Ἀβραάμ – Pronunciation Guide: ah-brah-AHM (emphasis on final syllable)
Basic Definition
Strong’s G11: Abraham, the Hebrew patriarch chosen by Yahweh to become the father of many nations through whom the divine promise of blessing to all peoples would be fulfilled. This Greek form represents the standard New Testament rendering of the Hebrew name אַבְרָהָם (Abraham).
Word Study
- Part of Speech: Proper Noun
- Origin: Hebrew name אַבְרָהָם (Abraham) through Greek transliteration
- Root Components: From Hebrew אָב (av, “father”) + המון (hamon, “multitude”)
Morphology:
- Nominative: Ἀβραάμ (Abraham)
- Genitive: Ἀβραάμ (of Abraham)
- Dative: Ἀβραάμ (to/for Abraham)
- Accusative: Ἀβραάμ (Abraham as object)
Word Origin & History
The Greek Ἀβραάμ represents a direct transliteration of the Hebrew name אַבְרָהָם, which was divinely given to Abram (אַבְרָם) in Genesis 17:5. The name change symbolized Yahweh’s covenant promise that Abraham would become “father of many nations.”
In Hellenistic Jewish literature, particularly in the works of Philo of Alexandria and Josephus, Abraham was frequently portrayed as a model of wisdom and faithfulness, demonstrating the name’s significance beyond its Hebrew origins into Greek-speaking Jewish and early Christian contexts.
Biblical Usage
In the New Testament, Ἀβραάμ appears 73 times, particularly concentrated in key theological passages discussing faith, covenant, and salvation history. The name features prominently in genealogies establishing Jesus’ Messianic credentials and in theological arguments about justification by faith.
Key Passages:
- Romans 4:1-3 – Abraham’s faith as paradigm for justification
- Galatians 3:6-9 – Abraham as father of all who believe
- Hebrews 11:8-19 – Abraham’s exemplary faith
Cultural Insights
In the first-century Mediterranean world, Abraham’s name carried immense cultural weight, serving as a point of identity for Jews, early Christians, and later Muslims. Archaeological evidence from the period shows the popularity of the name “Abraham” and its variants among Jewish communities, reflecting the patriarch’s elevated status.
The frequent New Testament references to Abraham often challenged contemporary Jewish assumptions about hereditary privileges, redefining true children of Abraham as those who share his faith rather than merely his DNA.
Theological Significance
Abraham’s name encapsulates the divine promise of blessing through election and covenant. The New Testament’s use of Ἀβραάμ consistently emphasizes faith as the defining characteristic of Abraham’s relationship with Yahweh, establishing him as the spiritual father of all believers.
The transformation from Abram to Abraham represents a pivotal moment in salvation history, marking the establishment of the covenant through which the Messiah would ultimately come. This name change became a theological touchstone for discussing divine transformation and the power of God’s promises.
Personal Application
Abraham’s journey of faith calls believers to trust God’s promises even when circumstances seem impossible. His example encourages us to step out in faith, knowing that God’s promises, though sometimes delayed, are always fulfilled in His perfect timing.
Just as Abraham’s name carried the weight of promise, we too are called to live in light of our new identity in the Messiah, embracing the transformation that comes through faith.
Related Words
- πατήρ (father) – See G3962
- πιστεύω (believe) – See G4100
- σπέρμα (seed/offspring) – See G4690
- διαθήκη (covenant) – See G1242
Did You Know?
- The name Abraham appears more frequently in the New Testament than any other Old Testament figure except Moses
- Early Christian catacomb art often depicted Abraham’s near-sacrifice of Isaac as a prefigurement of Christ’s sacrifice
- The Greek form Ἀβραάμ maintains the exact consonantal pattern of the Hebrew name, showing careful preservation in translation
Remember This
“In Abraham’s name, we see God’s pattern: He chooses the unlikely to accomplish the impossible, transforming both their identity and destiny through faith.”
