Pronunciation: [bɑːsˈabəz] (IPA) 
Barsabbas is spelled with two "B"s and two "S"s. The first "B" is pronounced as an unaspirated voiced bilabial stop /b/, while the second "B" is pronounced identically. The first "S" is pronounced as an unvoiced alveolar fricative /s/, while the second "S" is pronounced as an unvoiced alveolar affricate /ts/. Therefore, the correct IPA phonetic transcription for Barsabbas is /bɑːrsˈæbəs/.
Barsabbas is a proper noun mainly mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the book of Acts. It refers to a person named Joseph Barsabbas, who was suggested as a potential replacement for Judas Iscariot among the twelve apostles. The name "Barsabbas" is a combination of two Aramaic words: "bar," meaning "son of," and "sabbas," which refers to the Jewish name "Sabbas" or "Sabas."
Joseph Barsabbas, also known as Justus, was proposed as a candidate alongside Matthias to fill the vacancy left by Judas Iscariot's betrayal and subsequent death. The selection of the twelfth apostle was a crucial decision, so the remaining eleven apostles and the whole Christian community in Jerusalem sought divine guidance to determine who was more deserving. Following a period of prayer and casting of lots, Matthias was ultimately chosen to be the twelfth apostle, and Barsabbas was not selected.
Although Barsabbas is not extensively mentioned in the New Testament beyond this incident, his participation in the process reflects the importance of unity and spiritual discernment within the early Christian community. His inclusion in the list of potential candidates showcases the significance of prayer and divine intervention in decision-making processes. The name "Barsabbas" thus serves as a historical reference to an individual who played a part in the formation of the apostolic leadership after Judas Iscariot's departure.
The word "Barsabbas" is derived from two separate components. The first part, "bar", is an Aramaic term meaning "son of". The second part, "sabbas", is a transliteration of the Aramaic name "Sabas" or "Sabbas", which itself originates from the Hebrew name "Shabbath". This Hebrew name is related to the word "shabbat", meaning "rest" or "sabbath".
Therefore, the name "Barsabbas" can be understood to mean "son of Sabas" or "son of the sabbath". It is a surname or patronymic used to denote the father's name, similar to the naming conventions observed in Aramaic and Hebrew cultures.
