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1. Overview

Βαρναβᾶς (Barnabas) is a Greek transliteration of an Aramaic name, which is understood to mean “son of encouragement” or “son of consolation.” The name Barnabas is composed of two parts: Bar (בַּר), meaning “son of,” and Nabas (from the Aramaic נָבִיא nabi), meaning “prophet” or “encouragement.” This name is particularly significant in the New Testament, where Barnabas is a key figure in the early Christian church, recognized for his role as a leader and companion of the Apostle Paul during the first missionary journeys.

2. Lexical Details

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The BDAG lexicon highlights Barnabas as a prominent leader in the early church, known for his generosity, his role as a mediator between Paul and the Jerusalem church, and his missionary work. Barnabas is often described as a “son of encouragement,” emphasizing his supportive and prophetic role within the Christian community. Thayer’s Lexicon concurs, identifying Barnabas as a Levite from Cyprus who sold his land and gave the proceeds to the apostles. The lexicon emphasizes Barnabas’ role as a “son of consolation,” highlighting his comforting and encouraging presence within the early church. Vine’s Expository Dictionary further explains that the name Barnabas underscores the character of the man—one who exhorted and comforted others, which was a vital part of his ministry. The LSJ lexicon notes that while Barnabas is not a classical Greek word, its components are of Semitic origin, reflecting the blending of Jewish and Greek cultures in the early Christian era.

Biblical references:

• Acts 4:36-37: “Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.”
• Acts 9:27: “But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus.”
• Acts 11:22-24: “The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith.”

3. Classical Usage

As a name of Aramaic origin, Barnabas does not appear in classical Greek literature. However, the name’s components—Bar and Nabas—are reflective of Semitic naming conventions that were common in the region, particularly among Jewish communities. The use of Bar to indicate “son of” can be seen in other biblical names, such as Bar-Jona (son of Jonah) and Barabbas (son of the father).

Although the full name Barnabas does not have classical Greek literary examples, the function and role attributed to Barnabas in the New Testament align with the concept of a “son of encouragement” in both Jewish and early Christian traditions. The notion of one who comforts and exhorts is a theme found in various Jewish texts, where prophets and leaders often served as sources of encouragement and consolation for the people.

4. Summary

Βαρναβᾶς (Barnabas), meaning “son of encouragement,” is a name that encapsulates the character and mission of one of the early church’s key figures. A Levite from Cyprus, Barnabas was known for his generosity, his role in welcoming Paul into the apostolic community, and his missionary work that spread the gospel far beyond Jerusalem. Though the name itself does not appear in classical Greek literature, it carries significant weight in the New Testament, where Barnabas is portrayed as a central figure in the growth of the early Christian church. His name, combining Aramaic elements with a Greek transliteration, reflects the cultural and linguistic blending of the time and underscores the pivotal role that Barnabas played as a leader, encourager, and missionary in the early days of Christianity.