The Meaning Of The Name Barabbas

The Meaning Of The Name Barabbas

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The name Barabbas is well known in the Bible, particularly in the story of Jesus’ trial before Pontius Pilate. Barabbas was the criminal released instead of Jesus during the Passover festival, a decision that played a crucial role in the events leading to the crucifixion of Christ.

But what does the name Barabbas mean? Why was he chosen over Jesus? And what is the deeper significance of his role in biblical history? This topic will explore the meaning of Barabbas’ name, his background, and the spiritual symbolism behind his release.

The Meaning of the Name Barabbas

The name Barabbas comes from Aramaic, the language spoken by many Jews during Jesus’ time. It is composed of two parts:

  • Bar (בַּר) – Meaning ‘son of’

  • Abba (אַבָּא) – Meaning ‘father’ or ‘teacher’

Thus, Barabbas literally means ‘son of the father’ or ‘son of the teacher’. This meaning is quite significant, as Jesus Himself was often referred to as the Son of God the Father. The contrast between Barabbas and Jesus is one of the most powerful elements of the Gospel story.

Barabbas in the Bible

1. The Release of Barabbas

The story of Barabbas appears in all four Gospels:

  • Matthew 27:16-26

  • Mark 15:6-15

  • Luke 23:18-25

  • John 18:39-40

According to these accounts, Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, followed a tradition during the Passover festival of releasing one prisoner chosen by the people. When given a choice between Jesus and Barabbas, the crowd-persuaded by the religious leaders-shouted for Barabbas to be freed and for Jesus to be crucified.

2. Who Was Barabbas?

The Bible describes Barabbas as:

  • A criminal (John 18:40).

  • A notorious prisoner (Matthew 27:16).

  • A murderer and an insurrectionist (Mark 15:7, Luke 23:19).

He was not just an ordinary thief but a rebel who had committed serious crimes against Rome. Some scholars believe he was a Zealot, part of a revolutionary group that sought to overthrow Roman rule.

Despite his crimes, Barabbas was freed, while Jesus, an innocent man, was condemned to die.

The Symbolism of Barabbas’ Release

The release of Barabbas is one of the most profound symbolic moments in the Bible. It represents several key themes in Christian theology.

1. A Picture of Substitutionary Atonement

Barabbas, a guilty man, was set free, while Jesus, the innocent Son of God, took his place. This is a powerful picture of substitutionary atonement-the idea that Jesus died in place of sinners.

  • Isaiah 53:5: ‘But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds, we are healed.’

  • 2 Corinthians 5:21: ‘God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.’

Just as Barabbas was set free because of Jesus, believers are set free from sin because of Christ’s sacrifice.

2. A Choice Between Two ‘Sons of the Father’

The crowd had to choose between:

  • Jesus, the true Son of God the Father.

  • Barabbas, the ‘son of the father’ in name only.

Their choice symbolizes humanity’s tendency to reject God’s true salvation in favor of a worldly and temporary alternative. Instead of choosing the Prince of Peace, the people chose a violent revolutionary.

This reflects how many still choose earthly desires, power, and rebellion over God’s will.

3. The Consequences of Rejecting Jesus

By choosing Barabbas, the people rejected Jesus as their Messiah. This rejection led to:

  • The crucifixion of Christ, fulfilling God’s plan of redemption.

  • The eventual destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70, as Jesus had prophesied (Luke 19:41-44).

This teaches us that rejecting Jesus always leads to devastating consequences.

Barabbas and the Modern World

1. We Are All Like Barabbas

In a spiritual sense, every person is like Barabbas.

  • We are guilty of sin (Romans 3:23).

  • We deserve punishment (Romans 6:23).

  • Yet, Jesus took our place and set us free.

When we accept Jesus’ sacrifice, we receive freedom, forgiveness, and eternal life.

2. Choosing Between Jesus and the World

Like the crowd in Jerusalem, people today still face a choice:

  • Will we choose Jesus, who offers eternal life and peace?

  • Or will we choose Barabbas, the symbol of rebellion and sin?

Matthew 7:13-14 reminds us that the path to life is narrow, and only a few find it. Choosing Jesus means rejecting the empty promises of the world and following God’s truth.

Lessons from Barabbas’ Story

✔ Jesus took our place, just as He took Barabbas’ place.
✔ God’s plan of redemption is greater than human understanding.
✔ Rejecting Jesus leads to spiritual consequences.
✔ We must choose between following Christ or following the world.
✔ Salvation is a gift-we must accept it through faith in Jesus.

The name Barabbas means ‘son of the father,’ but only in name-while Jesus is the true Son of God. His release in place of Jesus is a powerful picture of God’s grace, substitution, and redemption.

Barabbas represents all of us-guilty sinners who deserved punishment. Yet, through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, we are given freedom and a new life.

The choice between Jesus and Barabbas still exists today. Will you choose the true Son of God, or will you choose the temporary and empty promises of the world?