Barnabas
Pronounced BAR-nuh-bus
- Meaning
- "Son of encouragement"
- Origin
- Aramaic
Barnabas means "son of encouragement" in Aramaic — a nickname given by the apostles to a Levite named Joseph from Cyprus. This name perfectly captured his character: Barnabas was the great encourager of the early church. Barnabas sold a field and laid the money at the apostles' feet. He vouched for the newly converted Saul (Paul) when the other apostles were afraid of him. He traveled with Paul on the first missionary journey and later gave the young John Mark a second chance when Paul refused to take him. Barnabas' willingness to invest in people others had given up on is his greatest legacy. His mentorship of both Paul and Mark helped shape two of the most influential figures in church history.
Spiritual meaning
Barnabas' name calls us to be encouragers. His life shows that believing in people — especially those others have written off — can unleash extraordinary potential for God's kingdom.
Related verses (KJV)
"And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus."
Acts 4:36 (KJV) →"For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord."
Acts 11:24 (KJV) →