Pakaluk (2021, p. 249) explains the meaning of this name: “This name means ‘Son of Abba,’ that is, ‘Son of the Father.’ John tells us only that Bar-Abbas was a robber, which is enough to establish that he was a criminal who deserved to be in prison. In the Marian spirit that pervades his Gospel, John does not add that Bar-Abbas was also a brigand and a murderer. What matters is that the innocent Son of the Father took the place of this guilty ‘Son of the Father’ and allowed him to go free.”

The Greek that is transliterated as “Barabbas” in English is translated in Spanish Sign Language with a sign depicting for “thief or “delinquent.” (Source: Steve Parkhurst)

“Barabbas” in Spanish Sign Language, source: Sociedad Bíblica de España

For more information on translations of proper names with sign language see Sign Language Bible Translations Have Something to Say to Hearing Christians .