14: Barabbas — בַּר אֲבָּא

1. Term: Barabbas — בַּר אֲבָּא

Meaning: “Son of the father” — Name of the prisoner released instead of Jesus.

2. Historical-Cultural Context:

  • Barabbas was a common Aramaic-style name meaning “son of (a) father.”
  • Likely a title indicating lineage or status, possibly a bandit or revolutionary figure.
  • His release by Pilate is a significant event in the Passion narrative, contrasting Jesus’ innocence with Barabbas’ guilt.

3. Literary Examples:

  • Matthew 27:16-17 — “Now Barabbas was a robber. So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them…”
  • The choice between Jesus and Barabbas highlights political and theological tensions.

4. Cultural Significance:

  • Barabbas symbolizes rebellion and earthly political expectations of a messiah.
  • His name contrasts with Jesus, the “Son of the Father” in a divine sense.
  • Reflects first-century Palestinian socio-political unrest under Roman occupation.
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