Understanding Βαριησοῦ (Bariesou) Strong’s G919: The False Prophet Who Opposed Paul and Reveals Spiritual Warfare in the Early Church

Pronunciation Guide: bah-ree-ay-SOO

Basic Definition

Strong’s G919: Βαριησοῦ (Bariesou) is a proper name referring to a Jewish false prophet and sorcerer encountered by Paul and Barnabas on the island of Cyprus. The name literally means “son of Jesus/Joshua” (Bar-Jesus), though he was also called Elymas. He opposed the apostles’ efforts to share the gospel with the Roman proconsul Sergius Paulus, revealing the spiritual opposition faced by early Christian missionaries.

Etymology and Morphology

• Proper noun – Personal name
• Aramaic and Hebrew origin (compound name)
• First component: בַּר (bar) – “son of” (Aramaic)
• Second component: יֵשׁוּעַ (Yeshua) – “Jesus/Joshua” (Hebrew) meaning “Yahweh saves”
• Used in narrative literature (Acts)
• Appears only once in the New Testament

Βαριησοῦ Morphology:

• Βαριησοῦ (nominative singular) – Bar-Jesus, as the subject
• Βαριησοῦ (genitive singular) – of Bar-Jesus
• Βαριησοῦ (accusative singular) – Bar-Jesus, as the object

Origin & History

The name Βαριησοῦ (Bariesou) combines the Aramaic word בַּר (bar) meaning “son of” with the Hebrew name יֵשׁוּעַ (Yeshua), the same name given to the Messiah. This naming convention was common in first-century Palestine, where a person would be identified as “son of” their father. The irony in this case is striking – a man opposing the gospel message while bearing a name that connects him to “salvation.”

In Acts 13:8, Luke notes that he was also known as “Elymas,” which likely derives from the Arabic word ‘alim meaning “wise” or “sage,” suggesting he presented himself as a wise man or magician. The dual naming reflects the multicultural environment of Cyprus during the Roman period, where Greek, Aramaic, Hebrew, and Latin influences converged.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A Jewish false prophet and magician on the island of Cyprus
• An advisor to the Roman proconsul Sergius Paulus
• An opponent of early Christian missionary efforts
• A practitioner of sorcery or magical arts
• A representative of spiritual opposition to the gospel

Βαριησοῦ Translation Options:

• Bar-Jesus – The most literal translation preserving the Aramaic-Hebrew construction
• Son of Jesus/Joshua – Translating the meaning rather than transliterating
• Bar-Yeshua – Alternative transliteration preserving more of the Hebrew pronunciation
• Elymas the Sorcerer – Using his alternative name provided in Acts 13:8, which emphasizes his claimed magical abilities

Biblical Usage

Βαριησοῦ appears exclusively in Acts 13:6, during Paul’s first missionary journey. The encounter with this false prophet represents a pivotal moment in early Christian mission work, as it depicts direct confrontation between the power of the Holy Spirit and the deceptive practices of pagan spirituality. This confrontation resulted in the temporary blinding of Βαριησοῦ and the conversion of the Roman proconsul, marking a significant victory for the gospel message in a Gentile context.

The narrative presents Βαριησοῦ as an influential figure in the court of Sergius Paulus, using his position to oppose the Christian message. His temporary blindness served as both judgment and sign, demonstrating the superior power of the God whom Paul and Barnabas represented.

• “When they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they found a certain magician, a Jewish false prophet named Βαριησοῦ [Bar-Jesus].” Acts 13:6
• “But Elymas the magician (for so his name is translated) was opposing them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith.” Acts 13:8

Cultural Insights

The presence of a Jewish magician in the court of a Roman official reveals the complex religious landscape of the first-century Mediterranean world. Roman officials often surrounded themselves with advisors from various religious and philosophical traditions, including astrologers, diviners, and those claiming supernatural powers. These individuals gained influence by offering guidance on matters of state and personal decisions.

The Jewish prohibition against sorcery and divination (Deuteronomy 18:10-12) makes Βαριησοῦ’s practice particularly troubling, as he was violating Torah while claiming to be a prophet. His presence in Cyprus also highlights the Jewish diaspora throughout the Roman Empire, where Jewish individuals sometimes adopted syncretistic practices that blended their ancestral faith with local magical traditions. The Roman historian Pliny noted that many magicians claimed Jewish origin, suggesting this phenomenon was recognized in the ancient world.

Theological Significance

The encounter with Βαριησοῦ illuminates the spiritual warfare dimension of early Christian mission work. Paul’s rebuke in Acts 13:10 is particularly revealing, as he calls him “son of the devil” and “enemy of all righteousness” – a stark contrast to his name meaning “son of salvation.” This demonstrates how false teachers can claim connection to truth while actually opposing it, a theme echoed in Yeshua’s warnings about false prophets who would come in His name (Matthew 7:15).

The temporary blindness inflicted on Βαριησοῦ serves as both judgment and mercy – judgment in that it demonstrated the consequences of opposing God’s work, but mercy in that it was temporary and potentially an opportunity for repentance. This reflects יהוה’s character of both justice and compassion, punishing sin while providing opportunity for restoration. The passage also demonstrates the sovereign power of God over spiritual forces that oppose His kingdom, reinforcing that no magical arts or deception can ultimately prevail against His purposes.

Personal Application

When we encounter opposition to our faith or ministry, the story of Βαριησοῦ reminds us to discern the spiritual dynamics at work. Not all resistance is merely human – sometimes there are spiritual forces operating through individuals who may even use religious language or positions of influence to oppose God’s truth. Like Paul, we need Holy Spirit-empowered discernment to recognize when someone is “full of all deceit and fraud” (Acts 13:10).

This account also reminds us of the transformative power of authentic encounters with God. While Βαριησοῦ was struck blind, Sergius Paulus was amazed and believed. When we faithfully proclaim the gospel and live in God’s power, some may oppose us, but others will be drawn to the Messiah. Our call is not to defeat our opponents through our own strength, but to remain faithful witnesses, allowing God’s power to be displayed through our lives and words.

Related Words

• μάγος (magos) – “magician,” “sorcerer” – The term used to describe Βαριησοῦ’s occult practices, also used of the wise men who visited the Messiah as an infant, but with different connotations. In Βαριησοῦ’s case, it refers to forbidden magical practices rather than astronomical wisdom. See G3097
• ψευδοπροφήτης (pseudoprophētēs) – “false prophet” – A descriptor applied to Βαριησοῦ, indicating someone who falsely claims to speak for God while actually promoting deception. See G5578
• Ἐλύμας (Elymas) – The alternative name for Βαριησοῦ, likely derived from Arabic meaning “wise” or “skilled,” demonstrating his self-promotion as a sage. See G1681
• φαρμακεία (pharmakeia) – “sorcery,” “witchcraft” – While not directly used of Βαριησοῦ, this term describes similar occult practices condemned in Scripture. See G5331
• ἀντίκειμαι (antikeimai) – “to oppose,” “to be an adversary” – Describes the action of Βαριησοῦ in resisting the apostles’ message. See G480

Did you Know?

• Did you know that the name “Bar-Jesus” creates a striking theological irony? While בַּר יֵשׁוּעַ literally means “son of salvation,” Paul rebukes him as a “son of the devil” (υἱὲ διαβόλου) in Acts 13:10, highlighting the contrast between his name and his true spiritual identity. This wordplay would have been immediately apparent to the original audience, emphasizing that not everyone who claims connection to salvation truly represents it.
• Did you know that Cyprus, where Βαριησοῦ was encountered, had a long history of Jewish settlement? Archaeological evidence confirms substantial Jewish communities on the island dating back to at least the 3rd century BCE. The island’s position at the crossroads of trade routes made it culturally diverse, explaining how a Jewish man might have adopted practices from other religious traditions, leading to the syncretistic magic attributed to Βαριησοῦ.
• Did you know that this confrontation with Βαριησοῦ marks a significant turning point in the book of Acts? It’s the first recorded instance where Paul (rather than Peter) takes the lead in a supernatural confrontation, symbolizing the shift in focus from Jerusalem-centered ministry to the Gentile mission. Additionally, from this point forward in the narrative, the apostle is consistently called “Paul” rather than “Saul,” marking his full embrace of his calling to the Gentile world.

Remember This

Βαριησοῦ stands as a powerful reminder that those who oppose God’s truth may come with impressive titles, influential positions, or even religious names, but the power of the Holy Spirit will ultimately prevail against all spiritual opposition to advance the kingdom of God.