Biblical Heritage: Ἀβραάμ (Strong’s G11: Abraam) Patriarch of Faith’s Legacy
Ἀβραάμ
Pronounced: ah-brah-AHM
Strong’s G11: A transliteration of the Hebrew name Abraham, referring to the patriarch of the Jewish nation and father of faith. Derived from Hebrew אַבְרָהָם (Abraham), meaning “father of many nations.” Significant in both Jewish and Christian traditions as the exemplar of faith and recipient of God’s covenant promises.
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U – Unveiling this Word
Ἀβραάμ represents one of the most significant figures in biblical history, whose name carries profound theological weight in both Old and New Testaments. Originally named Abram (“exalted father”), God changed his name to Abraham (“father of many nations”) as a testament to the divine promise that he would become the patriarch of numerous nations. In the New Testament, Ἀβραάμ takes on additional significance as the archetype of justification by faith, with Paul extensively using Abraham’s example to demonstrate that righteousness comes through faith rather than works. The early church frequently referenced Abraham’s unwavering faith as a model for Christian believers, and his story continues to inspire faithful obedience and trust in God’s promises today.
N – Necessary Information
- Greek Word: Ἀβραάμ, Abraam, /ah-brah-AHM/
- Detailed pronunciation: ah (as in father) – brah (as in bracket) – AHM (as in calm)
- Part of Speech: Proper Noun
Etymology:
- Derived from Hebrew אַבְרָהָם (abraham)
- Ab (אב) – father
- Ram (רם) – exalted
- Hamon (המון) – of many/multitude (incorporated into name change)
D – Defining Meanings
- Primary meaning: Abraham, the patriarch of the Jewish nation
- Father of many nations
- The friend of God
- The father of faith
Translation Options:
- Abraham – Most common and recognized translation
- Avraham – Hebrew pronunciation
- Abraam – Direct transliteration preserving Greek form
- Father of Nations – Contextual translation reflecting meaning
R – Reviewing Morphology
As a proper noun:
- Case: Varies (Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative)
- Number: Singular
- Gender: Masculine
- Declension: Indeclinable
The name Ἀβραάμ is indeclinable in Greek, meaning it maintains the same form regardless of its grammatical function in the sentence. This is common for borrowed Hebrew names in Greek.
- Cross-references: Ἀβρααμιαῖος (Abraamiaios) – Abrahamic
S – Studying Lexicon Insights
The lexical significance of Ἀβραάμ extends beyond its simple definition as a proper name. BDAG emphasizes its theological importance as the archetypal figure of faith. Thayer’s highlights the etymology of the Hebrew original, connecting it to God’s covenant promise. LSJ notes its usage in Hellenistic Jewish literature. Vine’s expands on its spiritual significance in the New Testament, particularly in Paul’s epistles. Strong’s confirms its Hebrew origin. Moulton and Milligan document its usage in papyri, showing its importance in early Christian documents. The name consistently carries connotations of faith, covenant, and divine promise across lexical sources.
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T – Tracing Related Scriptures
First appearance:
Matthew 1:1 “The book of the genealogy of Jesus Messiah, the son of David, the son of [Abraham] [Ἀβραάμ].”
Additional References:
Matthew 1:2, Matthew 1:17, Luke 3:34, John 8:39, Acts 7:2, Romans 4:1, Galatians 3:7, Hebrews 6:15, James 2:23
A– Analyzing Classical Usage
| Author: Work | Text |
|---|---|
| Josephus: Antiquities | “And he who was the founder of their nation was [Abraham] [Ἀβραάμ], whose children were Jews.” |
| Philo: On Abraham | “This man [Abraham] [Ἀβραάμ] is spoken of by all as the wisest of men.” |
| Clement of Rome: First Epistle | “Was not [Abraham] [Ἀβραάμ] found faithful when tested?” |
N – Noteworthy Summary
Ἀβραάμ stands as a pivotal figure in biblical narrative, embodying the essence of faith and trust in God’s promises. His story demonstrates the transformative power of divine calling and the reality of justification by faith. The good news of King Jesus is prefigured in Abraham’s story, as through his seed came the promised Messiah who would bless all nations. Abraham’s example continues to inspire believers to step out in faith, trust God’s promises, and believe in His power to fulfill what seems impossible.
D – Did You Know?
- Abraham’s original name change from Abram to Abraham is reflected in both Hebrew and Greek texts, though the Greek maintains the same form Ἀβραάμ throughout.
- The name appears 73 times in the New Testament, demonstrating its theological significance.
- Abraham is the only biblical figure explicitly called “God’s friend” in both Old and New Testaments.
Note: While this entry strives for accuracy, readers engaged in critical research should verify citations independently. For Biblical citations, the F.O.G Bible project recommends Logos Bible software.
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