Greek word · Strong's G3962

πατήρ

patḗr · noun · “father”

In a sentence

Patēr means father — used for human fathers, for Abraham as “father of the faithful,” and supremely for God as the Father of Jesus and, in Christ, our Father too.

Patēr is the Greek word for father — biological, legal, or honorary. The New Testament transforms it: God is preeminently the Father of Jesus Christ, and through Jesus he becomes the Father of all who believe.

Jesus models this in his prayer life, calling God Abba — an intimate Aramaic “Father.” He teaches his disciples to do the same: “Our Father in heaven.” Christian prayer is the conversation of children with a Father.

Strong's reference

Definition: a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

KJV usage: father, parent

Reference gloss from Strong's Concordance (1890, public domain).

Key verses BSB · Public Domain (CC0)

Matthew 6:9 “So then, this is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.” John 14:6 “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Romans 8:15 “For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!””

Original BibleDawn word study. Original-language data and the public-domain Strong's (1890) gloss are referenced; see sources.