Βαραββᾶς

Barabbas

Definition

Barabbas is a personal name meaning 'son of the father' or 'son of the teacher'. In the New Testament, he is exclusively identified as a notorious prisoner, a rebel and murderer who was released by Pontius Pilate instead of Jesus Christ (Matthew 27:16-26, Mark 15:7-15). The Gospel of Matthew specifically notes he was a 'notorious prisoner' (Matthew 27:16), and John 18:40 calls him a 'robber,' a term often associated with violent insurrectionists against Roman rule. His release at the Passover feast, as a custom, directly contrasts Jesus, the innocent 'Son of the Father,' being condemned to death.

Biblical Usage

The name Barabbas is used in the four Gospels solely within the Passion narrative, describing the prisoner released during Jesus's trial. All occurrences are in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke) and John, specifically in the dialogue between Pilate, the crowd, and the religious leaders. The usage pattern consistently highlights the choice presented to the Jerusalem crowd: to free Jesus, called the Christ, or Barabbas the insurrectionist (Matthew 27:17, 21). The crowd's demand for Barabbas's release directly leads to Jesus being handed over for crucifixion.

Etymology

The name Βαραββᾶς (Barabbas) is of Aramaic origin, a combination of 'bar' (בַּר), meaning 'son of,' and 'abba' (אַבָּא), meaning 'father.' It is a patronymic, literally 'son of the father.' This etymology creates a profound irony in the biblical narrative, as the crowd chooses a man whose name means 'son of the father' over Jesus, the true divine Son of the Father.

Semantic Range

Barabbas is profoundly significant theologically as a figure of substitution and redemption. His release embodies the Gospel message: the guilty is set free while the innocent takes his place. Jesus, the sinless Son of God, is condemned so that sinners, represented by the rebel Barabbas, can go free. This event powerfully illustrates the concept of penal substitutionary atonement. Understanding the meaning of his name ('son of the father') deepens the irony and highlights Jesus's unique identity as the true Son who dies for the sons of disobedience.

In the first-century Roman Judean context, figures like Barabbas were likely involved in violent resistance against Roman occupation. The term 'robber' (λῃστής) used in John 18:40 often referred to such insurgents, not merely thieves. The custom of releasing a prisoner at Passover (Mark 15:6) was a political gesture by Roman governors to maintain peace. The crowd's choice of a violent rebel over a peaceful teacher reveals the political tensions and messianic expectations of the time, expecting a militant deliverer rather than a suffering servant.

There are no direct synonyms for this proper name. Thematically, he is contrasted with: λῃστής (lēstēs, G3027) — a term used for Barabbas meaning 'robber' or 'insurrectionist'; and δεσμώτης (desmōtēs, G1198) — a more general term for 'prisoner' or 'bound one'.

Word Details

Scripture References