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סַנְחֵרִיב (san.che.riv)

san.che.riv

Sennacherib

H5576 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 13 verses

N:N-M-P

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
13 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
N:N-M-P

Word Overview

The name Sennacherib refers to the powerful king of Assyria who ruled from 705 to 681 BC. His name, meaning "Sin has increased brothers," reflects his devotion to the moon god Sin. He is a central figure in the history of Judah during the reign of King Hezekiah, appearing prominently in the books of Isaiah and Kings as the ruler who threatened Jerusalem with destruction.

Historical records and biblical texts note that he was the son of Sargon and father to Esarhaddon. Interestingly, the prophet Isaiah identifies him as Sargon in Isaiah 20:1, a detail that aligns with Assyrian inscriptions linking the two titles. His campaign against Judah is described as a major crisis for the kingdom, ending not through military victory but when an angel struck down 185,000 of his soldiers in response to Hezekiah’s prayer.

As a proper noun, Sennacherib serves as a marker of divine deliverance in the biblical narrative. The sources highlight that his sudden defeat underscores the theme that human power is subject to God’s will. His legacy in Scripture is defined by this dramatic reversal, where the mightiest army of the age was undone without a single arrow being fired by Judah’s defenders.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Sennacherib appears in Scripture as a reminder that God’s power exceeds the greatest military forces on earth. When he threatened Jerusalem, King Hezekiah did not rely on walls or weapons but turned to prayer. The biblical account shows that divine intervention, rather than human strategy, secured the city’s safety.

This narrative invites us to trust God when circumstances seem overwhelming. Even when enemies appear strong and plans seem doomed, faith in the living God remains the foundation of hope. His deliverance is not limited by the size of the threat or the strength of the opposition.

Reading these accounts encourages a quiet confidence in God’s sovereignty. We are reminded that He hears prayer and acts on behalf of those who seek Him. This history stands as a lasting witness to His faithfulness across generations.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 13 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • Sennacherib13×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • סַנְחֵרִ֣יב3×
  • סַנְחֵרִ֤יב2×
  • סַנְחֵרִ֖יב2×
  • סַנְחֵרִ֔יב2×
  • סַנְחֵרִ֨יב1×
  • סַנְחֵרִ֥יב1×
  • סַנְחֵרִ֥ב1×
  • סַנְחֵרִ֑יב1×

Key Verses

  • II Kings 19:20
    Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent to Hezekiah, saying, “Yahweh, the God of Israel, says ‘You have prayed to me against Sennacherib king of Assyria, and I have heard you.

    This verse explicitly links Hezekiah’s prayer directly to God’s response against Sennacherib, highlighting the power of intercession.

  • II Chronicles 32:22
    Thus Yahweh saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib the king of Assyria and from the hand of all others, and guided them on every side.

    It summarizes the outcome by stating Yahweh saved Jerusalem from Sennacherib’s hand, framing the event as a comprehensive divine rescue.

  • Isaiah 37:17
    Turn your ear, Yahweh, and hear. Open your eyes, Yahweh, and behold. Hear all of the words of Sennacherib, who has sent to defy the living God.

    The prophet uses this reference to describe how Sennacherib’s words were intended to defy the living God, setting up the spiritual conflict.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Sennacherib in the Bible?

Sennacherib was the king of Assyria who ruled from 705 to 681 BC. He is best known for his military campaign against Judah and his attempt to conquer Jerusalem during the reign of King Hezekiah.

How did Sennacherib’s attack end?

According to the biblical text, Sennacherib withdrew from Jerusalem after an angel struck down 185,000 of his soldiers. He returned to Nineveh and was later assassinated by his own sons, never achieving his goal against Judah.

Why is this name significant for Christians today?

The story demonstrates that God protects His people when they rely on Him rather than their own strength. It serves as an encouragement that prayer can influence outcomes even when facing seemingly insurmountable odds.

Every Occurrence (13 verses across 3 books)

II Kings 4 verses
II Kings 18:13

Now in the fourteenth year of King Hezekiah, Sennacherib king of Assyria came up against all the fortified cities of…

II Kings 19:16

Incline your ear, Yahweh, and hear. Open your eyes, Yahweh, and see. Hear the words of Sennacherib, which he has sent…

II Kings 19:20

Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent to Hezekiah, saying, “Yahweh, the God of Israel, says ‘You have prayed to me against…

II Kings 19:36

So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed, went home, and lived at Nineveh.

II Chronicles 5 verses
Isaiah 4 verses