שַׂרְסְכִים (sar.se.khim)
sar.se.khim
Samgar, Nebu-sar-sekim
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The proper noun Sar-sekim identifies a specific official in the court of Nebuchadnezzar, appearing only once in the Hebrew Bible at Jeremiah 39:3. Lexical sources define him as a "prince" or high-ranking ruler who held authority over the eunuchs during the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem. His mention anchors the narrative of the city’s fall to a concrete historical figure rather than an abstract enemy force.
Etymologically, the name is widely understood as a compound title meaning "Nebu-sar-sekim," linking the Babylonian god Nabu with the role of chief eunuch or court official. This translation highlights the cultural intersection where Hebrew prophecy meets imperial administration. By naming this specific officer, the text emphasizes the reality of Judah’s defeat under a structured foreign government.
While many biblical characters carry names that describe their spiritual condition or divine relationship, Sar-sekim’s name reflects his administrative function within the Babylonian hierarchy. His solitary occurrence serves to verify the historical accuracy of the prophetic account, grounding the theological weight of Jerusalem’s destruction in documented political events.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Sar-sekim appears in Jeremiah 39:3 as one of the high-ranking officials present when Jerusalem fell to Babylon. This single mention anchors a moment of great national tragedy to specific historical figures, showing that God’s prophets were aware of the political realities surrounding their people.
For us today, this detail reminds us that faithfulness is not about controlling outcomes but trusting God through them. Even in times of loss or confusion, Scripture records these events with precision, offering a witness to history that remains relevant for believers seeking truth and stability.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Sar-1×
- -sekim1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שַׂר\־1×
- סְכִ֣ים1×
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 Sar-sekim among the Babylonian princes at the middle gate, highlighting his role as a key figure in the administration that oversaw Jerusalem's capture.