סִיסְרָא (sis.ra)
sis.ra
Sisera
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 18 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Sisera appears eighteen times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within the book of Judges but also in later records of the post-exilic community. It identifies two distinct figures separated by centuries: the Canaanite military commander defeated by Deborah and Jael, and a descendant who returns from Babylonian exile as part of Zerubbabel’s group.
Lexical sources suggest the name may derive from a root meaning "battle array" or "chariot." This etymology fits the first Sisera perfectly, as he commanded nine hundred iron chariots, a formidable force that made his eventual defeat by a small Israelite militia particularly striking. His story in Judges 4 and 5 highlights how divine intervention overturned military superiority.
The second mention of this name occurs in Ezra 2:53 and Nehemiah 7:55, where an ancestor named Sisera is listed among the families of temple servants who returned to Jerusalem. This later usage connects a figure associated with violent opposition to Israel with a lineage committed to serving in the restored temple, illustrating how names and identities were carried forward into the community’s rebuilding efforts.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Sisera appears in two very different settings within Scripture. In Judges, he is a powerful military commander with nine hundred iron chariots, representing overwhelming human strength and oppression. His defeat by Jael highlights how God often uses unexpected means to deliver His people, showing that no army is too strong for divine intervention.
Centuries later, the name appears again in Ezra and Nehemiah among those returning from exile. This Sisera is listed as an ancestor of temple servants, individuals dedicated to serving in the restored community. This shift from enemy commander to servant in God’s house suggests that names and lineages can carry new purposes in God’s plan for restoration.
For your faith, this word reminds us that human power is temporary, while God’s purposes endure. Whether facing overwhelming odds or stepping into a role of service, you can trust that God works through unlikely people and situations to bring about His good will.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 18 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Sisera17×
- to/ Sisera1×
- for/ Sisera1×
- and/ Sisera1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- סִֽיסְרָא֙5×
- סִֽיסְרָ֖א3×
- סִֽיסְרָא֒2×
- סִיסְרָֽא\׃1×
- סִֽיסְרָא֩1×
- סִֽיסְרָ֨א1×
- סִֽיסְרָ֜א1×
- סִֽיסְרָ֛א1×
- סִֽיסְרָ֔א1×
- סִֽיסְרָ֑א1×
- לְ/סִֽיסְרָ֑א1×
- לְ/סִ֣יסְרָ֔א1×
Key Verses
-
Judges 4:13
Sisera gathered together all his chariots, even nine hundred chariots of iron, and all the people who were with him, from Harosheth of the Gentiles, to the river Kishon.
This verse establishes Sisera's formidable military power with nine hundred iron chariots, setting the stage for a dramatic demonstration of God's ability to overcome superior force.
-
Judges 5:26
She put her hand to the tent peg, and her right hand to the workmen’s hammer. With the hammer she struck Sisera. She struck through his head. Yes, she pierced and struck through his temples.
Here the word appears in the song of Deborah, describing Jael's decisive action that ends Sisera's threat, emphasizing divine justice through unexpected means.
-
Ezra 2:53
the children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Temah,
This reference shows a later descendant named Sisera among those rebuilding the temple, illustrating how names from Israel's past were carried forward into its restoration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Sisera mean?
Are there two different people named Sisera in the Bible?
Why is Sisera mentioned in Ezra and Nehemiah?
Every Occurrence (18 verses across 4 books)
Judges 15 verses
Yahweh sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor; the captain of whose army was Sisera, who…
Judges 4:7I will draw to you, to the river Kishon, Sisera, the captain of Jabin’s army, with his chariots and his multitude; and…
Judges 4:9She said, “I will surely go with you. Nevertheless, the journey that you take won’t be for your honor; for Yahweh will…
Judges 4:12They told Sisera that Barak the son of Abinoam had gone up to Mount Tabor.
Judges 4:13Sisera gathered together all his chariots, even nine hundred chariots of iron, and all the people who were with him,…
Judges 4:14Deborah said to Barak, “Go; for this is the day in which Yahweh has delivered Sisera into your hand. Hasn’t Yahweh gone…
Judges 4:15Yahweh confused Sisera, all his chariots, and all his army, with the edge of the sword before Barak. Sisera abandoned…
Judges 4:16But Barak pursued the chariots and the army to Harosheth of the Gentiles; and all the army of Sisera fell by the edge…
Judges 4:17However Sisera fled away on his feet to the tent of Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite; for there was peace between…
Judges 4:18Jael went out to meet Sisera, and said to him, “Turn in, my lord, turn in to me; don’t be afraid.” He came in to her…
Judges 4:22Behold, as Barak pursued Sisera, Jael came out to meet him, and said to him, “Come, and I will show you the man whom…
Judges 5:20From the sky the stars fought. From their courses, they fought against Sisera.
Judges 5:26She put her hand to the tent peg, and her right hand to the workmen’s hammer. With the hammer she struck Sisera. She…
Judges 5:28“Through the window she looked out, and cried: Sisera’s mother looked through the lattice. ‘Why is his chariot so long…
Judges 5:30‘Have they not found, have they not divided the plunder? A lady, two ladies to every man; to Sisera a plunder of dyed…