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Barsabbas

Biblical
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

A candidate to replace Judas among the Twelve Apostles, also called Joseph (Acts 1).

Detailed Definition
Barsabbas was passed over in favor of Matthias. In poetry, he represents near-callings, faithful obscurity, and the mystery of divine election, often used to explore themes of vocation, humility, and the paths not taken in sacred service.
Example
Example in poetry:
Barsabbas—candidate to replace Judas—inspires poetry on near-callings: “Barsabbas stood in the lot, faithful but not chosen”; A poem on vocation: “Not all who walk with apostles become apostles—Barsabbas, your faith still counts”; In a minimalist reflection: “Barsabbas: almost an apostle, always a brother”; Liturgical verse: “Remember Barsabbas, whose name means ‘son of Sabbath’—a life of restful service.”
Additional Notes
Barsabbas (Joseph called Barsabbas, Acts 1:23) was a candidate to replace Judas among the Twelve, noted for having “accompanied us all the time.” Though not chosen, his inclusion shows early apostolic criteria. His name (“son of Sabbath” or “son of rest”) may carry theological resonance. Poets may use Barsabbas to explore themes of vocation, near-selection, or the quiet faithfulness of the unchosen.
Also Known As
Joseph Barsabbas Justus
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