Lexical Summary Bariónas: Bar-Jonah Original Word: Βαριωνᾶς Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Bar-jona. Of Chaldee origin (diakoneo and Malchos); son of Jonas (or Jonah); Bar-jonas, an Israelite -- Bar-jona. see HEBREW bar see HEBREW Yonah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Aramaic origin bar and Yonah Definition "son of Jonah," Bar-Jonah, a surname of Peter NASB Translation Barjona (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 920: ΒαριωναςΒαριωνας, Βαριωνᾶ (cf. Buttmann, 20 (17f)), ὁ (from בַּר son, and יונָה Jonah (others יוהָנָן i. e. Johanan, Jona, John; cf. Meyer on John 1:42(43) and Lightfoot as below)), Bar-Jonah (or Bar-Jonas), the surname of the apostle Peter: Matthew 16:17 (L T WH; in John 1:42 ( Topical Lexicon Form and Meaning Βαριωνᾶ (Bariona) appears once in the Greek New Testament as a Semitic patronymic meaning “son of Jonah.” The compound employs the Aramaic bar (“son”) attached to a Hebrew personal name. Such constructions were common in first-century Judea and Galilee, signaling both familial identity and covenant heritage within Israel. Occurrence in the New Testament Matthew 16:17 records Jesus’ blessing upon Simon after the latter confesses, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replies, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by My Father in heaven” (Matthew 16:17). The evangelist preserves the Aramaic flavor of Jesus’ address, placing Βαριωνᾶ on Jesus’ lips to underscore a moment of solemn affirmation. Historical Background Patronymics anchored individuals to their ancestral lines, an important dimension of covenantal self-understanding. Aramaic–Hebrew hybrids (bar + Hebrew name) were especially prevalent among Galileans, where both languages mingled in daily speech. Simon hailed from Bethsaida and Capernaum, regions influenced by Aramaic commerce, so Jesus’ form of address fits the sociolinguistic setting. The personal name “Jonah” evokes the Old Testament prophet whose mission to Nineveh illustrated God’s mercy toward the nations. Whether Simon’s father bore that prophetic name or a variant rendered “John” in other passages (John 1:42; John 21:15-17) remains a textual question; nevertheless Matthew’s rendering “Jonah” provides a deliberate narrative link between prophetic heritage and apostolic calling. Textual and Related Name Considerations The Fourth Gospel twice identifies Simon as “son of John” (Ἰωάννου). Some manuscripts of Matthew harmonize to that form, but the earliest witnesses retain Βαριωνᾶ. Rather than suggesting contradiction, the variation reflects the ease with which the Hebrew “Yôḥānān” and “Yônāh” could be confused in Greek transcription, especially when prefixed by bar. The singular impact of the verse is unaffected: Jesus publicly recognizes Simon’s earthly lineage while highlighting a higher, heavenly source of revelation. Theological Significance 1. Revelation from the Father: By naming Simon “son of Jonah,” Jesus juxtaposes earthly paternity with the divine Father who grants spiritual insight. The statement reinforces the principle that saving knowledge of Christ originates with God (compare 1 Corinthians 2:10-12). Ministry Application • Identity and Calling: Believers, like Simon, possess natural histories yet receive supernatural identities in Christ. Ministry should honor personal background while emphasizing new creation reality (2 Corinthians 5:17). Summary Βαριωνᾶ encapsulates a single but weighty moment where Jesus blesses Simon for Spirit-given revelation and prepares him for foundational ministry. Rooted in Jewish naming customs, echoing prophetic history, and pointing to the church’s worldwide mission, the term invites readers to see how God weaves personal lineage into redemptive purpose. Forms and Transliterations Βαριωνα Βαριωνᾶ Bariona Barionâ Bariōna BariōnâLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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