The fans' favourite thumped home a header from a John Salako corner in the 55th minute after Michael Boulding had given the visitors a first-half lead
Barnsley had the better of a disappointing first half in which Brentford seemed to be slow out of the blocks.
The visitors created several half-chances and went ahead when Michael Boulding beat the offside trap by running from deep onto a long ball from Tom Williams.
Brentford's defenders stood still and keeper Stuart Nelson made a hash of his high challenge - allowing Boulding to head home for a 33rd minute opener.
It could have been worse for the Bees when Sodje headed off the line when Stephen McPhail looked certain to score.
But they also missed a glorious chance before half-time when Deon Burton found himself unmarked at the far post from a Salako cross but saw his fierce left-foot volley saved.
The second half was a completely different affair as Brentford manager Martin Allen changed his tactics and pumped up his players.
He brought on livewire Stephen Hunt to liven things up in place of Matt Harrold and also introduced influential midfielder Stewart Talbot for Scott Fitzgerald.
The changes worked a treat as Brentford dominated the second 45 minutes from start to finish and created a string of chances.
Burton shot wide, Michael Dobson had a deflected effort saved, Michael Turner hit the bar and Sodje headed over the bar as the Bees stepped up the pressure.
They clinched a point with Sodje's header and a relieved Barnsley were glad to hear the final whistle in the end.