ELTBefore Father אב
Understanding the Hebrew Word for Father (אב)
The Hebrew word אב ('ab') means "father." But if we look closely at the letters in the word, we can discover even deeper meanings. The first letter, א ('ah'), represents God speaking and creating the world. The second letter, ב ('b'), means the revelation of God to people. Together, these letters help us understand that a father is not just someone who gives life, but also someone who reveals himself to his children, just like God revealed Himself to us after creating the world.
In Hebrew, the word אב ('ab') can also be used to describe something that grows, like a "green shoot" or "fruit on a tree." This idea shows us that life starts with birth, like a little green plant sprouting, and then grows and matures through teaching, like fruit on a tree. So, a father gives both the first life, our birth, and the second life, which comes from learning and growing.
Imagine walking on a beach and seeing footprints in the sand. If you recognize those footprints, you might say "father" because they show you where the father has been. The footprints aren’t the father, but they tell you that he was there. This is like how God reveals Himself to us through creation and teaching. We can see His presence in the world around us.
The Father Gives Life and Teaches
A father’s role is to give life, both physical life and spiritual life through teaching. The first life is our natural birth, and the second life is the spiritual renewal that comes from learning and growing. So, fatherhood is not just about having children, but about teaching and guiding them to live better lives.
Reversing the Letters: From Father to Invitation
In Hebrew, reversing the letters in a word can change the meaning. If we reverse the letters of אב ('ab' = father), we get בא ('bah'), which means "come." This shows us a deeper meaning: while אב ('ab' = father) shows how God has already revealed Himself to us, בא ('bah' = come) is an invitation for God to come and reveal even more to us. So, אב בא ('Ab Bah') means "Father, come," a call for God to be even closer and to reveal Himself more fully to His creation.
Discussion Questions
What do the letters א and ב tell us about the word "father"?
The statement "They show that a father is someone who gives life (through creation) and reveals Himself (through teaching)" encapsulates two foundational roles attributed to fatherhood, especially when viewed through a biblical and theological lens:
1. Giving Life Through Creation
This aspect emphasizes the generative power of a father, as seen in the physical, spiritual, and creative dimensions. In a theological context:
- God as the Creator: God, as the ultimate Father, is the source of all life. Genesis 1:1–2 portrays Him as the Creator of the heavens and the earth, giving life and existence to everything.
- Earthly Fathers as Life-Givers: Earthly fathers participate in the act of giving life biologically and metaphorically, by nurturing and supporting the growth of their children.
- Spiritual Fathers: In a broader sense, fatherhood extends to those who mentor or guide others in spiritual growth, leading them to new life in understanding and faith.
2. Revealing Through Teaching
Revealing oneself through teaching reflects the nurturing, instructive, and relational side of fatherhood:
- God Reveals Himself: God reveals His nature, will, and love through His Word (Scripture), His Son (Jesus Christ), and His Spirit. Teaching is central to this revelation, as seen in the giving of the Law to Moses and the parables and lessons of Jesus.
- Fathers as Teachers: Earthly fathers are called to guide their children, not only by imparting knowledge but also by revealing their own character, values, and wisdom. This teaching builds a relationship of trust and understanding.
Symbolic Integration in Sensus Plenior
From a sensus plenior perspective, this dual role reflects a deeper unity between creation and revelation:
- Giving Life corresponds to the generative Word of God, symbolized by water (life-sustaining and creative).
- Revealing Through Teaching aligns with the Spirit (guiding and enlightening). Together, they form a picture of God’s work in Christ, who gives life and reveals the Father (John 14:6–9).
Thus, a father is seen not only as a source of life but also as a relational being who imparts understanding and wisdom, fostering growth and intimacy with those he nurtures.
- How is the word אב related to life and growth?
- אב is connected to new life, like a green shoot, and growth, like fruit on a tree. This shows how fathers give both physical life and teach spiritual life.
- What does the metaphor of footprints in the sand teach us about God's revelation?
- It shows that while we can see evidence of God in creation and teaching, He is not limited to those things. He is bigger than anything we can see or touch.
- How does reversing the letters of אב ('ab') to בא ('bah') change the meaning?
- Reversing the letters turns "father" into an invitation for God to come closer and reveal Himself more fully.
