Paragraph 4:36–37

4:36a

Joseph: As it is clear from the description of this man in this verse, he is a different man from the other Josephs in the Bible.

a Levite: This name indicates that he was a descendant of Levi, one of Jacob’s twelve sons. God chose the Levites to be helpers at the temple. Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

from the clan of Levi
-or-
a descendant of Levi (God’s Word)

from Cyprus: This phrase is literally “of Cyprus by nation/kind.” It indicates that Joseph was born on the island of Cyprus.

4:36b

whom the apostles called Barnabas: This clause in Greek is passive. Here are some ways to translate it:

• As a passive clause. For example:

who was called Barnabas by the apostles

• As an active clause. For example:

and the apostles called him Barnabas (Contemporary English Version)

meaning Son of Encouragement: This phrase is a Hebrew idiom. It indicates that Barnabas often encouraged others. The phrase Son of does not indicate that he was the son of someone named Encouragement. In some languages a literal translation would not have the correct meaning. If that is true in your language, translate the correct meaning. For example:

which means “a person who encourages” (God’s Word)
-or-
which means, he was always encouraging the others

Encouragement: This word means “to give someone hope, courage, or confidence.” Here are some other ways to translate this word:

strengthens the mind/thoughts
-or-
able to give strength to our faith

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