.g., Jabal and Jubal (Genesis 4:20, 21; comp. Job 38:28).

Applied to God (Exodus 4:22; Deuteronomy 32:6; 2 Samuel 7:14; Psalms 89:27, 28, etc.). (1.) As denoting his covenant relation to the Jews (Jeremiah 31:9; Isaiah 63:16; 64:8; John 8:41, etc.).

(2.) Believers are called God’s “sons” (John 1:12; Romans 8:16; Matthew 6:4, 8, 15, 18; 10:20, 29). They also call him “Father” (Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:3; 2 Corinthians 1:2; Galatians 1:4)

Source: archive.org: Smith's Bible Dictionary

Father refers to:—The position and authority of the father as the head of the family are expressly assumed and sanctioned in Scripture, as a likeness of that of the Almighty over his creatures. It lies of course at the root of that so-called patriarchal government, (Genesis 3:16; 1 Corinthians 11:3) which was introductory to the more definite systems which followed, and which in part, but not wholly, superseded it. The father’s blessing was regarded as conferring special benefit, but his malediction special injury, on those on whom it fell, (Genesis 9:25,27; 27:27-40; 48:15,20; 49:1) ... and so also the sin of a parent was held to affect, in certain cases, the welfare of his descendants. (2 Kings 5:27) The command to honor parents is noticed by St. Paul as the only one of the Decalogue which bore a distinct promise, (Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:2) and disrespect towards them was condemned by the law as one of the worst crimes. (Exodus 21:15,17; 1 Timothy 1:9) It is to this well-recognized theory of parental authority and supremacy that the very various uses of the term “father” in Scripture are due. “Fathers” is used in the sense of seniors, (Acts 7:2; 22:1) and of parents in general, or ancestors. (Daniel 5:2; Jeremiah 27:7; Matthew 23:30,32)

Source: archive.org: Nave's Topical Bible

Father definition and references: –An idolatrous title of priests Judges 17:10
–Forbidden to be used as a title among the disciples Matthew 23:9
–See Parents
–See God, Fatherhood Of

Source: archive.org: Kitto's Popular Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature

Father refers to:—This word, besides its obvious and primary sense, bears, in Scripture, a number of other applications, most of which have, through the use of the Bible, become more or less common in all Christian countries.

1. The term Father is very often applied to God Himself. In some of these passages He is set before us as the Father of all men, in the general sense of creator and preserver of all men, but more especially of believers, whether Jews or Christians.

Without doubt, however, God is in a more especial and intimate manner, even as by covenant, the Father of the Jews; and also of Christians, or rather of all pious and believing persons, who are called 'sons of God' (; , etc.). Thus Jesus, in speaking to his disciples, calls God their Father (;;;;;; , etc.). The Apostles, also, for themselves and other Christians, call him 'Father' (;;;; and many other places).

2. Father is applied to any ancestor near or remote, or to ancestors ('fathers') in general. The progenitor, or founder, or patriarch of a tribe or nation, was also pre-eminently its father, as Abraham of the Jews. Examples of this abound. See, for instance,;;;;;;;;; , etc.

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Source: archive.org: Fausset's Bible Dictionary

Father refers to:—Chaldaic 'abba . Christ's endearing filial mode of addressing God; so believers (Mark 14:36; Romans 8:15); from 'aabah , "to show kindness." God's fatherhood is the ground and pattern for human fatherhood. Abraham was "father of nations," both by natural descent from him and by spiritual fellowship in his faith (Genesis 18:18-19; Romans 4:17). The godly father's blessing brought great good, his curse great evil (Genesis 9:25-27); the undutifulness of Ham entailing a curse on his race, the dutifulness of Shem and Japhet a blessing on their races (Genesis 27:27-40; Genesis 48:15-20; Genesis 48:49). The fifth commandment, "honor thy father and mother," is the first with special promise (Ephesians 6:2).

Love descends rather than ascends; hence this commandment is more needed than one concerning parents' duties to children, but this is added (Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21). Dishonoring parents is one of the worst sins (Exodus 21:15-17; 1 Timothy 1:9; Malachi 1:6; Isaiah 45:10). Still the parent was not to inflict death, but to bring the refractory child before the city elders in the gate or place of justice (Deuteronomy 21:18-21). Any ancestor is called "father" or "mother" (Isaiah 51:2; Jeremiah 35:16-18, the sons of Jonadab son of Rechab, a striking instance of the blessing on obedience to parents; Daniel 5:2; 2 Chronicles 15:16 margin). "Father" is used also for protector, patron (Job 29:16; Psalms 68:5; Deuteronomy 32:6). "Fathers" mean elders (Acts 7:2; Acts 22:1). The pupils of a spiritual master are called "sons" (2 Kings 2:3; 2 Kings 4:1).

"Father" expresses one worshipped or reverenced (Jeremiah 2:27; 2 Kings 2:12; 2 Kings 5:13; 2 Kings 6:21). The inventor of any art is called "father" of it or of its practicers (Genesis 4:20-21; John 8:44; Job 38:28; Job 17:14). So the source (2 Corinthians 1:3) or instrument of spiritual blessings, as "mercy," regeneration.

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Relevant text

Search found 594 books and stories containing Father, Fathers, The father; (plurals include: Fathers, Fatherses, The fathers). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Śrāddha in the Matsya Purāṇa < [Chapter 5 - Cultural history in the Matsya-Purāṇa]

Family life according to the Matsya Purāṇa < [Chapter 5 - Cultural history in the Matsya-Purāṇa]

Debt in the Matsya Purāṇa < [Chapter 5 - Cultural history in the Matsya-Purāṇa]

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Chapter 29 - Of the Coming of Elias Before the Judgment < [City of God]

Chapter 7 - A Doubt Raised About Divine Appearances < [Doctrinal Treatises of St. Augustin]

Synodal Letter to the Bishops of Africa. (Ad Afros Epistola Synodica.) < [Synodal Letter to the Bishops of Africa]

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The Severity of God Compatible with Reason and Justice < [Part II]

Chapter CI - Christ refers all things to the Father < [Justin Martyr]

Chapter C - In what sense Christ is [called] Jacob, and Israel, and Son of Man < [Justin Martyr]

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