Βαρσαβᾶς
Barsabas
Barsabbas
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word Βαρσαβᾶς (Barsabas) is a proper name, specifically a personal name, as indicated by its classification in the semantic domain. It is recorded three times in the Bible, suggesting that the individual named Barsabas held some significance in the early Christian community. The name Barsabas likely has its roots in Aramaic or Hebrew, with the name possibly being derived from the word "bar" meaning "son of" and a personal name such as Sabbas or Sabas. This etymology would place Barsabas as a name that signifies a familial or ancestral connection. Given its limited occurrences in the Bible, the significance of the name Barsabas lies in its association with the early Christian community, specifically in the context of choosing Matthias to replace Judas Iscariot as one of the twelve apostles (Acts 1:23).
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
3 total occurrences across the text
Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole assembly, to choose men out of their company, and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas: Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, chief men among the brothers.
Acts 15:27We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who themselves will also tell you the same things by word of mouth.
Acts 15:32Judas and Silas, also being prophets themselves, encouraged the brothers with many words and strengthened them.