Βαρσαβᾶς (Barsabas)
Barsabas
Barsabbas
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Barsabbas is an Aramaic surname meaning "son of Sabba" or "son of Sabbas." It appears in the New Testament only twice, both within the book of Acts, attached to two different men who played significant roles in the early Christian community.
In Acts 1:23, Joseph surnamed Barsabbas is nominated alongside Matthias to replace Judas as an apostle. Later, in Acts 15:22, a man named Judas surnamed Barsabbas serves as a prophet and leader sent from Jerusalem to deliver the council's decision to the Gentile believers in Antioch. The repetition of this distinctive surname suggests it may have been a common family name or clan identifier among early Jewish Christians.
Translators consistently render the name as "Barsabbas" to preserve its Aramaic character, distinguishing these figures from others with similar Hebrew names like Joseph or Judas. The brief mentions highlight how ordinary believers carried important leadership responsibilities in the church's formative years.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Barsabbas appears only twice in the New Testament, yet it highlights a quiet truth about leadership in the early church. In Acts 1, Joseph surnamed Barsabbas is nominated to replace Judas, showing that faithful service was valued even when he was not ultimately chosen. Later, Judas surnamed Barsabbas carries the Jerusalem Council’s decision to Antioch, acting as a bridge between Jewish and Gentile believers.
These brief mentions remind us that God uses ordinary people for significant purposes. You do not need a famous title to serve faithfully. Whether you are called to lead, support, or simply listen, your willingness to obey matters deeply. The early church thrived because many were willing to step forward in humility and trust.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Barsabbas2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Βαρσαββᾶν2×
Key Verses
-
Acts 1:23
They put forward two: Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias.
This verse shows Joseph Barsabbas being considered for apostolic leadership, highlighting the value placed on faithful witness even when not selected.
-
Acts 15:22
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.
Here Judas Barsabbas acts as a key messenger, carrying the council’s decision to resolve tension between Jewish and Gentile Christians.