### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The lemma Βαριησοῦς (Bariēsoûs) is a transliteration of a Chaldean (Aramaic) patronymic. It is composed of two primary elements: בַּר (bar), an Aramaic term meaning "son of" (equivalent to the Hebrew בֶּן `{{H1121}}`), and יְהוֹשׁוּעַ (Yehoshua), the Hebrew name Joshua, which is rendered in Greek as Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous) `{{G2424}}`. Therefore, the literal and sole meaning of Βαριησοῦς is "Son of Jesus" or "Son of Joshua." As a proper noun, its semantic range is strictly limited to the identification of a specific individual, carrying no broader conceptual or theological meanings beyond its personal referent.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Βαριησοῦς (Bariēsoûs) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in [[Acts 13:6-12]]. In this passage, it identifies a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet also known as Elymas. This individual is encountered by Paul and Barnabas in Paphos, Cyprus, where he serves as an attendant to the Roman proconsul Sergius Paulus. Bar-Jesus actively opposes the apostles' ministry, attempting to dissuade the proconsul from embracing the Christian faith. Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, confronts Bar-Jesus directly, denouncing him as "full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness" [[Acts 13:10]]. As a divine judgment, Bar-Jesus is struck with temporary blindness. This miraculous act serves to confirm Paul's apostolic authority and the truth of the gospel message, leading to the conversion of Sergius Paulus. The irony of Bar-Jesus's name, "Son of Jesus" (meaning "Yahweh saves"), stands in stark contrast to his character and actions as an adversary of God's saving work and an agent of deception.
### Related Words & Concepts
* Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous) `{{G2424}}`: The Greek form of the Hebrew name Joshua/Jesus, meaning "Yahweh is salvation." The name of Bar-Jesus is directly derived from this root, highlighting the profound irony between his name and his opposition to the true "Jesus."
* Υἱός (huios) `{{G5207}}`: The Greek word for "son," which corresponds to the Aramaic "Bar" in the name. This emphasizes the patronymic nature of the name.
* Μάγος (magos) `{{G3097}}`: "Magician" or "sorcerer." This term is used to describe Bar-Jesus/Elymas, associating him with practices condemned in the Old Testament (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 18:10-12]]) and placing him in opposition to divine power.
* Ψευδοπροφήτης (pseudoprophētēs) `{{G5578}}`: "False prophet." This designation further clarifies Bar-Jesus's role as an antagonist to God's true messengers and revelation.
* Διάβολος (diabolos) `{{G1228}}`: "Devil" or "slanderer." Paul's declaration that Bar-Jesus is a "son of the devil" [[Acts 13:10]] signifies a spiritual, not biological, sonship, indicating his allegiance to and imitation of the adversary's nature and agenda.
### Theological Significance
The narrative involving Bar-Jesus serves as a potent illustration of the spiritual conflict inherent in the advancement of the gospel. His name, "Son of Jesus," becomes profoundly ironic; while it signifies "son of salvation," he actively functions as an agent of spiritual blindness and an enemy of righteousness. This stark contrast underscores a crucial theological point: nominal association with sacred names or lineage does not guarantee true spiritual allegiance or salvation. Paul's confrontation with Bar-Jesus exemplifies the direct clash between divine power and demonic influence. The judgment of temporary blindness inflicted upon Bar-Jesus is deeply symbolic: he who sought to blind others to the truth is himself physically blinded, a visible manifestation of his spiritual condition and God's righteous judgment. This miracle also serves as a powerful sign to Sergius Paulus, confirming the divine authority of Paul's message and leading directly to the proconsul's conversion. The account thus highlights God's sovereignty in overcoming obstacles to the gospel and His readiness to expose and judge those who actively resist His truth.
### Summary
Βαριησοῦς (Bariēsoûs), meaning "Son of Jesus/Joshua," is a proper noun found exclusively in [[Acts 13:6-12]], identifying Elymas, a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet. Despite his name's literal meaning, which evokes "Yahweh is salvation," Bar-Jesus actively opposed the gospel proclaimed by Paul and Barnabas, attempting to hinder the proconsul Sergius Paulus from faith. In a dramatic confrontation, Paul, empowered by the Holy Spirit, denounced Bar-Jesus as a "son of the devil" and miraculously afflicted him with temporary blindness. This pivotal event served as a powerful demonstration of divine authority over deception, confirming the truth of the gospel and leading to the proconsul's conversion. The ironic juxtaposition of Bar-Jesus's name with his character underscores that true spiritual identity is founded not on lineage or nominal association, but on genuine allegiance to Christ and His saving work.
TRV