Βαρνάβας (Barnabas)
Barnabas
Barnabas
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 28 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
Barnabas is not a common noun with a dictionary definition, but a proper name that carries significant weight in the New Testament. It appears twenty-eight times, primarily in Acts and Paul’s letters, identifying Joses, a Levite from Cyprus who became one of the earliest and most trusted companions of the Apostle Paul.
The sources offer two distinct interpretations of the name’s origin. The book of Acts interprets it as "son of encouragement," linking it to his role as a comforter and supporter within the early church. However, linguistic evidence from inscriptions suggests a Semitic root meaning "son of Nebo," possibly altered in Greek to hide its pagan associations. This etymological detail highlights how early Christians often reshaped names to reflect their new spiritual identity.
His presence in Galatians and Acts underscores his importance as a bridge between Jewish and Gentile believers. Whether cited in the context of missionary journeys or church leadership, the name Barnabas serves as a historical marker for the collaborative nature of the early Christian movement, reminding readers that the spread of the gospel relied on partnership and mutual support.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Barnabas means "son of encouragement," a title that describes his role in the early church rather than just his biological heritage. When Saul was feared by other believers after his conversion, it was Barnabas who vouched for him and brought him to the apostles. This act shows how vital it is to stand with those who are new or misunderstood, offering them a safe place to grow in their faith.
Barnabas also served as a bridge between Jewish and Gentile believers, working alongside Paul to spread the gospel across different cultures. His life reminds us that Christian ministry is rarely a solo effort; it thrives on partnership and mutual support. Even when disagreements arose later, his commitment to encouraging others remained a defining feature of his witness.
In your own life, consider how you can be a source of encouragement to those around you. Whether by supporting a new believer or standing with a friend in difficulty, you reflect the heart of Barnabas when you help others feel valued and connected to God's people.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 28 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Barnabas24×
- to Barnabas1×
- of Barnabas,1×
- of Barnabas1×
- after Barnabas,1×
- Barnabas,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Βαρναβᾶς10×
- Βαρναβᾶν8×
- Βαρναβᾷ4×
- Βαρναβᾶ3×
- Βαρναβᾷ,2×
- Βαρνάβας1×
- Βαρναβᾶ,1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 9:27
But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles, and declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus.
Barnabas acts as a crucial advocate for Saul, vouching for his genuine conversion to skeptical apostles.
-
Acts 13:2
As they served the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Separate Barnabas and Saul for me, for the work to which I have called them.”
The Holy Spirit specifically sets apart Barnabas and Paul for missionary work, highlighting their shared calling.
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Acts 15:39
Then the contention grew so sharp that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus,
A sharp disagreement leads to Barnabas taking Mark on a separate journey, showing his dedication to mentoring younger believers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Barnabas mean?
Why is Barnabas important in the New Testament?
Did Barnabas and Paul always agree?
Every Occurrence (28 verses across 4 books)
Acts 23 verses
Joses, who by the apostles was also called Barnabas (which is, being interpreted, Son of Encouragement), a Levite, a…
Acts 9:27But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles, and declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the way, and…
Acts 11:22The report concerning them came to the ears of the assembly which was in Jerusalem. They sent out Barnabas to go as far…
Acts 11:25Barnabas went out to Tarsus to look for Saul.
Acts 11:30which they also did, sending it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
Acts 12:25Barnabas and Saul returned to Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their service, also taking with them John who was…
Acts 13:1Now in the assembly that was at Antioch there were some prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger,…
Acts 13:2As they served the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Separate Barnabas and Saul for me, for the work to which I…
Acts 13:7who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of understanding. This man summoned Barnabas and Saul, and sought to…
Acts 13:43Now when the synagogue broke up, many of the Jews and of the devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas; who,…
Acts 13:46Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, and said, “It was necessary that God’s word should be spoken to you first. Since…
Acts 13:50But the Jews stirred up the devout and prominent women and the chief men of the city, and stirred up a persecution…
Acts 14:12They called Barnabas “Jupiter”, and Paul “Mercury”, because he was the chief speaker.
Acts 14:14But when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of it, they tore their clothes and sprang into the multitude, crying…
Acts 14:20But as the disciples stood around him, he rose up, and entered into the city. On the next day he went out with Barnabas…
Acts 15:2Therefore when Paul and Barnabas had no small discord and discussion with them, they appointed Paul, Barnabas, and some…
Acts 15:12All the multitude kept silence, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul reporting what signs and wonders God had done…
Acts 15:22Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole assembly, to choose men out of their company, and…
Acts 15:25it seemed good to us, having come to one accord, to choose out men and send them to you with our beloved Barnabas and…
Acts 15:35But Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.
Acts 15:36After some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s return now and visit our brothers in every city in which we proclaimed…
Acts 15:37Barnabas planned to take John, who was called Mark, with them also.
Acts 15:39Then the contention grew so sharp that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to…