Ἀβιαθάρ (Abiathar)
Abiathar
Abiathar
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Abiathar, appearing only once in the Greek New Testament at Mark 2:26, refers to the high priest who served during King David’s early reign. The sources identify him as a priest in David's time and derive his name from Hebrew roots meaning "father of abundance."
Jesus invokes Abiathar’s name when discussing the legality of plucking grain on the Sabbath. By referencing this specific historical figure, the narrative anchors Jesus’ teaching in the recorded actions of David found in 1 Samuel 21, rather than in a general principle. This single mention serves as a crucial link between the Old Testament narrative and the New Testament debate over Sabbath observance.
Although Abiathar plays a larger role in the Hebrew Bible, his presence here is concise and functional. The text uses his name to validate David’s actions, showing that human need can take precedence over ritual restrictions. This brief allusion allows readers familiar with the Old Testament to recognize the precedent without requiring further explanation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When Jesus mentions Abiathar in Mark 2:26, He is pointing to a moment when human need overruled strict ritual rules. David and his men were hungry, so they ate bread reserved for priests. This story shows that God cares about people’s real struggles more than empty formalities.
This word reminds us that faith is not just about following laws perfectly. It is about trusting God’s heart. When life feels heavy or confusing, we can look to Jesus’ example. He values mercy and compassion above rigid traditions. This truth brings comfort when we face difficult choices.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Abiathar1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ἀβιαθὰρ1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 2:26
How he entered into God’s house at the time of Abiathar the high priest, and ate the show bread, which is not lawful to eat except for the priests, and gave also to those who were with him?”
This verse anchors Jesus' argument about the Sabbath by citing David's actions under Abiathar, showing that human necessity can override ceremonial restrictions.