רַב־מָג (rav-mag)
rav-mag
Rab-mag
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The compound term rav-mag identifies a high-ranking Babylonian official, literally translating to "chief of the magi" or "great magician." In the Hebrew Bible, this title appears only twice, both in Jeremiah 39, where it describes a figure present at the fall of Jerusalem. The sources indicate that while the root word for magi often refers to soothsayers or astrologers, the addition of rav elevates the role to one of significant political and religious authority within the Neo-Babylonian court.
This title highlights the intersection of imperial power and divination in the ancient Near East. The presence of a rab-mag at the king’s side suggests that interpreting omens and managing spiritual affairs were central to state governance. Jeremiah uses this specific designation to underscore the reality of Babylonian dominance, showing that even the most powerful foreign officials recognized the sovereignty of God’s judgment on Judah.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The title Rab-mag appears in the Bible only twice, marking a high-ranking official in the Babylonian court who served as chief of the magi or astrologers. These verses record the presence of powerful foreign leaders during Jerusalem’s fall, reminding us that human empires rise and pass away under God’s sovereign watch.
When we face times of uncertainty or cultural shift, this word offers a quiet comfort. The same God who allowed Babylon to stand also guided its officials. We do not need to fear the changing tides of history, for our lives are held securely in hands that govern all nations.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- mag2×
- [the] Rab-2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- רַב\־2×
- מָ֔ג1×
- מָ֑ג1×
Key Verses
-
Jeremiah 39:3
All the princes of the king of Babylon came in, and sat in the middle gate: Nergal Sharezer, Samgarnebo, Sarsechim the Rabsaris, Nergal Sharezer the Rabmag, with all the rest of the princes of the king of Babylon.
This verse lists the Rabmag among the princes sitting at the city gate, showing how foreign imperial authority was visibly present during Jerusalem's surrender.
-
Jeremiah 39:13
So Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard, Nebushazban, Rabsaris, and Nergal Sharezer, Rabmag, and all the chief officers of the king of Babylon
Here the Rabmag is named alongside Nebuzaradan, confirming his role as a key commander in the aftermath of the city's destruction.