The Aramaic word ʼab·baʼʹ can mean either “the father” or “O Father.” On each of the three occasions that the expression appears in the Scriptures, it is part of a prayer and is used with reference to the heavenly Father, Jehovah. What significance does the word carry?

The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia states: “In the colloquial speech of Jesus’ time, ʼabbāʼ was primarily used as a term of informal intimacy and respect by children of their fathers.” It was an endearing form of address and among the first words that a child learned.

The other two Scriptural occurrences of “Abba”​—both in the writings of the apostle Paul—​indicate that first-century Christians also used it in their prayers.​—Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:6.