Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There is no direct Hebrew equivalent for Βαριησοῦς, as it is a Greek transliteration of an Aramaic name. However, the component "bar" (son) corresponds to Strong's Hebrew entry 1121 (בֵּן, ben), meaning "son." The name "Iesous" corresponds to Strong's Hebrew entry 3091 (יְהוֹשׁוּעַ, Yehoshua), meaning "Yahweh is salvation."

Usage: The term Βαριησοῦς is used in the New Testament to refer to a specific individual, a Jewish false prophet and sorcerer, encountered by Paul and Barnabas on the island of Cyprus.

Context: Βαριησοῦς, or Bar-Jesus, is mentioned in the Book of Acts as a Jewish false prophet and sorcerer. He is also known by the name Elymas. His encounter with Paul and Barnabas is recorded in Acts 13:6-12. Bar-Jesus was with the proconsul Sergius Paulus, a man of intelligence, who sought to hear the word of God. However, Bar-Jesus opposed them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, rebuked him, saying, "You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord?" (Acts 13:10, BSB). As a result, Bar-Jesus was struck with blindness, and the proconsul, witnessing the power of God, believed in the teachings of Paul and Barnabas.

This account highlights the early church's encounters with spiritual opposition and the authority of the apostles in confronting falsehood. Bar-Jesus serves as an example of those who, despite their Jewish heritage, opposed the spread of the Gospel and were met with divine judgment.