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G920 · Greek · New Testament
Βαριωνᾶ
Bariōna
Proper noun, masculine
Bar-Jona — son of Jonah/John

Definition

The Aramaic surname Bariōna means 'son of Jonah' (or 'son of John'). It appears only in Matthew 16:17, where Jesus addresses Simon Peter: 'Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.' This surname grounds the great apostle in his ordinary human heritage before the extraordinary divine revelation he received.

Usage & Theological Significance

The moment Jesus calls Peter 'Bar-Jonah' is the same moment He declares him 'the rock' on which the church will be built. The foundation of the church is not a superhuman hero but a flesh-and-blood son of a fisherman, upon whom God supernaturally revealed truth. The church is built not on human genius but on divinely-revealed confession: 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.' Human name, divine revelation, eternal mission.

Key Bible Verses

Matthew 16:17Jesus replied, 'Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah (Bar-Jonah), for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.'
Matthew 16:18And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
John 1:42Jesus looked at him and said, 'You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas' (which, when translated, is Peter).
John 21:15When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, 'Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?'
Matthew 4:18As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew.

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