Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:
(son of Abba). The prisoner at Jerusalem when Christ was condemned (Matt. 27:16-28; Mark 15:7; Luke 23:18; John 18:40).
Concise Bible Dictionary:
One described as a “robber” in John 18:40; “a notable prisoner” in Matthew 27:16-26: he had made an insurrection and had committed murder (Mark 15:7-15). Yet the Jews, led by the chief priests and elders, requested the release of this man rather than the release of the Lord Jesus. Why they petitioned for this particular prisoner is not known; but it manifests in the most decided manner their ungodliness that they could choose such a notoriously wicked man in preference to the Lord of life and glory, their Messiah (Luke 23:18). Peter did not fail to charge this home upon the Jews, “Ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you” (Acts 3:14).
Strong’s Dictionary of Greek Words:
Transliteration:
Barabbas
Meaning:
of Chaldee origin (1347 and 5); son of Abba; Bar-abbas, an Israelite
Jackson’s Dictionary of Scripture Proper Names:
son of father
Potts’ Bible Proper Names:
Son of his father:―a prisoner at Jerusalem when Jesus was condemned, Matt. 27:16. {Filius patris}