What does "abba" mean?

1. (religious title for God) a special word for 'father' used when talking to or about God in the Bible. 2. (religious leader title) a title for a high-ranking leader in some Eastern Christian churches.

How do you use "abba"?

Usually capitalized when referring to the deity.

abba

US //ˈæbə// UK //ˈæbɐ// ab·ba

1 religious title for God (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Formal Religion

a special word for 'father' used when talking to or about God in the Bible.

an Aramaic word for 'father' used as an intimate and honorific title for God in the New Testament and Christian liturgy.

Example

In the prayer, the speaker addressed God as Abba to show a close relationship.

Example

The theologian argued that the use of 'Abba' in the scriptures signifies a unique level of intimacy between the believer and the divine.

Usage

Usually capitalized when referring to the deity.
- father
- pater
2 religious leader title (n.)
C1 Advanced Formal Technical Religion

a title for a high-ranking leader in some Eastern Christian churches.

an honorific title bestowed upon bishops or patriarchs in the Syriac, Coptic, and Ethiopic churches, or upon certain Jewish scholars.

Example

The monks showed great respect to the Abba during his visit to the monastery.

Example

Historical documents from the Coptic church refer to the patriarch by the title of Abba, followed by his given name.