### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Barabbâs**, represented by `{{G912}}`, is defined as "son of Abba." It appears **11 times** across **10 unique verses** in the Bible. The name itself is of Chaldee origin and identifies a specific Israelite who plays a pivotal role in the trial of Jesus.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, Barabbas is described as a **notable** `{{G1978}}` **prisoner** `{{G1198}}` [[Matthew 27:16]]. His crimes were severe; he was bound with fellow insurrectionists for having committed **murder** `{{G5408}}` during an **insurrection** `{{G4714}}` [[Mark 15:7]]. The Gospel of John also identifies him as a **robber** `{{G3027}}` [[John 18:40]]. During the trial of Jesus, the governor Pilate offered the gathered **multitude** `{{G3793}}` a choice: "Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?" [[Matthew 27:17]]. Persuaded by the chief priests and elders, the crowd cried out for Pilate to **release** `{{G630}}` Barabbas and **destroy** `{{G622}}` Jesus ([[Matthew 27:20]], [[Luke 23:18]]). Ultimately, Pilate, **willing** `{{G1014}}` to content the people, **released** `{{G630}}` Barabbas and delivered Jesus to be scourged and crucified [[Mark 15:15]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context of Barabbas's story:
* `{{G1198}}` **désmios** (prisoner): This word identifies Barabbas's status as a captive. He is specifically called a **notable** **prisoner** [[Matthew 27:16]], setting him apart from other inmates.
* `{{G4714}}` **stásis** (insurrection): This term defines the violent uprising Barabbas participated in, during which he committed **murder** [[Mark 15:7]].
* `{{G630}}` **apolýō** (release): This action is central to the narrative, as Pilate asks the crowd whom he should **release**, and they choose Barabbas over Jesus [[Matthew 27:21]].
* `{{G3027}}` **lēistḗs** (robber): This label, applied to Barabbas in John's account, further specifies his criminal character [[John 18:40]]. It is the same word used for the **two** `{{G1417}}` men crucified with Jesus [[Matthew 27:38]].
### Theological Significance
The account of Barabbas carries significant theological weight, illustrating several key themes:
* **The People's Choice:** The crowd, moved by the **chief priests** `{{G749}}`, explicitly rejects Jesus and chooses a murderer and revolutionary instead [[Mark 15:11]]. Their cry, "Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas" [[Luke 23:18]], represents a deliberate preference for lawlessness over the Messiah.
* **A Symbol of Sin:** Barabbas embodies rebellion against established order. He is a **robber** `{{G3027}}`, a murderer, and a participant in an **insurrection** `{{G4714}}` ([[John 18:40]], [[Mark 15:7]]). His freedom is secured at the expense of the innocent Jesus.
* **The Great Substitution:** The narrative presents a stark substitution. Pilate **released** `{{G630}}` the guilty Barabbas to the crowd but **delivered** `{{G3860}}` the innocent Jesus to be **crucified** `{{G4717}}` [[Matthew 27:26]]. The guilty man is set free, while the sinless one takes his place in condemnation and death.
### Summary
In summary, Barabbas `{{G912}}` is far more than a minor character in the passion narrative. As a **notable** `{{G1978}}` prisoner guilty of **murder** `{{G5408}}` and **insurrection** `{{G4714}}`, his release highlights the profound injustice of Jesus's condemnation. The choice presented by Pilate and the crowd's subsequent demand for Barabbas serve as a powerful illustration of rejection and the theological principle of substitution, where the guilty is pardoned and the innocent is punished in his place.
TRV