Barabbas, as mentioned in the biblical accounts of Matthew, Mark, and John, was a prisoner who was released instead of Jesus at the demand of the crowd. In order to understand the meaning of Barabbas in English, we need to delve into the historical and linguistic context surrounding this character.
1. Historical Context:
During the time of Jesus, Judea was under Roman rule, and the Jewish people were subject to the Roman authorities. The term “Barabbas” is derived from the Aramaic words “bar” meaning “son of” and “Abba” meaning “father.” Therefore, Barabbas can be translated as “son of the father.”
2. Linguistic Analysis:
The name Barabbas can be broken down into two parts: “bar” and “Abbas.” The term “bar” is commonly used in Aramaic to indicate a relationship, such as “son of.” In this case, it implies that Barabbas was the son of someone named Abbas. It is worth noting that “Abbas” was a relatively common name during that time. However, the specific identity of Barabbas' father is not mentioned in the biblical accounts.
3. Biblical Accounts:
According to the accounts in Matthew 27:15-26, Mark 15:6-15, and John 18:39-40, Barabbas was a notorious prisoner who had committed murder during an insurrection. He was being held in custody, awaiting his sentence. Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, offered to release one prisoner as a customary gesture during the Jewish festival of Passover. The crowd, influenced by the religious leaders, demanded the release of Barabbas instead of Jesus.
4. Symbolic Interpretations:
The release of Barabbas instead of Jesus carries profound symbolic significance. Barabbas can be seen as a representation of humanity, steeped in sin and deserving punishment. Jesus, on the other hand, represents innocence and the sacrificial offering for the salvation of mankind. The choice to release Barabbas can be seen as the human preference for worldly and sinful desires over the divine.
5. Personal Reflection:
Reflecting on this story, it serves as a reminder of the complexities of human nature and the choices we make. Barabbas, with his violent past, represents the flawed and sinful aspects of humanity. In contrast, Jesus represents purity, forgiveness, and redemption. The crowd's demand for Barabbas' release can symbolize our tendency to choose the immediate and tangible over the spiritual and eternal.
The name Barabbas, when translated into English, means “son of the father.” This character, mentioned in the biblical accounts of Matthew, Mark, and John, was a prisoner released instead of Jesus at the demand of the crowd. The story of Barabbas carries symbolic significance, highlighting the choices humanity makes and the contrast between sinfulness and divine redemption.