{
  "id": "dict_001811",
  "term": "Everlasting Father",
  "slug": "everlasting-father",
  "letter": "E",
  "entry_type": "theological_term",
  "entry_family": "theological_term",
  "depth_profile": "standard",
  "short_definition": "“Everlasting Father” is a title in Isaiah 9:6 for the promised Messiah. It speaks of his enduring, fatherly rule and care for his people, not of Jesus being the same person as God the Father.",
  "simple_one_line": "",
  "tooltip_text": "",
  "aliases": [],
  "scripture_references": [],
  "original_language_terms": [],
  "related_entries": [],
  "see_also": [],
  "lede_intro": "",
  "at_a_glance_definition": "",
  "at_a_glance_key_points": [],
  "description_academic_short": "“Everlasting Father” appears in Isaiah 9:6 as part of the royal titles given to the coming Messiah. In conservative Christian interpretation, the title highlights his eternal nature and his protective, benevolent care toward his people. It should not be taken to confuse the Son with the Father within the Trinity.",
  "description_academic_full": "“Everlasting Father” is one of the names or titles given to the promised child in Isaiah 9:6. In evangelical interpretation, this text points to the Messiah and is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The expression does not mean that the Son is identical to God the Father; rather, it describes the Messiah as eternal and as one who rules and cares for his people with a father-like constancy, protection, and covenant faithfulness. Some explain the phrase as “Father of eternity,” emphasizing his relation to the age to come or his eternal kingship, while others stress the idea of a forever-fatherly ruler. The safest conclusion is that the title honors the Messiah’s eternal greatness and gracious care without collapsing the biblical distinction between the persons of the Trinity.",
  "background_biblical_context": "",
  "background_historical_context": "",
  "background_jewish_ancient_context": "",
  "key_texts_primary": [],
  "key_texts_secondary": [],
  "original_language_note": "",
  "theological_significance": "",
  "philosophical_explanation": "",
  "interpretive_cautions": "",
  "major_views_note": "",
  "doctrinal_boundaries": "",
  "practical_significance": "",
  "meta_description": "“Everlasting Father” is a title in Isaiah 9:6 for the promised Messiah. It speaks of his enduring, fatherly rule and care for his people, not of Jesus being the same person as God the Father.",
  "public_url": "/companion-bible-dictionary/everlasting-father/",
  "json_url": "/companion-bible-dictionary/data/dictionary/everlasting-father.json",
  "final_disposition": "PUBLISH_CANONICAL"
}