a name applied (1) to any ancestor (Deu 1:11; 1Ki 15:11; Mat 3:9; 23:30, etc.); and (2) as a title of respect to a chief, ruler, or elder, etc. (Jdg 17:10; 18:19; 1Sa 10:12; 2Ki 2:12; Mat 23:9, etc.). (3) The author or beginner of anything is also so called; e.g., Jabal and Jubal (Gen 4:20,21; Job 38:28). View

 Applied to God (Exd 4:22; Deu 32:6; 2Sa 7:14; Psa 89:27,28, etc.). (1.) As denoting his covenant relation to the Jews (Jer 31:9; Isa 63:16; 64:8; Jhn 8:41, etc.). View

 (2.) Believers are called God's "sons" (Jhn 1:12; Rom 8:16; Mat 6:4,8,15,18; 10:20,29). They also call him "Father" (Rom 1:7; 1Cr 1:3; 2Cr 1:2; Gal 1:4) View