Βαραββᾶς
Barabbas
Barabbas
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word Βαραββᾶς, Barabbas, is a personal name that appears 11 times in the New Testament. Its meaning is simply "son of the father" or "son of the chief" in Hebrew and Aramaic, with the name Barabbas likely derived from the Aramaic words "bar" meaning "son" and "abba" or "rab" meaning "father" or "chief". Barabbas is significant in the Bible as the main character in a pivotal event in the Passion narrative of Jesus. According to the Gospel accounts, he is a prisoner who is released by the Roman governor Pontius Pilate as part of the celebrations for the Passover. In its usage, Barabbas is not mentioned outside of the New Testament, suggesting that the name holds significance specifically within the context of early Christianity. Its 11 occurrences in the Bible are all in the Gospels, primarily in the accounts of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. In these contexts, Barabbas represents a choice between Christ and a common prisoner, underscoring the complexity and gravity of the circumstances surrounding Jesus' crucifixion.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
11 total occurrences across the text
They had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.
Matthew 27:17When therefore they were gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus, who is called Christ?”
Matthew 27:20Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the multitudes to ask for Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.
Matthew 27:21But the governor answered them, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” They said, “Barabbas!”
Matthew 27:26Then he released to them Barabbas, but Jesus he flogged and delivered to be crucified.
Mark 15:7There was one called Barabbas, bound with his fellow insurgents, men who in the insurrection had committed murder.
Mark 15:11But the chief priests stirred up the multitude, that he should release Barabbas to them instead.
Mark 15:15Pilate, wishing to please the multitude, released Barabbas to them, and handed over Jesus, when he had flogged him, to be crucified.
Luke 23:18But they all cried out together, saying, “Away with this man! Release to us Barabbas!”—
John 18:40Then they all shouted again, saying, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber.
John 18:40Then they all shouted again, saying, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber.