The Proper Name of the CREATOR
Part 8A: How the Term “Father” Is Used in the Gospels
By Ken Burns
The article titled “The Proper Name of the CREATOR: Part 5” discussed the places
in the Old Testament where the term “father” was used of the CREATOR. This
present article, and several following it, discuss where and how the term
“father” is used in the Gospels.
In considering the use of the term “father” in the New Testament, we must keep
in mind that the oldest, publicly-known, Greek manuscripts of the New Testament
were written in all capital letters. [E.g., see the following page containing
John 1:1ff. in the Bodmer papyrus manuscript “P66” dated about 200 A.D. from
"Bible Pages by Wieland Willker" (http://www-user.uni-bremen.de/~wie/texte/P66-1.jpg).]
So, whenever the term “father” occurs with a capital “F” anywhere in an English
New Testament, there is no manuscript authority for the capitalization of that
letter. Rather, the capitalization reflects the opinion of the translators,
based on their views of English grammar and theology.
In order to make possible a thorough understanding of how the term “father” is
used in the Gospels, I will now present a list of “categories of usages” of the
term “father.” The texts of all the relevant verses are presented for ease of
reference.
Categories of Usages of “Father” in the Gospels
1. The Term “Father” As a Form of Address
1.1. Jesus’s Use of “Father” Directed toward the CREATOR:
1.1.1. “Abba, Father”
And he said, Abba, Father, all things [are] possible unto thee; take away this
cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt. (Mark 14:36)
1.1.2. “Father”
Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight. (Matt. 11:26)
[E]ven so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight. (Luke 10:21b)
Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my
will, but thine, be done. (Luke 22:42)
Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. (Luke
23:34a)
And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I
commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost. (Luke 23:46)
And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast
heard me. (John 11:41b)
Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour:
but for this cause came I unto this hour. (John 12:27)
Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have
both glorified it, and will glorify it again. (John 12:28)
These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the
hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: (John 17:1)
That they all may be one; as thou, Father, [art] in me, and I in thee, that they
also may be one in us: (John 17:21a)
Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am;
(John 17:24a)
1.1.3. “Holy Father”
Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that
they may be one, as we [are]. (John 17:11b)
1.1.4. “O Father”
At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and
earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast
revealed them unto babes. (Matt. 11:25)
In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of
heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and
hast revealed them unto babes: (Luke 10:21a)
And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I
had with thee before the world was. (John 17:5)
1.1.5. “O my Father”
And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my
Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I
will, but as thou wilt. (Matt. 26:39)
He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup
may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. (Matt. 26:42)
1.1.6. “O righteous Father”
O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and
these have known that thou hast sent me. (John 17:25)
1.1.7. “Our Father”
After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be
thy name. (Matt. 6:9)
And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name. (Luke 11:2a)
1.2. Jesus’s Use of “Father” Directed toward Someone Other Than the CREATOR
1.2.1. “Father”
And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods
that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. (Luke 15:12)
I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned
against heaven, and before thee, (Luke 15:18)
And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy
sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. (Luke 15:21)
Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my
father's house: (Luke 16:27)
1.2.2. “Father Abraham”
And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that
he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am
tormented in this flame. (Luke 16:24)
And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they
will repent. (Luke 16:30)
2. The Terms “His Father” and “His Father’s”
2.1. Jesus’ Use of the Term “His Father” Regarding the CREATOR
For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and
then he shall reward every man according to his works. (Matt. 16:27)
Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous
and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he
cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. (Mark 8:38)
2.2. Jesus’ Use of the Term “His Father” Regarding Someone Other Than the
CREATOR
For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter
against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. (Matt.
10:35)
But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by
whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; (Matt. 15:5)
And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the
commandment of God of none effect by your tradition. (Matt. 15:6)
Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first.
Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots
go into the kingdom of God before you. (Matt. 21:31)
But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to
say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free.
(Mark 7:11)
And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother; (Mark 7:12)
And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he
said, Of a child. (Mark 9:21)
For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife;
(Mark 10:7)
And as he was yet a coming, the devil threw him down, and tare him. And Jesus
rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and delivered him again to his
father. (Luke 9:42)
If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and
children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my
disciple. (Luke 14:26)
And he [the younger son of a certain man] arose, and came to his father. But
when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and
ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. (Luke 15:20)
And he [the younger son of a certain man] was angry, and would not go in:
therefore came his father out, and intreated him. (Luke 15:28)
And he [the elder son of a certain man] answering said to his father, Lo, these
many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment:
and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:
(Luke 15:29)
2.3. The Use of the Term “His Father” by Others
But when he [Joseph] heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his
father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God
in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee: (Matt. 2:22)
[The angel said to Mary about Jesus:] He shall be great, and shall be called the
Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his
father David: (Luke 1:32)
And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they [her (Elisabeth’s) neighbours
and her cousins] came to circumcise the child [John the Baptist]; and they
called him Zacharias, after the name of his father. (Luke 1:59)
And they [her (Elisabeth’s) neighbours and her cousins] made signs to his [John
the Baptist’s] father, how he would have him called. (Luke 1:62)
And his [John the Baptist’s] father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost,
and prophesied, saying, (Luke 1:67)
Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken
the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with
God. (John 5:18)
2.4. The Use of the Term “His Father’s” by Jesus Regarding the CREATOR
For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of
man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of
the holy angels. (Luke 9:26)
3. The Use of the Terms “My Father,” “My Father’s,” and “My Heavenly Father”
3.1. The Use of the Term “My Father”
3.1.1. Jesus’ Use of the Term “My Father”
3.1.1.1. Jesus’ Use of the Term “My Father” by Itself (i.e., without “which
is in heaven”)
All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but
the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to
whomsoever the Son will reveal him. (Matt. 11:27)
And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with
the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my
left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared
of my Father. (Matt. 20:23)
But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my
Father only. (Matt. 24:36)
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my
Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
(Matt. 25:34)
Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give
me more than twelve legions of angels? (Matt. 26:53)
All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is,
but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will
reveal him. (Luke 10:22)
And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; (Luke
22:29)
And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city
of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. (Luke 24:49)
But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. (John 5:17)
Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not
that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.
(John 6:32)
And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it
were given unto him of my Father. (John 6:65)
Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know
me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also.
(John 8:19)
Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye
know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught
me, I speak these things. (John 8:28)
I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen
with your father. (John 8:38)
Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour
me. (John 8:49)
Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that
honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God: (John 8:54)
Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take
it again. (John 10:17)
No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it
down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my
Father. (John 10:18)
My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck
them out of my Father's hand. (John 10:29)
I and my Father are one. (John 10:30)
Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which
of those works do ye stone me? (John 10:32)
If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. (John 10:37)
If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my
servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour. (John 12:26)
If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye
know him, and have seen him. (John 14:7)
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do
shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my
Father. (John 14:12)
At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.
(John 14:20)
He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he
that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will
manifest myself to him. (John 14:21)
Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and
my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
(John 14:23)
Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye
loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father
is greater than I. (John 14:28)
I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. (John 15:1)
Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my
disciples. (John 15:8)
Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord
doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my
Father I have made known unto you. (John 15:15)
He that hateth me hateth my Father also. (John 15:23)
If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not
had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father. (John
15:24)
Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; (John 16:10)
Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my
Father hath given me, shall I not drink it? (John 18:11)
Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but
go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father;
and to my God, and your God. (John 20:17)
Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me,
even so send I you. (John 20:21)
3.1.1.2. Jesus’ Use of the Expression “My Father which is in heaven”
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of
heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. (Matt. 7:21)
Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before
my Father which is in heaven. (Matt. 10:32)
But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father
which is in heaven. (Matt. 10:33)
For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my
brother, and sister, and mother. (Matt. 12:50)
And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh
and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
(Matt. 16:17)
Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That
in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in
heaven. (Matt. 18:10)
Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any
thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in
heaven. (Matt. 18:19)
3.1.2. The Use of the Term “My Father” by Others
And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury
my father. (Matt. 8:21)
And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go
and bury my father. (Luke 9:59)
3.2. The Use of the Term “My Father’s”
3.2.1. Jesus’ Use of the Term “My Father’s”
But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until
that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom. (Matt. 26:29)
And he [Jesus] said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I
must be about my Father's business? (Luke 2:49)
And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my
Father's house an house of merchandise. (John 2:16)
I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in
his own name, him ye will receive. (John 5:43)
Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my
Father's name, they bear witness of me. (John 10:25)
My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck
them out of my Father's hand. (John 10:29)
In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told
you. I go to prepare a place for you. (John 14:2)
If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my
Father's commandments, and abide in his love. (John 15:10)
3.2.2. The Use of the Term “My Father’s” by Others
And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's
have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! (Luke 15:17)
Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my
father's house: (Luke 16:27)
3.3. Jesus’ Use of the Term “My Heavenly Father”
But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not
planted, shall be rooted up. (Matt. 15:13)
So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts
forgive not every one his brother their trespasses. (Matt. 18:35)
4. The Terms “The Father,” “The Father’s,” “The Living Father,” and “The
Fathers”
4.1. The Term “The Father”
4.1.1. Jesus’ Use of the Term “The Father”
4.1.1.1. Jesus’ Use of the Term “The Father” with Reference to the CREATOR
All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but
the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to
whomsoever the Son will reveal him. (Matt. 11:27)
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: (Matt. 28:19)
But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in
heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. (Mark 13:32)
All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is,
but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will
reveal him. (Luke 10:22)
Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither
in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. (John 4:21)
But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the
Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. (John
4:23)
Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son
can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things
soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. (John 5:19)
For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth:
and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel. (John 5:20)
For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son
quickeneth whom he will. (John 5:21)
For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:
(John 5:22)
That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that
honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. (John 5:23)
For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life
in himself; (John 5:26)
I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just;
because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.
(John 5:30)
But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father
hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the
Father hath sent me. (John 5:36)
And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have
neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape. (John 5:37)
Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth
you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. (John 5:45)
Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto
everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the
Father sealed.* (John 6:27);
[[* The word order in the Greek text of the latter
part of John 6:27 suggests a different translation. (I have added a literal
English translation under each Greek word for clarity.)
John 6:27b:
touton gar
ho pater esphragisen
ho theos
this [one] for
the Father sealed
the God
The American Standard Version translates this section of the
verse as follows:
John 6:27b:
for him the Father, even God, hath sealed]]
All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will
in no wise cast out. (John 6:37)
No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will
raise him up at the last day. (John 6:44)
It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man
therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. (John
6:45)
Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the
Father. (John 6:46)
As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth
me, even he shall live by me. (John 6:57)
And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the
Father that sent me. (John 8:16)
I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth
witness of me. (John 8:18)
They understood not that he spake to them of the Father. (John 8:27)
And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do
always those things that please him. (John 8:29)
As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for
the sheep. (John 10:15)
Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou
blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God? (John 10:36)
But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and
believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him. (John 10:38)
For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a
commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. (John 12:49)
And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak
therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak. (John 12:50)
Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come
that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own
which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. (John 13:1)
Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he
was come from God, and went to God; (John 13:3)
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto
the Father, but by me. (John 14:6)
Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not
known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou
then, Shew us the Father? (John 14:9)
Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that
I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he
doeth the works. (John 14:10)
Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for
the very works' sake. (John 14:11)
And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be
glorified in the Son. (John 14:13)
And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may
abide with you for ever; (John 14:16)
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my
name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance,
whatsoever I have said unto you. (John 14:26)
Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye
loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father
is greater than I. (John 14:28)
But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me
commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence. (John 14:31)
As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. (John
15:9)
Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should
go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye
shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. (John 15:16)
But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even
the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
(John 15:26)
And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father,
nor me. (John 16:3)
All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take
of mine, and shall shew it unto you. (John 16:15)
A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall
see me, because I go to the Father. (John 16:16)
Then said some of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he saith
unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and
ye shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father? (John 16:17)
And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you,
Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. (John 16:23)
These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I
shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the
Father. (John 16:25)
At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray
the Father for you: (John 16:26)
For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed
that I came out from God. (John 16:27)
I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the
world, and go to the Father. (John 16:28)
Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man
to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father
is with me. (John 16:32)
4.1.1.2. Jesus’ Use of the Term “The Father” Regarding Someone Other Than the
CREATOR
And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child:
and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put
to death. (Matt. 10:21)
Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and
children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to
death. (Mark 13:12)
The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the
mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in
law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in
law. (Luke 12:23)
But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on
him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: (Luke 15:22)
Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was
a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no
truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar,
and the father of it. (John 8:44)
4.1.2. The Term “The Father” Used by Someone Other Than Jesus
4.1.2.1. The Term “The Father” Used of the CREATOR by Someone Other Than
Jesus
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the
glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. (John
1:14)
No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom
of the Father, he hath declared him. (John 1:18)
[John the Baptist said:] The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things
into his hand. (John 3:35)
They understood not that he spake to them of the Father. (John 8:27)
Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. (John
14:8)
4.1.2.2. “The Father” Used of Someone Other Than the CREATOR by Someone Other
than Jesus
And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the
father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth
in where the damsel was lying. (Mark 5:40)
And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I
believe; help thou mine unbelief. (Mark 9:24)
And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country,
the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross. (Mark 15:21)
And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and
James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden. (Luke 8:51)
So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto
him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house. (John 4:53)
4.2. Jesus’ Use of the Term “The Father’s” Regarding the CREATOR
And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath
given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.
(John 6:39)
He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not
mine, but the Father's which sent me. (John 14:24)
4.3. Jesus’ Use of the Term “The living Father” Regarding the CREATOR
As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth
me, even he shall live by me. (John 6:57)
4.4. “The Fathers”
4.4.1. Jesus’s Use of the Term “The Fathers”
Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of
the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man. (John 7:22)
4.4.2. The Use of the Term “The Fathers” by Someone Other Than Jesus
And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts
of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just;
to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. (Luke 1:17)
5. The Use of the Term “Thy Father”
5.1. Jesus’ Use of the Term “Thy Father”
5.1.1. Jesus’s Use of the Term “Thy Father” Regarding the CREATOR
That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself
shall reward thee openly. (Matt. 6:4)
But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy
door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in
secret shall reward thee openly. (Matt. 6:6)
That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret:
and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly. (Matt. 6:18)
5.1.2. Jesus’ Use of the Term “Thy Father” of Someone Other Than the CREATOR
For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth
father or mother, let him die the death. (Matt. 15:4)
Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
(Matt. 19:19)
For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or
mother, let him die the death: (Mark 7:10)
Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not
steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.
(Mark 10:19)
And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted
calf, because he hath received him safe and sound. (Luke 15:27)
Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not
steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother. (Luke 18:20)
5.2. The Use of the Term “Thy Father” by Someone Other Than Jesus
And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why
hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee
sorrowing. (Luke 2:48)
Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know
me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also.
(John 8:19)
6. The Terms “Our Father” and “Our Fathers”
6.1. The Term “Our Father”
6.1.1. The Term “Our Father” Used by Jesus Regarding the CREATOR (See also
1.1.7 above)
After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be
thy name. (Matt. 6:9)
And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in
earth. (Luke 11:2)
6.1.2. “Our Father” Used by Someone Other Than Jesus of Someone Other Than
the CREATOR
And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say
unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
(Matt. 3:9)
Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord:
Hosanna in the highest. (Mark 11:10)
The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, (Luke 1:73)
Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within
yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able
of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. (Luke 3:8)
Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank
thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle? (John 4:12)
They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them,
If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham. (John 8:39)
Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are
dead: whom makest thou thyself? (John 8:53)
6.2 The Term “Our Fathers”
6.2.1. Jesus’ Use of the Term “Our Fathers”
And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been
partakers with them in the blood of the prophets. (Matt. 23:30)
6.2.2. The Term “Our Fathers” Used by Someone Other Than Jesus
As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever. (Luke 1:55)
To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant;
(Luke 1:72)
Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the
place where men ought to worship. (John 4:20)
Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread
from heaven to eat. (John 6:31)
7. The Terms “Your Father,” “Your Father’s,” “Your heavenly Father,” and
“Your Fathers”
7.1. The Use of the Term “Your Father”
7.1.1. Jesus’ Use of the Term “Your Father”
7.1.1.1. Jesus’ Use of the Term “Your Father” Regarding the CREATOR
7.1.1.1.1. Jesus’ Use of the Term “Your Father Which Is in Heaven” Regarding
the CREATOR
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and
glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matt. 5:16)
That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his
sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the
unjust. (Matt. 5:45)
Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
(Matt. 5:48)
Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye
have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. (Matt. 6:1)
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much
more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
(Matt. 7:11)
Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these
little ones should perish. (Matt. 18:14)
And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in
heaven (Matt. 23:9)
And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your
Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. (Mark 11:25)
But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive
your trespasses. (Mark 11:26)
7.1.1.1.2. Jesus’ Use of “Your Father” of the CREATOR without “Which Is in
Heaven”
Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have
need of, before ye ask him. (Matt. 6:8)
But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive
your trespasses. (Matt. 6:15)
For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in
you. (Matt. 10:20)
Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the
ground without your Father. (Matt. 10:29)
And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in
heaven. (Matt. 23:9)
Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. (Luke 6:36)
For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father
knoweth that ye have need of these things. (Luke 12:30)
Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but
go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father;
and to my God, and your God. (John 20:17)
7.1.1.2. Jesus’ Use of the Term “Your Father” of Someone Other Than the
CREATOR
I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen
with your father. (John 8:38)
Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of
fornication; we have one Father, even God. (John 8:41)
Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded
forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me. (John 8:42)
Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was
a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no
truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar,
and the father of it. (John 8:44)
Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. (John
8:56)
7.2. Jesus’ Use of the Term “Your Father’s” Regarding the CREATOR
Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the
kingdom. (Luke 12:32)
7.3. Jesus’ Use of the Term “Your heavenly Father”
For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive
you: (Matt. 6:14)
Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather
into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than
they? (Matt. 6:26)
(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father
knoweth that ye have need of all these things. (Matt. 6:32)
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much
more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? (Luke
11:13)
7.4. Jesus’ Use of the Term “Your Fathers”
Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers. (Matt. 23:32)
Woe unto you! for ye build the sepulchres of the prophets, and your fathers
killed them. (Luke 11:47)
Truly ye bear witness that ye allow the deeds of your fathers: for they indeed
killed them, and ye build their sepulchres. (Luke 11:48)
Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. (John 6:49)
This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat
manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever. (John
6:58)
8. The Use of the Terms “Their Father” and “Their Fathers”
8.1. The Use of the Term “Their Father”
8.1.1. Jesus’ Use of the Term “Their Father” Regarding the CREATOR
Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father.
Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. (Matt. 13:43)
8.1.2. The Use of the Term “Their Father” by Someone Other Than Jesus
And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee,
and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets;
and he called them. (Matt. 4:21)
And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him. (Matt.
4:22)
And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship
with the hired servants, and went after him. (Mark 1:20)
8.2. Jesus’ Use of the Term “Their Fathers”
Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in
heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets. (Luke 6:23)
Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to
the false prophets. (Luke 6:26)
9. Jesus’ Use of the Term “Father” by Itself Regarding Someone Other Than the
CREATOR
He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that
loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. (Matt. 10:37)
For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth
father or mother, let him die the death. (Matt. 15:4)
And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave
to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? (Matt. 19:5)
And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or
mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an
hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. (Matt. 19:29)
For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or
mother, let him die the death: (Mark 7:10)
And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath
left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children,
or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, (Mark 10:29)
10. The Terms “A Father,” “One Father,” and “Father in Law”
10.1. The Term “A Father”
If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a
stone? or if [he ask] a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? (Luke
11:11)
10.2. The Term “One Father”
Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of
fornication; we have one Father, even God. (John 8:41)
10.3. The Term “Father in Law”
And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was
the high priest that same year. (John 18:13)
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(Bolding was added to the verses above to highlight the relevant terms. The
outline scheme was chosen for ease of translation with the various email
programs.)
If upon review you discover that I have overlooked or mis-categorized any
verses, please let me know.
In GOD’s love,
Ken Burns
[Please feel free to share the article
above with anyone, as long as you send the material in its entirety, unedited,
and include my name and contact email address along with it:
Ken Burns
kenNO-SPAMburns@hawaii.rr.com.
(Just remove the "NO-SPAM", leaving kenburns@ . . ., to send me a message.)
Thanks and GOD bless you. Your comments would be appreciated.]
