Easton's Bible Dictionary This Syriac or Chaldee word is found three times in the New Testament (Mark 14:36; Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:6), and in each case is followed by its Greek equivalent, which is translated "father." It is a term expressing warm affection and filial confidence. It has no perfect equivalent in our language. It has passed into European languages as an ecclesiastical term, "abbot." Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) Father; religious superior; -- in the Syriac, Coptic, and Ethiopic churches, a title given to the bishops, and by the bishops to the patriarch. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ABBA ab'-a (abba, 'abba', Hebraic-Chaldaic, "Father"): In Jewish and old-Christian prayers, a name by which God was addressed, then in oriental churches a title of bishops and patriarchs. So Jesus addresses God in prayer (Matthew 11:25, 26, 26:39, 42, Luke 10:21; Matthew 22:42; Matthew 23:34,John 11:41; 12:27; 17:24, 25). In Mark 14:36 Romans 8:15, and Galatians 4:6 ho pater, is appended even in direct address, in an emphatic sense. Servants were not permitted to use the appellation in addressing the head of the house. See Delitzsch on Romans 8:15; compare G. Dalman, Gram. des jud.-palast. Aramaisch, etc., section 40, c. 3. J. E. Harry

Multi-Version Concordance Abba (3 Occurrences) Mark 14:36 He said, "Abba, Father, all things are possible to you. Please remove this cup from me. However, not what I desire, but what you desire." (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV) Romans 8:15 For you didn't receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry, " Abba! Father!" (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV) Galatians 4:6 And because you are children, God sent out the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, " Abba, Father!" (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)