### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Ἀβραάμ (Abraám)**, represented by `{{G11}}`, is the name of the **Hebrew patriarch** Abraham. It is of Hebrew origin and appears **73 times** across **69 unique verses** in the Bible. As a foundational figure, his name is central to the history of redemption and the establishment of God's covenant people.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G11}}` is presented as the progenitor of the Israelite people, establishing a lineage that leads directly to Jesus Christ [[Matthew 1:1]]. He is the recipient of divine **promises** `{{G1860}}` from **God** `{{G2316}}`, who made a **covenant** `{{G1242}}` with him and his **seed** `{{G4690}}` ([[Acts 3:25]], [[Galatians 3:16]]). Abraham's life is marked by profound **faith** `{{G4102}}`, demonstrated when he obeyed God's call to leave his home for an unknown **inheritance** `{{G2817}}` [[Hebrews 11:8]] and when he **believed** `{{G4100}}` God, which was **imputed** `{{G3049}}` to him for **righteousness** `{{G1343}}` [[James 2:23]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the significance of Abraham's role:
* `{{G3962}}` **patḗr** (father): This word, meaning a "father", is frequently used to describe Abraham's role as the patriarch of the faithful [[Romans 4:16]] and the physical ancestor of the Israelites. The claim "We have Abraham to our **father**" highlights the importance of his lineage [[Matthew 3:9]].
* `{{G4690}}` **spérma** (seed): This term for "offspring" is crucial to the promises made to Abraham. The covenant was not just for him, but for his **seed** after him, a promise ultimately fulfilled in Christ [[Galatians 3:16]]. Those who belong to Christ are considered Abraham's **seed** [[Galatians 3:29]].
* `{{G1860}}` **epangelía** (promise): This word for a "divine assurance of good" encapsulates the blessings God bestowed upon Abraham. Believers receive the **promise** of the Spirit through faith, which is the blessing of Abraham extended to the **Gentiles** `{{G1484}}` [[Galatians 3:14]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G11}}` is immense, establishing foundational principles of the Christian faith.
* **The Father of Faith:** Abraham is the preeminent model of faith. He **believed** `{{G4100}}` God, and it was **counted** `{{G3049}}` to him as **righteousness** `{{G1343}}` [[Romans 4:3]]. Because of this, he is the **father** `{{G3962}}` of all who believe, whether of the **circumcision** `{{G4061}}` or the **uncircumcision** `{{G203}}` ([[Romans 4:12]], [[Romans 4:16]]).
* **The Abrahamic Covenant:** God's **covenant** `{{G1242}}` with Abraham, sealed by an **oath** `{{G3727}}`, is a cornerstone of salvation history ([[Luke 1:73]], [[Hebrews 6:13]]). This **promise** `{{G1860}}` included the blessing of all **nations** `{{G1484}}` of the **earth** `{{G1093}}` through him ([[Acts 3:25]], [[Galatians 3:8]]).
* **Spiritual Lineage over Physical Descent:** While physical lineage from Abraham was important to the **Hebrews** `{{G1445}}`, the New Testament emphasizes a spiritual lineage. Being a child of Abraham is defined by having the **faith** `{{G4102}}` of Abraham [[Galatians 3:7]], not just by bloodline [[Matthew 3:9]]. Believers in Christ become Abraham's **seed** `{{G4690}}` and **heirs** `{{G2818}}` according to the promise [[Galatians 3:29]].
### Summary
In summary, **Abraám `{{G11}}`** represents far more than an ancestor. He is the patriarch through whom God established His covenant of promise and the human father of the faithful. His life serves as the primary biblical illustration of justification by faith, setting the pattern for how God would extend salvation to all **nations** `{{G1484}}` through his **seed** `{{G4690}}`, Jesus Christ. His story is essential for understanding the relationship between the old and new covenants and the nature of God's redemptive plan for all humanity.
TRV