The Aramaic word “Abba” is thought to be a very intimate term for “Father” suggesting that those who use it to refer to God enjoy a close relationship with him. Jesus Christ uses the term as a consequence of his natural sonship of God; believers may use it as a consequence of their adopted sonship of God through faith.
“Abba” used in addressing God
By Jesus Christ
Mk 14:36
Mark 14:36 (ESV) — 36 And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”
By believers
Ro 8:15; Ga 4:6
Romans 8:15 (ESV) — 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”
Galatians 4:6 (ESV) — 6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”
