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Acts 4:36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (meaning Son of Encouragement),
<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Acts 4:36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (meaning Son of Encouragement),</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/acts/4-36.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/44_Act_04_36.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Acts 4:36 - Sharing among Believers" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (meaning Son of Encouragement)," /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/acts/4-36.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/acts/4-36.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/acts/">Acts</a> > <a href="/acts/4.htm">Chapter 4</a> > Verse 36</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/acts/4-35.htm" title="Acts 4:35">◄</a> Acts 4:36 <a href="/acts/4-37.htm" title="Acts 4:37">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comment </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/acts/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter"> (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/acts/4.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”),<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/acts/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/acts/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/acts/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (meaning Son of Encouragement),<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/acts/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Now Joseph having been called Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated, Son of encouragement), a Levite, a Cypriot at the birth,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/acts/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, <i>and</i> of the country of Cyprus,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/acts/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/acts/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now Joseph, a Levite of Cyprian birth, who was also called Barnabas by the apostles (which translated means Son of Encouragement),<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/acts/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Now Joseph, a Levite of Cyprian birth, who was also called Barnabas by the apostles (which translated means Son of Encouragement),<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/acts/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And Joseph, a Levite of Cyprian birth, who was also called Barnabas by the apostles (which translated means, Son of Encouragement),<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/acts/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Now Joseph, a Levite of Cyprian birth, who was also called Barnabas by the apostles (which translated means Son of Encouragement),<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/acts/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Now Joseph, a Levite and native of Cyprus, who was surnamed Barnabas by the apostles (which translated means Son of Encouragement),<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/acts/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus by birth, the one the apostles called Barnabas (which is translated Son of Encouragement),<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/acts/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Joseph, a Levite and a Cypriot by birth, the one the apostles called Barnabas, which is translated Son of Encouragement,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/acts/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Joseph, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas (which is, being interpreted, Son of exhortation), a Levite, a man of Cyprus by race,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/acts/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Joseph, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas (which is, being interpreted, Son of exhortation), a Levite, a man of Cyprus by race,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/acts/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Joseph, a descendant of Levi, had been born on the island of Cyprus. The apostles called him Barnabas, which means "a person who encourages."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/acts/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />And so it was that Joseph, a Levite born in Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means "One who Encourages"), <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/acts/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />One man, Joseph, a descendant of Levi and a native of Cyprus, who was named Barnabas by the apostles (the name means "a son of encouragement"), <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/acts/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Joses, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (meaning Son of Encouragement),<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/acts/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />So Joseph, a Levite who was a native of Cyprus, called by the apostles Barnabas (which is translated "son of encouragement"),<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/acts/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Joseph, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas (which is translated, Son of Encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus by birth,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/acts/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/acts/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />In this way Joseph, whom the Apostles gave the name of Bar-nabas--signifying 'Son of Encouragement' --a Levite, a native of Cyprus,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/acts/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Joses, who by the apostles was also called Barnabas (which is, being interpreted, Son of Encouragement), a Levite, a man of Cyprus by race, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/acts/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Joses, who was surnamed by the apostles Barnabas—which is, having been interpreted, Son of Comfort—a Levite, of Cyprus by birth,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/acts/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Now Joseph having been called Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated, Son of encouragement), a Levite, a Cypriot at the birth,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/acts/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Joses, who was surnamed by the apostles Barnabas -- which is, having been interpreted, Son of Comfort -- a Levite, of Cyprus by birth,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/acts/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Joses, surnamed Barnabas by the sent, (which is interpreted, Son of consolation,) a Levite, a Cyprian by birth,<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/acts/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And Joseph, who, by the apostles, was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, by interpretation, The son of consolation,) a Levite, a Cyprian born, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/acts/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Now Joseph, who the Apostles surnamed Barnabas (which is translated as ‘son of consolation’), who was a Levite of Cyprian descent,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/acts/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Thus Joseph, also named by the apostles Barnabas (which is translated “son of encouragement”), a Levite, a Cypriot by birth,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/acts/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />There was a Levite, a native of Cyprus, Joseph, to whom the apostles gave the name Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”).<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/acts/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Now Joseph whom the apostles surnamed Bar’na-bas (which is, interpreted, the son of consolation), a Levite of the country of Cy’prus,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />But Yoseph, named BarNaba by the Apostles, which is translated, “Son of comfort”, a Levite from the country of Cyprus,<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/acts/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />And Joses, who, by the apostles, was surnamed Barnabas, (which name, when translated, is, Son of consolation,) a Levite, by birth a Cyprian,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/acts/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />And Joseph called Barnabas by the apostles, which is interpreted, Son of consolation, a Levite, a Cyprian by race,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/acts/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />And Joses, who was surnamed Barnabas by the apostles, (which is, being interpreted, A son of consolation,) a Levite, a Cyprian by birth,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/acts/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />among the rest one Joseph, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas (that is to say, the son of consolation) a Levite, and a native of Cyprus,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/acts/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />In this way Joseph, whom the Apostles gave the name of Bar-nabas--signifying 'Son of Encouragement' --a Levite, a native of Cyprus,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/acts/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />And Joseph, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas (which is interpreted, "Son of Consolation"), a Levite, a Cyprian by birth,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/acts/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />So Joses <i>who was</i> by the apostles sirnamed Barnabas, which is a son of consolation,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/acts/4-36.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/in5WTRQ9BSQ?start=1209" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/acts/4.htm">Sharing among Believers</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">35</span>and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need. <span class="reftext">36</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/2501.htm" title="2501: Iōsēph (N-NMS) -- Joseph, a proper name. Of Hebrew origin; Joseph, the name of seven Israelites.">Joseph,</a> <a href="/greek/3019.htm" title="3019: Leuitēs (N-NMS) -- From Leui; a Levite, i.e. Descendant of Levi.">a Levite</a> <a href="/greek/2953.htm" title="2953: Kyprios (N-NMS) -- A Cypriote, belonging to Cyprus. From Kupros; a Cyprian, i.e. Inhabitant of Cyprus.">from Cyprus,</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1085.htm" title="1085: genei (N-DNS) -- Offspring, family, race, nation, kind. From ginomai; kin."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">whom</a> <a href="/greek/575.htm" title="575: apo (Prep) -- From, away from. A primary particle; off, i.e. Away, in various senses."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/652.htm" title="652: apostolōn (N-GMP) -- From apostello; a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ.">apostles</a> <a href="/greek/1941.htm" title="1941: epiklētheis (V-APP-NMS) -- (a) To call (name) by a supplementary (additional, alternative) name, (b) mid: To call upon, appeal to, address. ">called</a> <a href="/greek/921.htm" title="921: Barnabas (N-NMS) -- Of Chaldee origin; son of Nabas; Barnabas, an Israelite.">Barnabas</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: ho (RelPro-NNS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">(</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist."></a> <a href="/greek/3177.htm" title="3177: methermēneuomenon (V-PPM/P-NNS) -- To translate (from one language into another), interpret. From meta and hermeneuo; to explain over, i.e. Translate.">meaning</a> <a href="/greek/5207.htm" title="5207: Huios (N-NMS) -- A son, descendent. Apparently a primary word; a son, used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship.">Son</a> <a href="/greek/3874.htm" title="3874: paraklēseōs (N-GFS) -- From parakaleo; imploration, hortation, solace.">of Encouragement),</a> </span> <span class="reftext">37</span>sold a field he owned, brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/11-22.htm">Acts 11:22-24</a></span><br />When news of this reached the ears of the church in Jerusalem, they sent Barnabas to Antioch. / When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to abide in the Lord with all their hearts. / Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/9-27.htm">Acts 9:27</a></span><br />Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and described how Saul had seen the Lord, who had spoken to him on the road to Damascus, and how Saul had spoken boldly in that city in the name of Jesus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/13-1.htm">Acts 13:1-3</a></span><br />Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch), and Saul. / While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” / And after they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/15-2.htm">Acts 15:2</a></span><br />And after engaging these men in sharp debate, Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/15-12.htm">Acts 15:12</a></span><br />The whole assembly fell silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul describing the signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/15-36.htm">Acts 15:36-39</a></span><br />Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the brothers in every town where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, to see how they are doing.” / Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark. / But Paul thought it best not to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not accompanied them in the work. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/2-1.htm">Galatians 2:1</a></span><br />Fourteen years later I went up again to Jerusalem, accompanied by Barnabas. I took Titus along also.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/2-9.htm">Galatians 2:9</a></span><br />And recognizing the grace that I had been given, James, Cephas, and John—those reputed to be pillars—gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, so that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcised.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-6.htm">1 Corinthians 9:6</a></span><br />Or are Barnabas and I the only apostles who must work for a living?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/4-10.htm">Colossians 4:10</a></span><br />My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you greetings, as does Mark the cousin of Barnabas. You have already received instructions about him: If he comes to you, welcome him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/4-11.htm">2 Timothy 4:11</a></span><br />Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is useful to me in the ministry.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philemon/1-24.htm">Philemon 1:24</a></span><br />as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/13-6.htm">Numbers 13:6</a></span><br />from the tribe of Judah, Caleb son of Jephunneh;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/13-16.htm">Numbers 13:16</a></span><br />These were the names of the men Moses sent to spy out the land; and Moses gave to Hoshea son of Nun the name Joshua.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/33-8.htm">Deuteronomy 33:8-11</a></span><br />Concerning Levi he said: “Give Your Thummim to Levi and Your Urim to Your godly one, whom You tested at Massah and contested at the waters of Meribah. / He said of his father and mother, ‘I do not consider them.’ He disregarded his brothers and did not know his own sons, for he kept Your word and maintained Your covenant. / He will teach Your ordinances to Jacob and Your law to Israel; he will set incense before You and whole burnt offerings on Your altar. ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,</p><p class="hdg">Barnabas.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/11-22.htm">Acts 11:22-25,30</a></b></br> Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/12-25.htm">Acts 12:25</a></b></br> And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled <i>their</i> ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/13-1.htm">Acts 13:1</a></b></br> Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.</p><p class="hdg">The son.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/mark/3-17.htm">Mark 3:17</a></b></br> And James the <i>son</i> of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder:</p><p class="hdg">Cyprus.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/11-19.htm">Acts 11:19,20</a></b></br> Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/15-39.htm">Acts 15:39</a></b></br> And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/21-16.htm">Acts 21:16</a></b></br> There went with us also <i>certain</i> of the disciples of Caesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/4-35.htm">Apostles</a> <a href="/colossians/4-10.htm">Barnabas</a> <a href="/john/11-19.htm">Comfort</a> <a href="/luke/16-25.htm">Consolation</a> <a href="/john/11-55.htm">Country</a> <a href="/acts/21-16.htm">Cyprian</a> <a href="/ezekiel/27-6.htm">Cyprus</a> <a href="/daniel/11-1.htm">Encouragement</a> <a href="/john/1-41.htm">Interpreted</a> <a href="/acts/1-23.htm">Joseph</a> <a href="/luke/3-29.htm">Joses</a> <a href="/luke/10-32.htm">Levite</a> <a href="/acts/4-16.htm">Means</a> <a href="/acts/2-8.htm">Native</a> <a href="/mark/7-26.htm">Race</a> <a href="/acts/2-43.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/john/21-19.htm">Signifying</a> <a href="/acts/1-23.htm">Surnamed</a> <a href="/john/9-7.htm">Translated</a> <a href="/acts/4-21.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/4-37.htm">Apostles</a> <a href="/acts/9-27.htm">Barnabas</a> <a href="/acts/9-31.htm">Comfort</a> <a href="/acts/15-31.htm">Consolation</a> <a href="/acts/7-3.htm">Country</a> <a href="/acts/21-16.htm">Cyprian</a> <a href="/acts/11-19.htm">Cyprus</a> <a href="/acts/13-15.htm">Encouragement</a> <a href="/acts/13-8.htm">Interpreted</a> <a href="/acts/7-9.htm">Joseph</a> <a href="/matthew/13-55.htm">Joses</a> <a href="/exodus/4-14.htm">Levite</a> <a href="/acts/9-36.htm">Means</a> <a href="/acts/6-1.htm">Native</a> <a href="/acts/7-13.htm">Race</a> <a href="/acts/8-30.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-8.htm">Signifying</a> <a href="/acts/10-5.htm">Surnamed</a> <a href="/acts/9-36.htm">Translated</a> <a href="/acts/5-41.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 4</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/4-1.htm">The rulers of the Jews, offended with Peter's sermon,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/4-3.htm">imprison him and John.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/4-5.htm">After, upon examination </a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/4-8.htm">Peter boldly avouching the lame man to be healed by the name of Jesus, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/4-11.htm">and that only by the same Jesus we must be eternally saved,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/4-13.htm">they threaten him and John to preach no more in that name,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/4-23.htm">whereupon the church flees to prayer.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">31. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/4-31.htm">And God, by moving the place where they were assembled, testifies that he heard their prayer; </a></span><br><span class="reftext">34. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/4-34.htm">confirming the church with the gift of the Holy Spirit, and with mutual love and charity.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "ca-pub-3753401421161123"; /* 200 x 200 Parallel Bible */ google_ad_slot = "7676643937"; google_ad_width = 200; google_ad_height = 200; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/acts/4.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div><b>Joseph</b><br />The name "Joseph" is of Hebrew origin, meaning "He will add" or "Jehovah increases." In the context of the early church, Joseph is a common name, but this particular Joseph is distinguished by his actions and the nickname given to him by the apostles. His Hebrew roots suggest a heritage of faith and a connection to the promises of God to increase and bless His people.<p><b>a Levite</b><br />Levites were members of the tribe of Levi, set apart for religious duties and service in the temple. This background indicates that Joseph, later known as Barnabas, was well-versed in Jewish law and traditions. His Levitical heritage would have given him a unique perspective on the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies in Jesus Christ, and it underscores his role as a bridge between Jewish and Gentile believers in the early church.<p><b>from Cyprus</b><br />Cyprus is an island in the eastern Mediterranean, known in antiquity for its strategic location and cultural diversity. Joseph's origin from Cyprus highlights the spread of the Gospel beyond the confines of Judea and Galilee, illustrating the early church's mission to reach all nations. This geographical detail also suggests that Joseph was familiar with diverse cultures and languages, equipping him for his future missionary journeys.<p><b>whom the apostles called Barnabas</b><br />The apostles' decision to rename Joseph as "Barnabas" reflects a common biblical practice of assigning names that capture a person's character or destiny. This renaming signifies the apostles' recognition of Joseph's unique gifts and his vital role in the community. It also indicates the close relationship and trust between Joseph and the apostolic leaders.<p><b>(meaning Son of Encouragement)</b><br />The name "Barnabas" is derived from the Aramaic "Bar" (son) and "Nabas" (encouragement or consolation). This title encapsulates Joseph's ministry and character, as he was known for his ability to uplift and support others. His encouragement was not merely emotional but deeply spiritual, rooted in the truth of the Gospel and the power of the Holy Spirit. Barnabas's role as an encourager was crucial in the early church, fostering unity and growth among believers.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(36) <span class= "bld">And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas.</span>--The better MSS. give the name as Joseph. It is possible, as Rabbinic writers often give <span class= "ital">Jose</span> for Joseph, that both were but different forms, like Simon and Simeon, of the same name. The later friendship between the Levite of Cyprus and St. Paul makes it probable that there had been some previous companionship (see Notes on <a href="/acts/9-27.htm" title="But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared to them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.">Acts 9:27</a>; <a href="/acts/11-25.htm" title="Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:">Acts 11:25</a>), and it may well have been that he was sent from Cyprus to receive his education in the famous schools of Tarsus, or practised with Saul in early life the craft of tent-making, for which Tarsus was famous, and in which they were afterwards fellow-labourers (<a href="/1_corinthians/9-6.htm" title="Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working?">1Corinthians 9:6</a>). As a Levite he had probably taken his place in the ministries of the Temple, and may, therefore, have been among our Lord's actual hearers. His relation Mary, the mother of John surnamed Marcus, was, we know, living at Jerusalem. (See Note on <a href="/acts/12-12.htm" title="And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.">Acts 12:12</a>; <a href="/colossians/4-10.htm" title=" Aristarchus my fellow prisoner salutes you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom you received commandments: if he come to you, receive him;)">Colossians 4:10</a>.) A tradition, as early as Clement of Alexandria (<span class= "ital">Strom. ii.</span> ? 116), makes him one of the Seventy, and this agrees with the prophetic character which we have seen reason to think of as attaching to that body. (See. Note on <a href="/luke/10-1.htm" title="After these things the LORD appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, where he himself would come.">Luke 10:1</a>.) The new name which the Apostles gave him, literally, if we look to its Hebrew etymology, <span class= "ital">The son of prophecy, </span>or, taking St. Luke's translation, <span class= "ital">The son of counsel, </span>implies the possession of a special gift of persuasive utterance, in which the Apostles recognised the work of the Spirit. The Paraclete had endowed him with the gift of <span class= "ital">paraclesis, </span>in the sense in which that word included counsel, comfort, admonition, application of divine truth to the spiritual necessities of men. (See <span class= "ital">Excursus G. on St. John's Gospel.</span>) In <a href="/acts/11-23.htm" title="Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would hold to the Lord.">Acts 11:23</a>, we find him <span class= "ital">exhorting</span> the Gentile converts at Antioch, the verb being that from which <span class= "ital">paraclesis</span> is derived. He was, <span class= "ital">i.e., </span>conspicuous for the gift of prophecy as that gift is described in <a href="/1_corinthians/14-3.htm" title="But he that prophesies speaks to men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.">1Corinthians 14:3</a>. The several stages in his life come before us later. An Epistle bearing his name, and recognised as his by Clement of Alexandria and Origen, is still extant, but its authenticity is, to say the least, questionable. It consists mainly of allegorical interpretations of Old Testament narratives. Some critics have assigned the Epistle to the Hebrews to his authorship, as the expounder of St. Paul's thoughts. It should be noted that a little further on his kinswoman Mary's house is the chief meeting-place of the Church of Jerusalem (<a href="/acts/12-12.htm" title="And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.">Acts 12:12</a>), and that her son John, surnamed Mark, is mentioned by St. Peter ("Marcus my son," <a href="/1_peter/5-13.htm" title="The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, salutes you; and so does Marcus my son.">1Peter 5:13</a>) in words which make it almost certain that he was converted by that Apostle. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 36.</span> <span class="accented">- Joseph</span> for <span class="accented">Joses</span>, A.V., as <a href="/acts/1-23.htm">Acts 1:23</a>; <span class="accented">Son of exhortation</span> for <span class="accented">The son of consolation</span>, A.V.; <span class="accented">a man of Cyprus by race</span> for <span class="accented">and of the country of Cyprus</span>, A.V. Joseph. In the variation of manuscripts it is difficult to say which is right. Some (Grotius, Alford, etc.) consider the two forms as mere variations in writing the name <span class="accented">Joseph.</span> But it seems more probable that <span class="accented">Joses</span> is the same name as <span class="accented">Josiah</span>, only without the addition of the Divine Name (Jab) at the end (see Simon, 'Onomast.'). It is found as a proper name in the T.R. of <a href="/matthew/13-55.htm">Matthew 13:55</a>; <a href="/matthew/27-56.htm">Matthew 27:56</a>; <a href="/mark/6-3.htm">Mark 6:3</a>; <a href="/mark/15-40.htm">Mark 15:40, 47</a>; <a href="/luke/3-29.htm">Luke 3:29</a> (Jose); and is not likely to have been substituted for the common name of Joseph. The Codex Sinaiticus has <span class="accented">Joses</span> only in <a href="/mark/15-40.htm">Mark 15:40</a>. The R.V. has <span class="accented">Joseph</span> in <a href="/matthew/13-55.htm">Matthew 13:55</a>, and <span class="accented">Joses</span> in <a href="/matthew/27-56.htm">Matthew 27:56</a>; <a href="/mark/6-3.htm">Mark 6:3</a>; <a href="/mark/15-40.htm">Mark 15:40, 47</a>. In <a href="/luke/3-29.htm">Luke 3:29</a> the R.V. has <span class="accented">Jesus.</span> But <span class="accented">Joses</span> is probably right both here and in the above-cited passages. <span class="cmt_word">Barnabas</span>; literally, <span class="accented">son of prophecy</span>; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> a prophet, as he is called in <a href="/acts/18-1.htm">Acts 18:1</a>. Probably his exhortations under the influence of the Holy Spirit in the Church assemblies were particularly stirring and edifying. The Greek version of the name, <span class="greek">υἱὸς παρακλήσεως</span>, should be rendered, as in R.V., <span class="cmt_word">Son of exhortation</span>, for "son of consolation? is a meaning which can hardly be got out of the Hebrew. The apostles seem here to have followed our Lord's example in naming the sons of Zebedee, sons of thunder. <span class="cmt_word">A man of Cyprus by race</span>. The A.V. is less accurate, but it gives the sense better. Cyprus was the country where he was born and lived, as, it is likely, his fathers had done before him. But he was hardly, in our sense of the words, a Cypriot by race. We know that a great many Jews were settled in Cyprus (Philo, 'Leg. ad Caium.,'§ 36; Josephus, 'Ant.,' 13:4; Alford, on <a href="/acts/11-19.htm">Acts 11:19</a>); and we learn from <a href="/acts/13-5.htm">Acts 13:5</a> that in Salamis alone there were several synagogues. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/acts/4-36.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">Joseph,</span><br /><span class="grk">Ἰωσὴφ</span> <span class="translit">(Iōsēph)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2501.htm">Strong's 2501: </a> </span><span class="str2">Joseph, a proper name. Of Hebrew origin; Joseph, the name of seven Israelites.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a Levite</span><br /><span class="grk">Λευίτης</span> <span class="translit">(Leuitēs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3019.htm">Strong's 3019: </a> </span><span class="str2">From Leui; a Levite, i.e. Descendant of Levi.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from Cyprus,</span><br /><span class="grk">Κύπριος</span> <span class="translit">(Kyprios)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2953.htm">Strong's 2953: </a> </span><span class="str2">A Cypriote, belonging to Cyprus. From Kupros; a Cyprian, i.e. Inhabitant of Cyprus.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">whom</span><br /><span class="grk">ὁ</span> <span class="translit">(ho)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">τῶν</span> <span class="translit">(tōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Genitive Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">apostles</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀποστόλων</span> <span class="translit">(apostolōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_652.htm">Strong's 652: </a> </span><span class="str2">From apostello; a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">called</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐπικληθεὶς</span> <span class="translit">(epiklētheis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1941.htm">Strong's 1941: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) To call (name) by a supplementary (additional, alternative) name, (b) mid: To call upon, appeal to, address. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">Barnabas</span><br /><span class="grk">Βαρνάβας</span> <span class="translit">(Barnabas)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_921.htm">Strong's 921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Of Chaldee origin; son of Nabas; Barnabas, an Israelite.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">(</span><br /><span class="grk">ὅ</span> <span class="translit">(ho)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">meaning</span><br /><span class="grk">μεθερμηνευόμενον</span> <span class="translit">(methermēneuomenon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3177.htm">Strong's 3177: </a> </span><span class="str2">To translate (from one language into another), interpret. From meta and hermeneuo; to explain over, i.e. Translate.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Son</span><br /><span class="grk">Υἱὸς</span> <span class="translit">(Huios)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5207.htm">Strong's 5207: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son, descendent. Apparently a primary word; a 'son', used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Encouragement),</span><br /><span class="grk">παρακλήσεως</span> <span class="translit">(paraklēseōs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3874.htm">Strong's 3874: </a> </span><span class="str2">From parakaleo; imploration, hortation, solace.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/4-36.htm">Acts 4:36 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/acts/4-36.htm">Acts 4:36 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/acts/4-36.htm">Acts 4:36 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/acts/4-36.htm">Acts 4:36 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/acts/4-36.htm">Acts 4:36 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/4-36.htm">Acts 4:36 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/4-36.htm">Acts 4:36 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/4-36.htm">Acts 4:36 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/acts/4-36.htm">Acts 4:36 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/acts/4-36.htm">Acts 4:36 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/acts/4-36.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 4:36 Joses who by the apostles was surnamed (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/4-35.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 4:35"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 4:35" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/4-37.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 4:37"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 4:37" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>