Understanding Βαρναβᾶς (Barnabas) Strong’s G921: The Son of Encouragement Who Exemplified Messianic Faith and Selfless Ministry

Pronunciation Guide: bar-nab-AS (emphasis on the final syllable)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G921: Βαρναβᾶς (Barnabas) is a Jewish-Aramaic name meaning “son of encouragement” or “son of prophecy/exhortation.” In the New Testament, Barnabas was a Levite from Cyprus who became a prominent early believer in Yeshua (Jesus) and served as an apostle alongside Paul. His ministry was characterized by generosity, encouragement, and bridge-building between Jewish and Gentile believers during the formative years of the Messianic community.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Proper Noun (masculine)
• Origin: Aramaic בַּר נְבוּאָה (bar nebū’āh) or בַּר נְחָמָה (bar neḥāmāh)
• Components: “Bar” (בַּר) meaning “son of” + either “nebū’āh” (prophecy/exhortation) or “neḥāmāh” (comfort/consolation)
• First Biblical Appearance: Acts 4:36
• Usage Context: Primarily in narrative sections of Acts and mentioned in Paul’s epistles
• Linguistic Classification: Semitic name transliterated into Greek

Βαρναβᾶς Morphology:

• Βαρναβᾶς (nominative singular) – Barnabas as subject
• Βαρναβᾶ (vocative singular) – addressing Barnabas directly
• Βαρναβᾶν (accusative singular) – Barnabas as direct object
• Βαρναβᾶ (genitive singular) – of Barnabas
• Βαρναβᾷ (dative singular) – to/for/with Barnabas

Origin & History

The name Βαρναβᾶς represents a Hellenized form of an Aramaic name combining בַּר (bar, “son of”) with either נְבוּאָה (nebū’āh, “prophecy/exhortation”) or נְחָמָה (neḥāmāh, “comfort/consolation”). Luke explicitly interprets this name in Acts 4:36 as “son of encouragement” (υἱὸς παρακλήσεως). This interpretation suggests the name was understood functionally as describing his character and ministry gift rather than being merely a patronymic designation.

In the Septuagint tradition, the concept of παράκλησις (encouragement/exhortation) is often associated with prophetic ministry and divine comfort to Israel. The Jewish understanding of “a son of” extended beyond biological descent to indicate someone who embodied the character or qualities of something. Thus, Barnabas embodied the prophetic function of bringing divine encouragement and comfort to the early Messianic community, particularly during times of transition and crisis.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Son of Encouragement – His primary designation as given in Acts 4:36, highlighting his spiritual gift and personality
• Apostle – Recognized alongside Paul as commissioned for ministry to the Gentiles (Acts 14:14)
• Bridge-Builder – One who facilitated understanding between Jewish and Gentile believers
• Generous Benefactor – Demonstrated sacrificial giving to support the early community (Acts 4:37)
• Mentor/Sponsor – The one who vouched for Paul and later advocated for John Mark

Βαρναβᾶς Translation Options:

• Barnabas – Direct transliteration, maintaining name recognition from traditional translations
• Son of Encouragement – Functional translation capturing the meaning given in Acts
• Son of Prophecy – Alternative translation reflecting possible Aramaic root in נְבוּאָה (nebū’āh)
• Son of Consolation – Alternative translation reflecting possible Aramaic root in נְחָמָה (neḥāmāh)
• The Encourager – Simplified functional equivalent capturing his primary characteristic

Biblical Usage

Barnabas first appears in Acts 4:36-37 where he exemplifies the generosity of the early Jerusalem community by selling his field and donating the proceeds. His most significant role comes as the one who vouches for Paul (then Saul) before the suspicious Jerusalem believers (Acts 9:27), demonstrating his gift for seeing potential in others and building bridges within the community. The apostles send Barnabas to Antioch where he encourages the new believers and partners with Paul in teaching (Acts 11:22-26), establishing the pattern of their joint ministry.

Barnabas and Paul are commissioned by the Holy Spirit for missionary work (Acts 13:2), undertaking the first intentional outreach to Gentile territories. Their relationship illustrates both the power of partnership in ministry and the reality of conflict among godly leaders, as they separate over the inclusion of John Mark on their second journey (Acts 15:36-41). Barnabas demonstrates grace by giving Mark a second chance, revealing his consistent character as an encourager who restores those who have failed.

• “Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means ‘son of encouragement’)…” Acts 4:36
• “When he came and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast devotion; for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were brought to the Lord. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul…” Acts 11:23-25
• “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.'” Acts 13:2
• “But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd…” Acts 14:14
• “And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, ‘Let us return and visit the believers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.'” Acts 15:36
• “The disagreement became so sharp that they parted company; Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus.” Acts 15:39
• “Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working for a living?” 1 Corinthians 9:6

Cultural Insights

The description of Barnabas as a Levite from Cyprus (Acts 4:36) provides significant cultural context for understanding his ministry. As a Levite, Barnabas would have been connected to the Temple service and educated in Torah, yet his Cypriot background indicates he was part of the Diaspora Jewish community. This dual identity—rooted in traditional Judaism yet familiar with Hellenistic culture—uniquely positioned him to bridge the gap between Jewish and Gentile believers in the early Messianic community.

Barnabas’s generous donation of his property sale proceeds reflects the Jewish concept of tzedakah (righteousness through charitable giving) and demonstrates how early believers adapted traditional Jewish values within their new Messianic framework. His willingness to vouch for Paul before the Jerusalem leadership also reveals the importance of personal recommendation in first-century Mediterranean culture, where trust was established primarily through relationships rather than credentials. By standing as Paul’s guarantor, Barnabas risked his own reputation and standing—a significant cultural act that demonstrated both courage and discernment.

Theological Significance

Barnabas exemplifies how Yahweh works through human instruments to encourage, strengthen, and unify His people. The fact that the apostles renamed him “Son of Encouragement” demonstrates the early community’s recognition that spiritual gifts often become manifest in a believer’s identity and character. Barnabas shows us that encouragement is not merely offering kind words, but a spiritual gift (Romans 12:8) that strengthens others in their faith journey and empowers them to fulfill their divine calling.

His partnership with Paul reveals Yahweh’s pattern of strategic relational connections in advancing His kingdom. Together they modeled a powerful ministry team where their complementary gifts created greater impact than either could achieve alone. Even their eventual separation over Mark demonstrates divine sovereignty, as one team became two, doubling their missionary impact. Barnabas’s willingness to mentor Mark after his earlier failure reflects the heart of Yahweh, who never discards those who stumble but provides restoration and second chances. The later reconciliation implied in Paul’s positive references to both Barnabas and Mark (Colossians 4:10; 2 Timothy 4:11) testifies to Yahweh’s ability to heal relationships and vindicate those who invest in others.

Personal Application

The example of Barnabas invites us to consider our own spiritual gift of encouragement and how we might strengthen others in their faith journey. Just as Barnabas saw potential in both Paul and Mark when others were skeptical, we too can look for the divine spark in those around us, especially when they have failed or been rejected. Consider who in your life might need the gift of your encouragement today—perhaps someone with unrealized potential or someone who needs a second chance after disappointment.

Barnabas also challenges us to examine our willingness to use our resources, connections, and influence for kingdom purposes. His generosity in selling property and his willingness to risk his reputation for Paul demonstrate a lifestyle unencumbered by worldly security or status. Ask yourself: “What possessions or positions am I clinging to that Yahweh might be calling me to release for His greater purposes? Who might He be asking me to sponsor or advocate for, even at potential cost to myself?”

Related Words

• Παράκλητος (Parakletos, “Comforter/Advocate”) – Similar root to the “encouragement” in Barnabas’s name interpretation, but refers specifically to the Holy Spirit’s role; highlights how Barnabas’s ministry reflected the Spirit’s work. Pronounced: par-AK-lay-tos. See G3875
• Παράκλησις (Paraklesis, “encouragement/exhortation/comfort”) – The actual Greek word used to translate the meaning of Barnabas’s name in Acts 4:36; represents both comfort in affliction and exhortation to faithful living. Pronounced: par-AK-lay-sis. See G3874
• Προφητεία (Propheteia, “prophecy”) – Connected to the possible Aramaic root of Barnabas’s name (nebū’āh); suggests his ministry included not just encouragement but prophetic insight and exhortation. Pronounced: pro-fay-TI-ah. See G4394
• Ἀπόστολος (Apostolos, “apostle/sent one”) – The designation given to Barnabas alongside Paul in Acts 14:14, indicating his authoritative commissioning for ministry to the Gentiles. Pronounced: ah-POS-to-los. See G652
• Λευίτης (Leuites, “Levite”) – Describes Barnabas’s tribal and religious heritage, indicating his connection to Jewish priestly tradition despite his Diaspora upbringing. Pronounced: lev-EE-tays. See G3019

Did You Know?

• Did you know that Barnabas was initially the more prominent leader in his partnership with Paul? In early narratives (Acts 11:30, 13:1-2), Barnabas is consistently mentioned first, indicating his higher status. However, after their first missionary journey, the order switches to “Paul and Barnabas” (Acts 15:2), reflecting Paul’s growing prominence—a transition Barnabas apparently accepted without jealousy, demonstrating his humble character as an encourager willing to decrease so others might increase.
• Did you know that the conflict between Paul and Barnabas over John Mark may have had familial dimensions? Colossians 4:10 identifies Mark as Barnabas’s cousin (ἀνεψιός). This family connection helps explain Barnabas’s particularly strong advocacy for Mark after his earlier failure. The incident beautifully illustrates how Yahweh can use even painful disagreements between godly leaders to expand His kingdom work, as one missionary team became two, and Mark eventually became useful to Paul’s ministry (2 Timothy 4:11).
• Did you know that early church tradition holds that Barnabas was one of the 70 (or 72) disciples sent out by Yeshua in Luke 10:1-17? While Scripture doesn’t confirm this directly, it explains how Barnabas was already established in the Jerusalem community before Paul’s conversion. According to tradition, Barnabas continued his missionary work in Cyprus and was eventually martyred at Salamis around 61 CE. An apocryphal work called “The Acts of Barnabas” purports to describe his later ministry, though it was written centuries after his death.

Remember This

Barnabas reminds us that encouragement is not merely a pleasant personality trait but a powerful spiritual gift through which Yahweh transforms lives, redeems failures, builds His kingdom, and turns ordinary believers into world-changing disciples.