Meaning
from a root signifying "a nourisher, protector, upholder" (Lat., pater, Eng., "father," are akin), is used (a) of the nearest ancestor, e.g., Mat 2:22; (b) of a more remote ancestor, the progenitor of the people, a "forefather," e.g., Mat 3:9, Mat 23:30, 1Co 10:1; the patriarchs, 2Pe 3:4; (c) one advanced in the knowledge of Christ, 1Jo 2:13; (d) metaphorically, of the originator of a family or company of persons animated by the same spirit as himself, as of Abraham, Rom 1:4-12, Rom 1:4-18, or of Satan, Joh 8:38, Joh 8:41, Joh 8:44; (e) of one who, as a preacher of the Gospel and a teacher, stands in a "father's" place, caring for his spiritual children, 1Co 4:15 (not the same as a mere title of honor, which the Lord prohibited, Mat 23:9); (f) of the members of the Sanhedrin, as of those who exercised religious authority over others, Act 7:2, Act 22:1; (g) of God in relation to those who have been born anew (Joh 1:1-13), and so are believers, Eph 2:18, Eph 4:6 (cp. 2Co 6:18), and imitators of their "Father," Mat 5:45, Mat 5:48, Mat 6:1, Mat 6:4, Mat 6:6, Mat 1:6-9, 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., Mat 11:27, Mat 25:34, Joh 20:17, Rev 2:27, Rev 3:5, Rev 3:21; so the Apostles spoke of God as the "Father" of the Lord Jesus Christ, e.g., Rom 15:6, 2Co 1:3, 2Co 11:31, Eph 1:3, Heb 1:5, 1Pe 1:3, Rev 1:6; (h) of God, as the "Father" of lights, i.e., the Source or Giver of whatsoever provides illumination, physical and spiritual, Jam 1:17; of mercies, 2Co 1:3; of glory, Eph 1:17; (i) of God, as Creator, Heb 12:9 (cp. Zec 12:1).
Note: Whereas the everlasting power and divinity of God are manifest in creation, His "Fatherhood" in spiritual relationship through faith is the subject of NT revelation, and waited for the presence on earth of the Son, Mat 11:27, Joh 17:25. The spiritual relationship is not universal, Joh 8:42, Joh 8:44 (cp. Joh 1:12, Gal 3:26).
signifies "of one's fathers," or "received from one's fathers" (akin to A), Act 22:3, Act 24:14, Act 28:17. In the Sept. Pro 27:10.
"from one's fathers, or ancestors," is said of that which is handed down from one's "forefathers," Gal 1:14.
"without father" (a, negative, and pater), signifies, in Heb 7:3, with no recorded genealogy.
"handed down from one's fathers" (pater, and paradidomi, "to hand down"), is used in 1Pe 1:18.
