Boy New Testament Known
Barabbas
son of shame, confusion
Βαραββᾶς Barabbas
Barabbas (Greek: Βαραββᾶς, Barabbas) means “son of shame, confusion”, by traditional interpretation. It appears in 10 verses across 4 books of the Bible. In United States birth records the name is below the reporting threshold. Appears in the same passages as Alexander.
The bearer in scripture
One person in scripture bears this name.
-
Barabbas
Scripture against society
The two measures, side by side
At a glance
- Verses
- 10 across 4 books
- Bearers
- 1 one person only
- Testament
- New
- Era
- Gospels
Using it today
In United States birth records this name is below the reporting threshold. The Social Security Administration does not publish counts under five, so a name given to four children looks the same as one given to none.
In scripture
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| First appears | Matthew 27:16 |
| Last appears | John 18:40 |
| Cross-references | 156 linked passages |
Names connected to this one
- Simon co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Simon.
- Pilate co-occurrence Appears with Pilate in Mark 15.
- Joses co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Joses.
- Joseph co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Joseph.
- Malchus co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Malchus.
- Alexander co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Alexander.
- Rufus co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Rufus.
Origin & meaning
Βαραββᾶς, -ᾶ, ὁ (Aram. בַּר־אַבָּא, lit., son of a father, i.e. accusative to Jerome, filius magistri),
Barabbas: Mat.27:16, 17 20, 21, 26, Mrk.15:7, 11 15, Luk.23:18, Jhn.18:40. (In Mat.27:16, some MSS. read Ἰησοῦν Β.; see WH, App., 19f.).†
(AS)
Barabbas, a notorious prisoner, was released by Pilate instead of Jesus at the crowd's demand.
The biblical story
Barabbas was a notorious prisoner mentioned in all four Gospels (Mat.27.16-26; Mrk.15.7-15; Luk.23.18-25; Jhn.18.40). He was in custody during the trial of Jesus before Pontius Pilate. According to the Gospel accounts, it was customary during the Passover feast for the Roman governor to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. Pilate offered the people a choice between releasing Jesus or Barabbas. The chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude to ask for Barabbas and demand Jesus' crucifixion. Pilate, although convinced of Jesus' innocence, yielded to the crowd's pressure and released Barabbas while condemning Jesus to death. Some manuscripts of Mat.27.16-17 refer to Barabbas as "Jesus Barabbas," suggesting that he may have also been called Jesus. Barabbas is described as a notorious criminal, with Mark and Luke mentioning that he had committed murder during an insurrection. His release in place of Jesus highlights the irony and injustice of the situation.
Key verses
Barabbas appears in 10 verses. Here are some of the most notable:
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And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.
Matthew 27:16 -
Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?
Matthew 27:17 -
But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.
Matthew 27:20 -
The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.
Matthew 27:21 -
Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.
Matthew 27:26
Show all 10 references
Matthew (5)
- Matthew 27:16
- Matthew 27:17
- Matthew 27:20
- Matthew 27:21
- Matthew 27:26
Mark (3)
- Mark 15:7
- Mark 15:11
- Mark 15:15
Luke (1)
- Luke 23:18
John (1)
- John 18:40