Acts 4:36
And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,
Original Language Analysis
τῷ
who
G3588
τῷ
who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπικληθεὶς
was surnamed
G1941
ἐπικληθεὶς
was surnamed
Strong's:
G1941
Word #:
4 of 17
to entitle; by implication, to invoke (for aid, worship, testimony, decision, etc.)
Βαρναβᾶς
Barnabas
G921
Βαρναβᾶς
Barnabas
Strong's:
G921
Word #:
5 of 17
son of nabas (i.e., prophecy); barnabas, an israelite
ὑπὸ
by
G5259
ὑπὸ
by
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
6 of 17
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
τῷ
who
G3588
τῷ
who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀποστόλων
the apostles
G652
ἀποστόλων
the apostles
Strong's:
G652
Word #:
8 of 17
a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)
ὅ
(which
G3739
ὅ
(which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
9 of 17
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
μεθερμηνευόμενον
being interpreted
G3177
μεθερμηνευόμενον
being interpreted
Strong's:
G3177
Word #:
11 of 17
to explain over, i.e., translate
υἱὸς
The son
G5207
υἱὸς
The son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
12 of 17
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
Cross References
Galatians 2:9And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.Galatians 2:13And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.Galatians 2:1Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also.Acts 15:39And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;Acts 21:16There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge.Acts 15:37And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.Acts 11:30Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.Mark 3:17And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder:1 Corinthians 9:6Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working?
Historical Context
Levites traditionally owned no land (Numbers 18:20), but diaspora Levites like Barnabas acquired property in foreign lands. Cyprus housed significant Jewish population from Persian-era exile. Barnabas later partnered with Paul (Acts 13:2), his encouraging nature complementing Paul's intensity.
Questions for Reflection
- How does a name like 'son of consolation' shape identity and ministry calling?
- What role do 'Barnabases' - encouragers - play in sustaining church health and mission?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Barnabas's introduction - 'Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus' - establishes his character and credentials. The name change from Joses to Barnabas (Greek 'huios parakleseos,' son of encouragement/consolation) indicates his dominant characteristic. As a Levite, he descended from Israel's priestly tribe. Cyprus origin shows diaspora background, preparing him for later Gentile mission.