Lexical Summary Rab-saris: Chief Eunuch, High Official Original Word: רַב־סָרִיס Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Rab-saris From rab and a foreign word for a eunuch; chief chamberlain; Rab-Saris, a Babylonian official -- Rab-saris. see HEBREW rab NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom rab and a word of foreign origin Definition perhaps "chief eunuch," an official of the Assyr. and Bab. kings NASB Translation Rab-saris (3). Topical Lexicon Meaning and function The term identifies a high-ranking court official who served as chief of the royal eunuchs and acted as an emissary or military administrator for Near-Eastern monarchs. He combined ceremonial oversight of the palace with political or military authority, often empowered to speak and negotiate on behalf of the king. Occurrences in Scripture 1. 2 Kings 18:17 – an Assyrian “Rabsaris” participates in the intimidation of King Hezekiah. Historical and cultural background Assyrian and Babylonian courts were highly stratified, with eunuchs occupying influential posts because their inability to produce heirs was thought to ensure loyalty. The “chief eunuch” title became shorthand for a trusted minister. Clay inscriptions and reliefs confirm that such officers led diplomatic missions, commanded regiments, and administered conquered territories. The Assyrian emissary to Judah (2 Kings 18:17) “Then the king of Assyria sent the Tartan, the Rabsaris, and the Rabshakeh from Lachish with a great army to King Hezekiah at Jerusalem.” Here the Rabsaris stands alongside the Tartan (field marshal) and the Rabshakeh (chief spokesman). The trio personifies Assyria’s might—military, administrative, and rhetorical—arrayed against Jerusalem. Their presence underscores the pressure Hezekiah faced and sets the stage for the Lord’s dramatic deliverance (2 Kings 19:35-37). The episode illustrates how earthly hierarchies bow to divine sovereignty. The Babylonian administrators in the fall of Jerusalem (Jeremiah 39) After breaching the city, Nebuchadnezzar’s officials, including “Nergal-sharezer the Rabsaris,” occupy the Middle Gate (Jeremiah 39:3), symbolizing complete control. Yet the same rank later secures the prophet’s welfare: “So Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard, Nebushazban the Rabsaris, Nergal-sharezer the Rabmag, and all the officials of the king of Babylon sent and had Jeremiah taken from the courtyard of the guard.” (Jeremiah 39:13-14) The contrast—oppressors becoming protectors of God’s messenger—highlights the Lord’s ability to turn the hearts of foreign dignitaries to fulfill His word (Proverbs 21:1). Theological and ministry reflections 1. Divine sovereignty over nations: Whether Assyrian or Babylonian, the highest human offices operate within God’s predetermined plan (Isaiah 10:5-16; Daniel 4:35). Legacy in Biblical theology The title “Rabsaris” anchors three pivotal moments: Assyria’s failed siege, Babylon’s successful conquest, and Jeremiah’s vindication. Across these scenes the office serves as a narrative device that magnifies the Lord’s authority over imperial power structures, assures the preservation of His word, and hints at the eventual gathering of all peoples—regardless of status—into the blessing of His kingdom. Forms and Transliterations סָרִ֔יס סָרִ֗יס סָרִ֣יס ׀ סריס sā·rîs saRis sārîsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Kings 18:17 HEB: וְאֶת־ רַב־ סָרִ֣יס ׀ וְאֶת־ רַב־ NAS: Tartan and Rab-saris and Rabshakeh KJV: Tartan and Rabsaris and Rabshakeh INT: of Assyria Tartan and Rab-saris and Rabshakeh from Jeremiah 39:3 Jeremiah 39:13 3 Occurrences |
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