Boy · Aramaic · New Testament

Barnabas

BAR-nuh-bus · means “Son of encouragement”

Barnabas is Aramaic for "son of encouragement," a name given to him by the apostles because of his generous, encouraging character (Acts 4:36). He sold land to support the early church, vouched for Paul when others feared him, and gave a young John Mark a second chance.

“He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.”

The story behind the name

Barnabas first appears selling a field and laying the money at the apostles' feet for the needs of the church, a generosity so notable that the apostles renamed him from Joseph to Barnabas, son of encouragement (Acts 4:36-37).

When Saul of Tarsus, newly converted and still feared by believers, arrived in Jerusalem, it was Barnabas who took him in and vouched for him before the apostles (Acts 9:26-27). Later, Barnabas insisted on giving John Mark a second chance after his early departure from the mission field, even when it meant parting ways with Paul (Acts 15:37-39).

Scripture describes Barnabas simply as "a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith" (Acts 11:24). A boy named Barnabas carries a name that means son of encouragement, a legacy of generosity, vouching for the doubted, and believing in second chances.

Middle names that sing with Barnabas

Chosen for rhythm and meanings that speak to each other.

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