Jump to: ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia The term "Bar" is a prefix of Aramaic origin, meaning "son of." It is commonly used in the Bible to denote lineage or descent, similar to the Hebrew "Ben." This prefix is often found in the New Testament, particularly in the context of names, reflecting the Aramaic influence on the language and culture of the time.Biblical Usage: 1. Barabbas: One of the most notable figures with this prefix is Barabbas, a prisoner mentioned in the Gospels. During the Passover feast, it was customary for the Roman governor to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. The people chose Barabbas, a known insurrectionist and murderer, over Jesus Christ. This event is recorded in all four Gospels, including Matthew 27:16-26, Mark 15:7-15, Luke 23:18-25, and John 18:40. The choice of Barabbas over Jesus is often seen as a profound moment of injustice and a reflection of the rejection of the Messiah. 2. Bartimaeus: Another significant figure is Bartimaeus, the blind beggar who received his sight from Jesus. His account is found in Mark 10:46-52. The name Bartimaeus means "son of Timaeus," and his encounter with Jesus highlights themes of faith and divine mercy. Bartimaeus's persistent cries for Jesus' attention, despite being rebuked by the crowd, demonstrate his faith and determination, which Jesus acknowledges by healing him. 3. Bartholomew: One of the twelve apostles, Bartholomew is often identified with Nathanael, mentioned in the Gospel of John. The name Bartholomew means "son of Tolmai" or "son of the furrows," indicating his lineage. He is listed among the apostles in Matthew 10:3, Mark 3:18, Luke 6:14, and Acts 1:13. Bartholomew's association with Nathanael is based on the synoptic Gospels' lists of apostles and the account in John 1:45-51, where Nathanael is called by Jesus. 4. Barnabas: Although not using the prefix "Bar," Barnabas is worth mentioning due to his significant role in the early Church. His name means "son of encouragement" or "son of consolation," reflecting his character and ministry. Barnabas was a Levite from Cyprus and a close associate of the Apostle Paul. He is introduced in Acts 4:36-37 and is known for his missionary journeys and role in the spread of the Gospel. Cultural and Linguistic Context: The use of "Bar" as a prefix in names reflects the Aramaic-speaking environment of first-century Judea and Galilee. Aramaic was the common language of the Jewish people during this period, and its influence is evident in the New Testament. The prefix "Bar" serves as a reminder of the cultural and linguistic setting in which the events of the New Testament unfolded. Theological Significance: The individuals bearing the "Bar" prefix often play crucial roles in the narrative of the New Testament, illustrating themes of redemption, faith, and the fulfillment of God's promises. The choice of Barabbas over Jesus underscores the gravity of human sin and the sacrificial nature of Christ's mission. Bartimaeus's healing exemplifies the transformative power of faith in Jesus. Bartholomew's apostleship highlights the diverse backgrounds of those called to follow Christ. Barnabas's ministry demonstrates the importance of encouragement and support within the Christian community. In summary, the prefix "Bar" in biblical names serves as a linguistic marker of heritage and identity, while the individuals associated with it contribute to the rich tapestry of biblical history and theology. Easton's Bible Dictionary Used to denote the means by which a door is bolted (Nehemiah 3:3); a rock in the sea (Jonah 2:6); the shore of the sea (Job 38:10); strong fortifications and powerful impediments, etc. (Isaiah 45:2; Amos 1:5); defences of a city (1 Kings 4:13). A bar for a door was of iron (Isaiah 45:2), brass (Psalm 107:16), or wood (Nahum 3:13). Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A piece of wood, metal, or other material, long in proportion to its breadth or thickness, used as a lever and for various other purposes, but especially for a hindrance, obstruction, or fastening; as, the bars of a fence or gate; the bar of a door.2. (n.) An indefinite quantity of some substance, so shaped as to be long in proportion to its breadth and thickness; as, a bar of gold or of lead; a bar of soap. 3. (n.) Anything which obstructs, hinders, or prevents; an obstruction; a barrier. 4. (n.) A bank of sand, gravel, or other matter, esp. at the mouth of a river or harbor, obstructing navigation. 5. (n.) Any railing that divides a room, or office, or hall of assembly, in order to reserve a space for those having special privileges; as, the bar of the House of Commons. 6. (n.) The railing that encloses the place which counsel occupy in courts of justice. Hence, the phrase at the bar of the court signifies in open court. 7. (n.) The place in court where prisoners are stationed for arraignment, trial, or sentence. 8. (n.) The whole body of lawyers licensed in a court or district; the legal profession. 9. (n.) A special plea constituting a sufficient answer to plaintiff's action. 10. (n.) Any tribunal; as, the bar of public opinion; the bar of God. 11. (n.) A barrier or counter, over which liquors and food are passed to customers; hence, the portion of the room behind the counter where liquors for sale are kept. 12. (n.) An ordinary, like a fess but narrower, occupying only one fifth part of the field. 13. (n.) A broad shaft, or band, or stripe; as, a bar of light; a bar of color. 14. (n.) A vertical line across the staff. Bars divide the staff into spaces which represent measures, and are themselves called measures. 15. (n.) The space between the tusks and grinders in the upper jaw of a horse, in which the bit is placed. 16. (n.) The part of the crust of a horse's hoof which is bent inwards towards the frog at the heel on each side, and extends into the center of the sole. 17. (n.) A drilling or tamping rod. 18. (n.) A vein or dike crossing a lode. 19. (n.) A gatehouse of a castle or fortified town. 20. (n.) A slender strip of wood which divides and supports the glass of a window; a sash bar. 21. (n.) To fasten with a bar; as, to bar a door or gate. 22. (n.) To restrict or confine, as if by a bar; to hinder; to obstruct; to prevent; to prohibit; as, to bar the entrance of evil; distance bars our intercourse; the statute bars my right; the right is barred by time; a release bars the plaintiff's recovery; -- sometimes with up. 23. (n.) To except; to exclude by exception. 24. (n.) To cross with one or more stripes or lines. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BAR (1)bar (prefix): Aramaic for the Hebrew ben, "son." Compare Aramaic sections of Ezra and Daniel. In the Old Testament the word is found three times in Proverbs 31:2 and once in Syriac Psalm 2:12 (Hier. translates "pure"). In the New Testament "Bar" is frequently employed as prefix to names of persons. Compare Barabbas; Bar-Jesus; Bar-Jonah; Barnabas; Barsabbas; Bartholomew; Bartimeus. BAR (2) bar (substantive): Greek 919. Bariesous -- "son of Joshua," Bar-Jesus, a false prophet ... 918, 919. Bariesous. 920 . "son of Joshua," Bar-Jesus, a false prophet. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: Bariesous Phonetic Spelling: (bar- ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/919.htm - 6k 920. Barionas -- "son of Jonah," Bar-Jonah, a surname of Peter 923. Barsabbas -- "son of Sabba," Barsabbas, the surname of two ... 918. Bartholomaios -- "son of Tolmai," Bartholomew, one of the ... 924. Bartimaios -- "son of Timaeus," Bartimaeus, a beggar 912. Barabbas -- "son of Abba," Barabbas, the Isr. robber released ... 915. barbaros -- barbarous, barbarian 921. Barnabas -- Barnabas, an Israelite companion of Paul 83. adelotes -- uncertainty 916. bareo -- to weigh down Strong's Hebrew 1250. bar -- grain, corn... 1249, 1250. bar. 1251 . grain, corn. Transliteration: bar Phonetic Spelling: (bawr) Short Definition: grain. Word Origin from barar ... /hebrew/1250.htm - 6k 1251. bar -- (an open) field 1248. bar -- son 1249. bar -- pure, clean 1247. bar -- son 1280. beriach -- a bar 4132. mot -- a shaking, pole, bar (of a yoke) 5274. na'al -- to bar, bolt, lock 5274a. naal -- to bar, bolt, lock 7518. rats -- perhaps piece, bar Library Differences in Judgment About Water Baptism, no Bar to Communion ... And Why Should we Add Many Words Concerning those who are Sisted ... The King of Heaven at the Bar of Pilate. The Last Siege of the Jews under Adrian. I am Told that He Also Carps at Me for the Translation I have ... Caesarea. Strato's Tower. A Description of the Standard of the Cross, which the Romans Now ... Christ Our Advocate The Sinner Stripped of his Vain Pleas. The Three Fishers Thesaurus Bar (27 Occurrences)... (Isaiah 45:2; Amos 1:5); defences of a city (1 Kings 4:13). A bar for a door was of iron (Isaiah 45:2), brass (Psalm 107:16), or wood (Nahum 3:13). ... /b/bar.htm - 21k Bar-jona (1 Occurrence) Bar-nabas (1 Occurrence) Bar-jonah (1 Occurrence) Bar-jesus (1 Occurrence) Bar-sabbas (2 Occurrences) Bar'achel (2 Occurrences) Beth-bar'ah (1 Occurrence) Ka'desh-bar'nea (9 Occurrences) Barsabbas (2 Occurrences) Resources What is a bar mitzvah? What is a bat mitzvah? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Bar-Jesus in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is the Zohar? | GotQuestions.org Bar: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Bar (27 Occurrences)Matthew 16:17 Acts 13:6 2 Corinthians 12:19 1 Timothy 6:13 Exodus 26:28 Exodus 36:33 Numbers 4:10 Numbers 4:12 Deuteronomy 3:5 Joshua 7:21 Joshua 7:24 Judges 16:3 1 Samuel 23:7 1 Kings 4:13 2 Chronicles 8:5 Nehemiah 7:3 Job 38:10 Job 40:18 Proverbs 18:19 Song of Songs 5:5 Isaiah 9:4 Jeremiah 28:10 Jeremiah 28:12 Jeremiah 49:31 Ezekiel 38:11 Amos 1:5 Nahum 1:13 Subtopics Related Terms |