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.
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.
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.
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.
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