Template:3962

3962 ~πατήρ~ pater \@pat-ayr’\@ apparently a root word; n m AV-Father 267, father 150, parent 1; 418

1) generator or male ancestor

1a) either the nearest ancestor: father of the corporeal nature, natural fathers, both parents

1b) a more remote ancestor, the founder of a family or tribe, progenitor of a people, forefather: so Abraham is called, Jacob and David

1b1) fathers i.e. ancestors, forefathers, founders of a nation

1c) one advanced in years, a senior

2) metaph.

2a) the originator and transmitter of anything

2a1) the authors of a family or society of persons animated bythe same spirit as himself

2a2) one who has infused his own spirit into others, who actuates and governs their minds

2b) one who stands in a father’s place and looks after another in a paternal way

2c) a title of honour

2c1) teachers, as those to whom pupils trace back the knowledge and training they have received

2c2) the members of the Sanhedrin, whose prerogative it was by virtue of the wisdom and experience in which they excelled, to take charge of the interests of others

3) God is called the Father

3a) of the stars, the heavenly luminaries, because he is theircreator, upholder, ruler

3b) of all rational and intelligent beings, whether angels or men, because he is their creator, preserver, guardian and protector

3b1) of spiritual beings and of all men

3c) of Christians, as those who through Christ have been exalted to a specially close and intimate relationship with God, and who no longer dread him as a stern judge of sinners, but revere him as their reconciled and loving Father

3d) the Father of Jesus Christ, as one whom God has united to himself in the closest bond of love and intimacy, madeacquainted with his purposes, appointed to explain and carry out among men the plan of salvation, and made to share also in his own divine nature

3d1) by Jesus Christ himself

3d2) by the apostles