Words matter. The words you speak are sounds with different frequencies. Scripture reveals that the world was created through sound and also that specific words can manifest physical beings. The importance of words play a vital role in the relationships we form and how we shape the world we live in. Words have meaning or definitions. It is therefore crucial that we are aware of the meaning or definition of the words we use. If we cannot agree on the definition of right and left there would be chaos and death on the roads. Other disagreements on definitions would be less fatal. Many may not agree that tomatoes are fruit but that can be regarded as knowledge backed by scientific evidence. The wise will however know not to put tomatoes in a fruit salad.
So, what is a father? Biologically we differentiate between female (xx chromosomes) and male (xy chromosomes) sexes. Any other word constructs derived from these basic constructs fall in the category of gender. Gender is however a subjective interpretation of the basic constructs.
The word “father” is a subjective gender interpretation of the basic construct of “male”. It is subjective because it is influenced by social, religious, personal preferences and experiences as well as other factors. A single mother, for example, fulfills, in many instances, the role of a father, while a male relative or friend can also fulfill the role of a father in the absence of one.
The word “father” implies there is a child and in this sense the word “father” indicates a specific relationship between the child and the “father”. What this relationship is depends on the definition of “father”. The biological definition can be verified with a DNA test. Other definitions are subject to social influences.
The most important definition however is your personal definition and it is based on that definition that you should consider honouring the father in your life.