Ἀβραάμ (Abraam)
Abraam
Abraham
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 69 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Abraam is the Greek form of the Hebrew patriarch whose identity was transformed by God in Genesis 17. Its meaning, "father of a multitude," reflects the divine promise that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars. In the New Testament, this figure serves as the foundational ancestor for the Jewish people and the spiritual model for believers across traditions.
Lexical sources note that while the Greek text typically uses the form Abraam, variations like Abramos appear in certain manuscripts or historical documents. The name appears frequently in genealogies, such as Matthew 1:2, establishing Jesus’ lineage, and is cited often by Jesus Himself to discuss faith and covenant identity, as seen in John 8:39 where He addresses those claiming Abraham as their father.
The theological weight of the name extends beyond biological descent. In passages like Romans 4:16 and Galatians 3:7, the apostle Paul argues that true sonship is defined by faith rather than mere ancestry. This interpretation allows Gentile believers to be included in the promise made to Abraham, shifting the focus from ethnic lineage to shared trust in God’s word.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Abraam means "father of a multitude," a title given after God transformed his life with a promise that seemed impossible at the time. In the New Testament, this figure stands as the foundational ancestor for the Jewish people and a spiritual model for all believers. His story reminds us that God’s promises often begin in places of uncertainty, yet they lead to profound hope.
Jesus frequently references Abraham to clarify what it means to be part of God’s family. In passages like John 8:39, He points out that true sonship is shown through actions and faith, not just lineage. This invites us to look beyond our background or heritage and focus on the trust we place in God’s word today.
Whether you are tracing your own spiritual roots or seeking assurance of your place in God’s plan, Abraham’s journey offers a quiet encouragement. It shows that being counted as a child of faith is available to everyone who responds to God with sincerity and obedience.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 69 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Abraham26×
- of Abraham17×
- to Abraham7×
- Abraham;4×
- Abraham,4×
- of Abraham.3×
- Abraham.3×
- to Abraham.2×
- of Abraham,2×
- with Abraham1×
- to Abraham,1×
- of Abraham;1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ἀβραὰμ46×
- Ἀβραάμ.7×
- Ἀβραάμ,7×
- Ἀβραάμ·6×
- Ἀβραάμ6×
- Ἀβραάμ.¶1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 1:1
The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
This opening verse establishes Jesus’ legal lineage, connecting the Messiah directly to the covenant promises made to Abraham.
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John 8:39
They answered him, “Our father is Abraham.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would do the works of Abraham.
Jesus uses this moment to redefine spiritual identity, showing that true children of Abraham act with the same faith and integrity as their ancestor.
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Luke 16:22
The beggar died, and he was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried.
This vivid imagery places Abraham in a place of comfort, illustrating the final destiny of the faithful who have trusted God through this life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Abraam mean?
How is Abraham used in the New Testament?
Who are considered children of Abraham?
Every Occurrence (69 verses across 11 books)
Matthew 6 verses
The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
Matthew 1:2Abraham became the father of Isaac. Isaac became the father of Jacob. Jacob became the father of Judah and his brothers.
Matthew 1:17So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; from David to the exile to Babylon fourteen…
Matthew 3:9Don’t think to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father,’ for I tell you that God is able to raise up children to…
Matthew 8:11I tell you that many will come from the east and the west, and will sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the…
Matthew 22:32‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? God is not the God of the dead, but of the…