Is often synonymous with ancestor, founder, or originator, as Genesis 4:20-21 John 8:56 Romans 4:16 . Joseph was a father to Pharoah, Genesis 45:8 , as his counselor and provider. God is the Deuteronomy 32:6 Isaiah 63:16 64:8 Luke 3:38 . But as we have forfeited the rights of children by our sins, it is only through Christ that we can call God by that endearing name, "our Father," John 20:17 Romans 8:15-17 .
In patriarchal times, a father was master and judge in his own household, and exercised and authority almost unlimited over his family. Filial disobedience or disrespect was a high offence. Under the law, certain acts of children were capital crimes, Exodus 21:15,17 Leviticus 20:9; and the father was required to bring his son to the public tribunal, Deuteronomy 21:18-21 . See MOTHER .