Mark 15:7

one named Barabbas There lay in prison at this time, awaiting execution, a celebrated bandit or robber named Barabbas. This word is a patronymic, and means (i) according to some, Bar-Abbas= son of Abba= "son of the father," or (ii) according to others, Bar-Rabbas = "son of a Rabbi." In three MSS. of Matthew 27:16, his name is given as "Jesus Bar-abbas," and this reading is supported by the Armenian and Syriac Versions and is cited by Origen.

them that had made insurrection Barabbas had headed one of the numerous insurrections against the Roman power, which were constantly harassing the procurators, and giving untold trouble to the legionary troops quartered at Cæsarea and other places. In this particular insurrection blood had been shed, and apparently some Roman soldiers had been killed.