The word Bariōnâs, represented by G920, is a name of Chaldee origin meaning son of Jonas (or Jonah). It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible, marking a very specific moment in the ministry of Jesus.
The single use of G920 is found in Matthew 16:17, where Jesus speaks directly to Simon Peter. After Peter's declaration that Jesus is the Christ, Jesus responds, "Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona." In this context, the name is used to identify Simon's earthly lineage immediately before contrasting it with the divine source of his revelation. Jesus states that this truth was not revealed by flesh G4561 and blood G129, but by my Father G3962 in heaven.
The context of G920 is illuminated by several key related words from its singular appearance:
- G4613 Símōn (Simon): This is the personal name of the individual Jesus is addressing, identifying him as the Israelite disciple Matthew 16:17.
- G3107 makários (blessed): This describes the state of Simon as a result of the divine revelation he received. It means supremely blest or fortunate Matthew 16:17.
- G601 apokalýptō (reveal): This verb is central to the passage, meaning "to take off the cover, i.e. disclose." It highlights that the knowledge was a divine disclosure, not a human discovery Matthew 16:17.
- G3962 patḗr (father): This term is used to identify the source of the revelation as "my Father which is in heaven," contrasting the divine Father with Simon's earthly father, Jonas Matthew 16:17.
The theological weight of G920 is derived entirely from its specific context in Matthew 16:17.
- Human vs. Divine Source: By using the name Barjona ("son of Jonas"), Jesus emphasizes Simon's human origin. This is immediately contrasted with the divine origin of the truth he proclaimed, which came from the Father G3962.
- The Foundation of Blessing: Simon is declared blessed G3107 not because of his heritage or personal insight, but because he was a recipient of what God revealed G601. This connects true blessing to receiving divine truth.
- Revelation over Reason: The statement that "flesh and blood hath not revealed it" underscores that the core truths of faith are understood through divine revelation, not solely through human intellect or lineage.
In summary, while G920 is a name that appears only once, its significance is profound. Bariōnâs serves as a crucial marker that contrasts Simon's earthly identity with his new, divinely-informed spiritual understanding. It is used to frame one of the most important declarations in scripture, highlighting that the knowledge of Christ's identity is a gift revealed G601 by God the Father G3962, not something attainable by human means alone.
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