father Summary and Overview

a name applied (1) to any ancestor (Deut. 1:11; 1 Kings 15:11; Matt. 3:9; 23:30, etc.); and (2) as a title of respect to a chief, ruler, or elder, etc. (Judg. 17:10; 18:19; 1 Sam. 10:12; 2 Kings 2:12; Matt. 23:9, etc.). (3) The author or beginner of anything is also so called; e.g., Jabal and Jubal (Gen. 4:20, 21; compare Job 38:28). Applied to God (Ex. 4:22; Deut. 32:6; 2 Sam. 7:14; Ps. 89:27, 28, etc.). (1.) As denoting his covenant relation to the Jews (Jer. 31:9; Isa. 63:16; 64:8; John 8:41, etc.). (2.) Believers are called God's "sons" (John 1:12; Rom. 8:16; Matt. 6:4, 8, 15, 18; 10:20, 29). They also call him "Father" (Rom. 1:7; 1 Cor. 1:3; 2 Cor. 1:2; Gal. 1:4)

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, #Ge 3:16; 1Co 11:3| which was introductory to the more definite systems which followed, and which in part, but not wholly, superseded it.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, #Ge 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. #2Ki 5:27| The command to honor parents is noticed by St. Paul as the only one of the Decalogue which bore a distinct promise, #Ex 20:12; Eph 6:2| and disrespect towards them was condemned by the law as one of the worst crimes. #Ex 21:15,17; 1Ti 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, #Ac 7:2; 22:1| and of parents in general, or ancestors. #Da 5:2; Jer 27:7; Mt 23:30,32|

FA'THER . This word is used in the Bible in several senses besides its usual one. 1. It is applied to any ancestor, and in the plural to ancestors in general. Dan 5:2; Deut 1:11; Matt 23:30. 2. As a title of respect, especially to kings, prophets, and priests. Jud 17:10; 1 Sam 10:12; 2 Kgs 2:12; Acts 7:2; 1 Cor 4:15. Also of protector or guardian. Ps 68:5. 3. The author, source, or beginning of anything. Gen 4:21; Rom 4:12. 4. God is called "Father." Deut 32:6; Ps 89:26; Matt 6:4,Matt 6:9; Rom 1:7. The position of father was one of great dignity and authority. Laws were enacted to secure this. Ex 22:17; Lev 20:9. The father had, however, no power over the life of his child. Deut 21:18-21. Both his blessing and his curse were especially efficacious. Gen 9:25-26; Gen 27:27-40. The fifth commandment was the only one to whose obedience a blessing was especially promised. Ex 20:12; Eph 6:2. Disrespect toward parents was one of the worst of crimes. Ex 21:15-17;1 Tim 1:9. The father, as the head of the family, was, in patriarchal times, the priest. Gen 8:20; Job 1:5. "It is a beautiful circumstance in the law of Moses that this filial respect is exacted for the mother as well as for the father." See Children.

See Family; God.