Βαριωνᾶς (Bariōnas)
Bariōnas
Bar-Jonah
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Bariōnas is an Aramaic title meaning "son of Jonah" that appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in Matthew 16:17. It functions as a surname for Simon Peter, distinguishing him by his father’s identity rather than his own.
This form reflects the Semitic naming convention where individuals were identified through their lineage, using the particle "bar" for son. The variation from Bar-Jonah to Bariōnas shows how Aramaic names were adapted into Greek phonology for early Christian audiences.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Bariōnas simply means "son of Jonah." In Matthew 16:17, Jesus uses it to address Simon Peter. This small detail reminds us that our spiritual insights do not come from human wisdom or family lineage. Flesh and blood cannot reveal deep truths about Christ.
Instead, these revelations come from God the Father. When we recognize Jesus as the Messiah, it is a gift of grace. We are not blessed because of our own cleverness, but because God chooses to open our eyes. This truth brings comfort, knowing that understanding faith relies on divine help rather than human effort.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Barjona!1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Βαριωνᾶ,1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 16:17
Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.
This verse highlights that spiritual insight is a direct gift from the Father, not a result of human reasoning.