סָרִיס (sa.ris)
sa.ris
eunuch
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 42 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun sārîs denotes a eunuch, originally referring to a man castrated for service in royal courts. Its root implies this physical alteration, establishing the word’s primary sense as one who is incapable of procreation. In ancient Near Eastern societies, such men were trusted with guarding the king’s household and managing sensitive administrative duties, particularly those involving the royal harem, where their lack of heirs ensured loyalty to the throne rather than personal ambition.
Over time, the term expanded beyond its literal meaning to describe high-ranking officials regardless of physical condition. Biblical texts like Genesis 37:36 and Daniel 1:3 use it for court officers who were not necessarily eunuchs by birth or surgery. This semantic shift reflects how the role evolved into a general title for powerful ministers, chamberlains, and princes who held significant influence in the royal administration.
Translators often render sārîs as "eunuch," "chamberlain," or "officer" depending on the context. In Esther, it frequently appears as "chamberlain," highlighting the official’s role in managing the queen’s quarters. In Daniel and Kings, it denotes a high-ranking courtier. The word captures a unique intersection of physical status and political power, illustrating how personal limitation could translate into institutional authority in the ancient world.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sārîs describes a man who served in high royal positions, often managing the king’s household or guarding sensitive areas. In ancient courts, these officials were trusted precisely because they had no heirs to compete for power. This role shows that God uses people from every background and social standing for His purposes, regardless of their physical condition or family status.
Isaiah 56 offers a beautiful promise to eunuchs who remain faithful: God will give them an everlasting name that is better than sons and daughters. This truth reminds us that our worth before God does not depend on our biological lineage or social rank, but on our covenant relationship with Him. His acceptance is based on faithfulness, not human standards.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 42 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ officials6×
- a court-official6×
- the/ eunuchs4×
- [the] eunuch of3×
- the/ court-officials2×
- officials/ his2×
- eunuchs2×
- [the] eunuchs of2×
- to/ officials/ his1×
- to the/ eunuchs1×
- the/ eunuch1×
- the/ court-official1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- סָרִ֨יס3×
- סָרִיסָ֑י/ו2×
- סָרִ֖יס2×
- סְרִ֥יס2×
- הַ/סָּרִיסִ֔ים2×
- הַ/סָּרִ֔יס2×
- סָרִיסָ֗י/ו1×
- סָרִיסֵ֤י1×
- סָרִיסֵ֣י1×
- סָרִיסִֽים\׃1×
- סָרִיסִ֔ים1×
- סָרִ֗יס1×
Key Verses
-
Esther 1:10
On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcass, the seven eunuchs who served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king,
This verse identifies the seven eunuchs as direct attendants to King Ahasuerus, showing their proximity to royal power and influence in the court.
-
Esther 2:3
Let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the beautiful young virgins to the citadel of Susa, to the women’s house, to the custody of Hegai the king’s eunuch, keeper of the women. Let cosmetics be given them;
Hegai is named specifically as the king’s eunuch keeper of the women, illustrating how this title denoted a specific administrative role over the royal harem.
-
Esther 4:5
Then Esther called for Hathach, one of the king’s eunuchs, whom he had appointed to attend her, and commanded him to go to Mordecai, to find out what this was, and why it was.
Hathach serves as Esther’s personal liaison to Mordecai, demonstrating the trust and access eunuchs held within the palace hierarchy.
-
Genesis 37:36
The Midianites sold him into Egypt to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh’s, the captain of the guard.
Potiphar is called an officer of Pharaoh, linking the term sārîs to high-ranking military or administrative authority in Egypt.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word sārîs mean?
Why were eunuchs trusted in ancient courts?
Does Isaiah 56 include eunuchs in God’s people?
Every Occurrence (42 verses across 10 books)
Genesis 4 verses
The Midianites sold him into Egypt to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh’s, the captain of the guard.
Genesis 39:1Joseph was brought down to Egypt. Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh’s, the captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him…
Genesis 40:2Pharaoh was angry with his two officers, the chief cup bearer and the chief baker.
Genesis 40:7He asked Pharaoh’s officers who were with him in custody in his master’s house, saying, “Why do you look so sad today?”