שֵׁשְׁבַּצַּר (she.she.bats.tsar)
she.she.bats.tsar
Sheshbazzar
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
Sheshbazzar is a proper noun referring to a leader of Judah who oversaw the first group of exiles returning from Babylon. The sources identify him as the son of Pedaiah and a member of the tribe of Judah, noting that he is likely the same person known elsewhere in Scripture as Zerubbabel. His name appears most frequently in the book of Ezra, where he is described as the prince who received the temple vessels from King Cyrus.
The etymology suggests the meaning "worshipper of fire," a detail that reflects the Babylonian cultural context of his time. This dual identity as both Sheshbazzar and Zerubbabel highlights the complex transition of the Jewish people from exile to restoration, with one name marking his origins in Babylon and the other his role in rebuilding Jerusalem.
Scripture records him receiving the sacred articles for the temple's reconstruction (Ezra 1:8, 5:14), establishing his historical importance as the initial governor of the return. While the biblical text focuses on his administrative role in restoring worship, the linguistic link to fire worship offers a glimpse into the religious environment from which these exiles emerged.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Sheshbazzar stands as a quiet but vital figure in the history of God’s people. As the prince who received the sacred temple vessels from King Cyrus, he played a crucial role in restoring worship after years of exile. His story reminds us that God works through ordinary leaders to bring about extraordinary restoration.
Though his name may reflect Babylonian roots, his actions point toward Jerusalem and the re-establishment of Israel’s covenant with God. This transition from captivity to rebuilding shows how God can use any person, regardless of background, to fulfill His purposes. It is a comforting thought that He continues to raise up leaders today to guide His church forward.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to/ Sheshbazzar1×
- Sheshbazzar1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שֵׁשְׁבַּצַּ֗ר1×
- לְ/שֵׁשְׁבַּצַּ֔ר1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 1:8
even those, Cyrus king of Persia brought out by the hand of Mithredath the treasurer, and counted them out to Sheshbazzar the prince of Judah.
This verse highlights Sheshbazzar’s official role in receiving the temple vessels, marking the beginning of the restoration process.
-
Ezra 1:11
All the vessels of gold and of silver were five thousand four hundred. Sheshbazzar brought all these up when the captives were brought up from Babylon to Jerusalem.
Here, the text emphasizes the completeness of the return, noting that Sheshbazzar brought all the sacred items to Jerusalem without loss.