אַדְרַמֶּ֫לֶךְ (a.de.ram.me.lekh)
a.de.ram.me.lekh
Adrammelech
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Adrammelech appears only three times in Scripture, referring to two distinct figures: a deity worshipped by settlers from Sepharvaim and the son of King Sennacherib of Assyria. The sources indicate the name likely means "Adar is prince" or "honour of the king," linking it to the Mesopotamian god Adar. In 2 Kings 17:31, this idol is listed among the foreign gods introduced into Samaria after the Assyrian deportation, representing the syncretistic religious landscape that Israel was commanded to reject.
The second occurrence identifies Adrammelech as a historical person, specifically the son of Sennacherib who conspired with his brother Sharezer to assassinate their father in the temple of Nisroch (2 Kings 19:37; Isaiah 37:38). This brief mention highlights the violent internal conflicts within the Assyrian royal house. The juxtaposition of the idol and the prince underscores the pervasive influence of foreign powers and their gods during the Divided Monarchy, serving as a historical marker of both spiritual compromise and political turmoil.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Adrammelech appears in Scripture in two very different forms: as a foreign idol and as a royal assassin. In 2 Kings 17, it represents the gods of Sepharvaim, who demanded the sacrifice of children. This highlights the severe spiritual danger of mixing worship with practices that violate God’s character. The Israelites were called to reject such syncretism because true worship requires purity.
Later, Adrammelech appears as a historical figure, the son of King Sennacherib. Along with his brother Sharezer, he murdered his father in the temple of their god Nisroch (2 Kings 19:37). This event shows how violence and rebellion can permeate even the highest levels of power. It serves as a reminder that human systems, no matter how strong, are fragile.
For believers today, these passages warn against compromising faith with worldly values. They also remind us that God remains sovereign over history, even when political structures collapse. Trusting in Him provides stability where human authority fails.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Adrammelech2×
- to/ Adrammelech1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְֽ/אַדְרַמֶּ֨לֶךְ2×
- לְ/אַדְרַמֶּ֥לֶךְ1×
Key Verses
-
II Kings 17:31
and the Avvites made Nibhaz and Tartak; and the Sepharvites burned their children in the fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim.
This verse identifies Adrammelech as an idol associated with child sacrifice, illustrating the extreme spiritual corruption Israel was commanded to reject.
-
II Kings 19:37
As he was worshiping in the house of Nisroch his god, Adrammelech and Sharezer struck him with the sword; and they escaped into the land of Ararat. Esar Haddon his son reigned in his place.
Here Adrammelech is a historical prince who assassinates his father in a temple, showing the violent internal decay of the Assyrian empire.
-
Isaiah 37:38
As he was worshiping in the house of Nisroch his god, Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons struck him with the sword; and they escaped into the land of Ararat. Esar Haddon his son reigned in his place.
This parallel account reinforces the fulfillment of prophecy regarding Sennacherib’s downfall through the actions of his own sons.