Father

from a root signifying "a nourisher, protector, upholder" (Lat., pater, Eng., "father," are akin), is used (a) of the nearest ancestor, e.g., Matthew 2:22; (b) of a more remote ancestor, the progenitor of the people, a "forefather," e.g., Matthew 3:9; 23:30; 1—Corinthians 10:1; the patriarchs, 2—Peter 3:4; (c) one advanced in the knowledge of Christ, 1—John 2:13; (d) metaphorically, of the originator of a family or company of persons animated by the same spirit as himself, as of Abraham, Romans 4:11,12,16,17,18 , or of Satan, John 8:38,41,44; (e) of one who, as a preacher of the Gospel and a teacher, stands in a "father's" place, caring for his spiritual children, 1—Corinthians 4:15 (not the same as a mere title of honor, which the Lord prohibited, Matthew 23:9 ); (f) of the members of the Sanhedrin, as of those who exercised religious authority over others, Acts 7:2; 22:1; (g) of God in relation to those who have been born anew (John 1:12,13 ), and so are believers, Ephesians 2:18; 4:6 (cp. 2—Corinthians 6:18 ), and imitators of their "Father," Matthew 5:45,48; 6:1,4,6,8,9 , etc. Christ never associated Himself with them by using the personal pronoun "our;" He always used the singular, "My Father," His relationship being unoriginated and essential, whereas theirs is by grace and regeneration, e.g., Matthew 11:27; 25:34; John 20:17; Revelation 2:27; 3:5,21; so the Apostles spoke of God as the "Father" of the Lord Jesus Christ, e.g., Romans 15:6; 2—Corinthians 1:3; 11:31; Ephesians 1:3; Hebrews 1:5; 1—Peter 1:3; Revelation 1:6; (h) of God, as the "Father" of lights, i.e., the Source or Giver of whatsoever provides illumination, physical and spiritual, James 1:17; of mercies, 2—Corinthians 1:3; of glory, Ephesians 1:17; (i) of God, as Creator, Hebrews 12:9 (cp. Zechariah 12:1 ).

signifies "of one's fathers," or "received from one's fathers" (akin to A), Acts 22:3; 24:14; 28:17 . In the Sept. Proverbs 27:10 .

"from one's fathers, or ancestors," is said of that which is handed down from one's "forefathers," Galatians 1:14 .

"without father" (a, negative, and pater), signifies, in Hebrews 7:3 , with no recorded genealogy.

"handed down from one's fathers" (pater, and paradidomi, "to hand down"), is used in 1—Peter 1:18 .