a primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application; chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **'ab**, represented by `{{H1}}`, serves as a foundational term for **father**. It appears 1215 times across 1061 unique verses, signifying its central role in scripture. Beyond its literal meaning of a biological parent, its base definition extends to encompass concepts of being a chief, a forefather, or even denoting a source or principal.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1}}` is used in several key contexts. It establishes the literal family structure, as seen in the command to "leave his **father** and his mother" [[Genesis 2:24]] and "Honour thy **father** and thy mother" [[Exodus 20:12]]. The term also widely refers to ancestors or the patriarchs of the Israelite people, frequently mentioned when discussing the "covenant which he sware unto thy **fathers**" [[Deuteronomy 8:18]] or the gods "which your **fathers** served" [[Joshua 24:15]]. Crucially, `{{H1}}` is applied to God himself, highlighting His role as the ultimate source and authority, as in "my **father's** God, and I will exalt him" [[Exodus 15:2]] and "O LORD, thou art our **father**" [[Isaiah 64:8]]. This usage extends to describing God as the "everlasting **Father**" [[Isaiah 9:6]] and one who "pitieth his children" like a **father** [[Psalms 103:13]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of fatherhood, family, and authority:
* `{{H1121}}` **ben** (son): As the direct counterpart to 'father', this word is crucial for understanding generational relationships, as seen in "Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy **father**" [[1 Chronicles 28:9]] and "A son honoureth his **father**" [[Malachi 1:6]].
* `{{H251}}` **'ach** (brother): This term defines a relationship of kinship and shared parentage, often used in conjunction with `{{H1}}` to describe family unity, such as in "Have we not all one **father**? ... why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother" [[Malachi 2:10]].
* `{{H1004}}` **bayith** (house): This word is frequently linked to `{{H1}}` to denote the family unit or household, as in "from thy **father's** house" [[Genesis 12:1]] and Joshua's declaration, "as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" [[Joshua 24:15]].
* `{{H113}}` **'adown** (master): This term highlights a different form of authority, sometimes contrasted or paralleled with `{{H1}}`, as in "A son honoureth his **father**, and a servant his master" [[Malachi 1:6]], connecting familial respect with broader submission.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1}}` is immense, shaping understanding of identity, authority, and God's relationship with humanity.
* **Covenant Relationship:** The term is fundamental to God's covenants, emphasizing promises made to the "fathers" that extend to subsequent generations, forming the basis of Israel's identity and inheritance [[Deuteronomy 8:18]].
* **Divine Authority and Care:** God is portrayed as `{{H1}}`, signifying His ultimate authority and His compassionate nature, actively pitying and providing for His people as a **father** would for his children [[Psalms 103:13]]. This relationship also implies honor and fear are due to Him [[Malachi 1:6]].
* **Generational Legacy:** `{{H1}}` underscores the spiritual and moral legacy passed down through generations. While highlighting the command to honor parents [[Exodus 20:12]], it also addresses the transmission of iniquity [[Exodus 20:5]] and the ideal of turning "the heart of the **fathers** to the children" [[Malachi 4:6]], suggesting a path toward reconciliation and continuity.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1}}` is far more than a simple familial label. It is a cornerstone of biblical theology, defining identity, authority, and the very nature of the relationship between God and humanity. It illustrates how a single word can carry layers of meaning, from the literal head of a household to the divine Creator of the universe.
TRV