שַׁרְאֶ֫צֶר (shar.e.tser)
shar.e.tser
Sharezer
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Sharezer, meaning "prince of fire," appears only three times in Scripture, linking two distinct historical moments through a shared identity. In 2 Kings 19:37, he is identified as the son of the Assyrian king Sennacherib and brother to Adrammelech and Esarhaddon. This entry records his role in the assassination of his father within the temple of Nisroch, an event that fulfilled prophetic warnings against Assyrian arrogance.
The name resurfaces centuries later in Zechariah 7:2, where it denotes a different individual entirely—an Israelite sent from Bethel to seek God’s guidance during the time of Darius. This second occurrence highlights how common names could be reused across generations and cultures. While the Assyrian prince represents imperial power and violence, the returned exile embodies humble petition and spiritual seeking.
The contrast between these two figures underscores the biblical theme that names carry weight beyond mere identification. The same title "prince of fire" marks both a destroyer of temples and a seeker of God’s house. This duality invites reflection on how human roles and destinies can shift dramatically, even when bearing identical titles.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Sharezer appears in Scripture as a bridge between two very different worlds. In one instance, it marks an Assyrian prince involved in violent palace intrigue against his father. In another, centuries later, it identifies a humble Israelite from Bethel who travels to seek God’s guidance through prayer.
This contrast reminds us that names do not define destiny. A title of power can be used for destruction, while the same name can belong to someone seeking peace with God. It invites us to look beyond outward status and consider where our hearts truly rest.
Whether in times of conflict or seasons of reflection, we are invited to seek wisdom rather than rely on strength alone. The story of Sharezer encourages us to pursue God’s favor with sincerity, trusting that He hears the prayers of those who turn to Him in humility.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Sharezer/ /sons/ his1×
- and/ Sharezer1×
- Shar-1×
- -ezer1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שַׂר\־1×
- וְ/שַׂרְאֶ֤צֶר/ /בָּנָי/ו֙1×
- וְ/שַׂרְאֶ֤צֶר1×
- אֶ֕צֶר1×
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 Sharezer’s role in the assassination of his father, highlighting the theme of divine judgment against arrogance.
-
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 reinforces the fulfillment of prophecy regarding the downfall of Assyrian power.
-
Zechariah 7:2
The people of Bethel sent Sharezer and Regem Melech and their men to entreat Yahweh’s favor,
Here, Sharezer represents a return to spiritual seeking, showing how the same name can belong to someone devoted to God’s law.