Understanding Βαρσαβᾶς (Barsabas) Strong’s G923: The Significant Name Behind Two Key Figures in the Early Church

Pronunciation Guide: bar-sab-AS

Basic Definition

Strong’s G923: Βαρσαβᾶς (Barsabas) is a proper name of Aramaic origin given to two distinct men in the early church – Joseph Barsabas (also called Justus), who was considered as a replacement for Judas Iscariot, and Judas Barsabas, a prophet and leader sent from Jerusalem to Antioch. The name likely functioned as a patronymic or family name rather than a personal name, suggesting these men may have been related.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Proper Noun (Masculine)
• Language Origin: Aramaic
• Etymology: Compound of בַּר (bar, “son of”) and שָׁבָא (shaba/saba, possibly meaning “oath,” “rest,” or “Sabbath”)
• Primary Usage: Narrative sections in Acts
• Occurrence: Only appears twice in the New Testament

Βαρσαβᾶς Morphology:

• Βαρσαβᾶς (nominative singular) – Barsabas (as subject)
• Βαρσαβᾶν (accusative singular) – Barsabas (as direct object)
• Βαρσαβᾶ (genitive singular) – of Barsabas

Origin & History

The name Βαρσαβᾶς (Barsabas) derives from Aramaic roots during a period when many Jewish names incorporated the Aramaic “bar” (son of) prefix. The second element of the name is less certain, with several scholarly interpretations. If derived from the Aramaic שָׁבָא (shaba), it could mean “son of the oath” or “son of swearing.” Alternatively, if from שַׁבָּא (shabba), it might mean “son of the Sabbath,” potentially indicating someone born on the Sabbath. Some scholars have also suggested connections to the name Sheba or to the concept of “rest.”

The name does not appear in classical Greek literature or the Septuagint, making its appearances in Acts particularly significant. The early church father Eusebius mentions Joseph Barsabas in his Ecclesiastical History (1.12.3), noting that he was among the seventy disciples sent out by the Messiah and that he reportedly drank poison yet remained unharmed—though this tradition comes from Papias, whom Eusebius quotes but does not fully endorse.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A patronymic name meaning “son of Sabas/Shaba,” identifying two different men in the early church
• A family name potentially indicating that Joseph and Judas Barsabas may have been brothers or related
• A name with potential theological significance related to oaths/vows or the Sabbath, depending on etymology

Βαρσαβᾶς Translation Options:

• Barsabbas – Used in some older English translations, with doubled ‘b’ reflecting one theory of Aramaic pronunciation
• Barsabas – More common in modern translations, simplified spelling
• Son of Sabas/Shaba – Literal translation that clarifies its nature as a patronymic
• Son of the Oath – Interpretive translation if derived from שָׁבָא (shaba, “oath”)
• Son of the Sabbath – Interpretive translation if derived from שַׁבָּא (shabba, “Sabbath”)

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, Βαρσαβᾶς appears exclusively in the book of Acts, attached to two different men who played significant roles in the early church. The first appearance is in Acts 1:23, where Joseph called Barsabas (who was also called Justus) was one of the two candidates considered to replace Judas Iscariot as an apostle. Though not chosen (the lot fell to Matthias), his consideration indicates he was highly respected and met the apostolic qualifications of having accompanied Jesus from His baptism through the resurrection.

The second mention occurs in Acts 15:22, where Judas called Barsabas is identified as a “leading man among the brothers” who, along with Silas, was chosen to accompany Paul and Barnabas to Antioch with the Jerusalem Council’s decision regarding Gentile believers. The fact that both men shared this surname has led many scholars to suggest they may have been brothers or relatives.

• “[After prayer] they put forward two, Joseph called Βαρσαβᾶς (who was also called Justus), and Matthias.” Acts 1:23
• “Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them to send to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Judas called Βαρσαβᾶν, and Silas, leading men among the brothers.” Acts 15:22
• “And Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words.” Acts 15:32

Cultural Insights

The use of patronymics (names indicating “son of”) was extremely common in Jewish culture during the Second Temple period, reflecting the importance of family lineage in Jewish society. The Aramaic “bar” (as opposed to the Hebrew “ben”) for “son of” shows the influence of Aramaic as the everyday language of Jews in first-century Palestine, though Hebrew remained the language of religious texts and formal situations.

What’s particularly interesting about both men named Barsabas is that they each had additional names: Joseph Barsabas was also called Justus (a Latin name), and Judas Barsabas is identified by both his Jewish personal name and family name. This triple naming convention (Jewish personal name + Aramaic family name + Roman/Greek additional name) reflects the multicultural nature of first-century Jewish society under Roman rule, where many Jews had both Hebrew/Aramaic names for use within their community and Greek or Latin names for broader social interactions. This cultural adaptation allowed Jews to maintain their identity while functioning in Greco-Roman society.

Theological Significance

The appearances of the Barsabas name, though brief, highlight important theological principles regarding God’s sovereignty and the development of early church leadership. Joseph Barsabas’s story in Acts 1 demonstrates the early church’s understanding that God’s will could be discerned through prayer and the casting of lots (a practice with deep roots in Old Testament tradition). Though not chosen for apostleship, Joseph Barsabas represents the many faithful followers who served the Messiah without receiving prominent positions or recognition in Scripture.

Judas Barsabas’s role in Acts 15 illustrates the collaborative nature of early church leadership and decision-making. As a respected prophet and leader sent from Jerusalem to communicate the council’s decision, he represents the Spirit-led unity that the early church strived to maintain despite geographic distance and cultural differences. His mission to Antioch was crucial in establishing that Gentile believers could be fully incorporated into the body of believers without conforming to all Jewish ceremonial laws—a watershed moment in salvation history that opened the door to the worldwide spread of the gospel beyond ethnic Judaism.

Together, these two men named Barsabas represent the broader community of faithful witnesses beyond the twelve apostles who formed the foundation of the early church and ensured its continuity and expansion according to God’s purposes.

Personal Application

The stories of both men named Barsabas remind us that faithfulness is more important than prominence in God’s kingdom. Joseph Barsabas, though qualified to be an apostle, was not chosen for that role, yet we have no record of bitterness or resentment—only continued service. Similarly, Judas Barsabas faithfully delivered the Jerusalem Council’s message and then encouraged the believers in Antioch before returning to Jerusalem.

Their examples challenge us to examine our motivations for service. Are we serving to gain recognition, or are we content to fulfill whatever role Yahweh assigns us, whether prominent or behind the scenes? The Barsabas men remind us that God’s work advances through many faithful servants whose names may be mentioned only briefly in human records but are fully known and valued by Him. In our own lives, we can take comfort that no act of faithful service goes unnoticed by our Heavenly Father, and the impact of our obedience often extends far beyond what we can see.

Related Words

• Ἰωσήφ (Iōsēph) – Joseph, the personal name of Joseph Barsabas, derived from Hebrew meaning “he adds/increases” – a common Jewish name honoring the patriarch Joseph. See G2501
• Ἰοῦστος (Ioustos) – Justus, the Latin surname of Joseph Barsabas, meaning “just” or “righteous,” suggesting either his character or possibly a Roman connection. See G2459
• Ἰούδας (Ioudas) – Judas, the personal name of Judas Barsabas, the Greek form of the Hebrew name Judah, meaning “praise.” See G2455
• Σίλας (Silas) – Silas, the companion of Judas Barsabas in the mission to Antioch, possibly a shortened form of Silvanus, who became a key associate of Paul. See G4609
• Ματθίας (Matthias) – Matthias, the disciple chosen instead of Joseph Barsabas to replace Judas Iscariot, meaning “gift of Yahweh.” See G3159

Did you Know?

• Early Christian tradition recorded by Eusebius (citing Papias) claimed that Joseph Barsabas once drank deadly poison but suffered no harm, potentially fulfilling the Messiah’s promise in Mark 16:18. While this tradition cannot be verified historically, it suggests his reputation for faithfulness continued well beyond the biblical narrative.
• The practice of using lots to determine God’s will (as in the selection between Joseph Barsabas and Matthias) has ancient roots in Jewish tradition, including the high priest’s use of the Urim and Thummim. Interestingly, this is the last recorded use of lots for decision-making in the New Testament—after Pentecost, the guidance of the Holy Spirit becomes the primary means of discerning God’s will.
• If the name Barsabas indeed means “son of the Sabbath,” it may indicate these men were born on the Sabbath day, which was considered auspicious in Jewish culture. Alternatively, if it means “son of the oath,” it could suggest their fathers had taken special vows, possibly Nazirite vows, related to their births—a practice with precedents in Jewish tradition (like Samson).

Remember This

The name Βαρσαβᾶς connects us to faithful servants who stood ready for apostleship or traveled as peacekeepers—reminding us that God’s kingdom advances through both those who lead prominently and those who serve faithfully behind the scenes.