Barsabas
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Barsabas in the Bible?
The name Barsabas appears in the New Testament Acts of the Apostles to identify Joseph, also called Justus, who was a candidate to replace Judas Iscariot among the Twelve Apostles, and Judas, a prophet sent to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the meaning of Barsabas as a patronymic clarifies the familial or covenantal identity of these early Christian leaders, providing context for their roles in the apostolic succession and missionary activities described in Acts.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Barsabas reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Barsabas in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Barsabas clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Barsabas." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/barsabas/