נִסְרֹךְ (nis.rokh)
nis.rokh
Nisroch
N:N-M-TQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-T
Word Overview
The name Nisroch refers to a specific deity worshipped in ancient Nineveh, identified in biblical texts as an idol associated with King Sennacherib. The sources indicate that the name translates to "the great eagle," reflecting the visual symbolism of the cult. This figure was represented by an eagle-headed human form, a common artistic motif in Assyrian religious iconography where divine attributes were merged with animal features.
Scripture mentions Nisroch only twice, both within the narrative of Sennacherib’s downfall. In 2 Kings 19:37 and Isaiah 37:38, the text records that after the king entered the temple of his god Nisroch, he was struck down by his own sons. These brief references serve to highlight the vulnerability of foreign gods compared to the God of Israel, marking a decisive end to Sennacherib’s military campaign through divine judgment rather than battlefield defeat.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Nisroch appears only twice in Scripture, recorded in 2 Kings 19:37 and Isaiah 37:38. These verses describe the death of King Sennacherib while he was worshiping in the temple of his god. The brief mention serves as a stark contrast between the power of the God of Israel and the silence of foreign idols.
For your faith, this story offers comfort when you face overwhelming odds or intimidating enemies. It reminds us that no human plan, military strength, or political threat can stand against divine purpose. When circumstances seem hopeless, remember that history shows the ultimate sovereignty belongs to God alone.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Nisroch2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- נִסְרֹ֣ךְ2×
Key Verses
-
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.
This verse records the specific moment Sennacherib fell by the sword in his god's temple, demonstrating the sudden end of his arrogant campaign.
-
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.
The parallel account in Isaiah confirms the fulfillment of prophecy, showing that God’s word regarding Assyria’s defeat came to pass exactly as promised.