Rab-saris רַב־סָרִיס
A Babylonian official present at the fall of Jerusalem
Who is Rab-saris in the Bible?
Rab-saris was a high-ranking Babylonian official who served under King Nebuchadnezzar during the siege and fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC. The name "Rab-saris" likely means "chief eunuch" or "chief officer" and represents an official title rather than a personal name. He is mentioned in Jeremiah 39:3 and 39:13 as one of several Babylonian commanders who took up residence at the Middle Gate in Jerusalem after the city's capture, symbolizing Babylon's complete control over the conquered kingdom. While the Bible does not provide details about his specific duties, his prominent placement among the occupying officials underscores the thorough subjugation of Judah to Babylonian authority during one of the most significant judgments described in the prophetic books.
Biography
Rab-saris is mentioned as one of the Babylonian officials present at the capture of Jerusalem by the army of King Nebuchadnezzar (Jer.39.3, 13). The name "Rab-saris" is likely a title meaning "chief eunuch" or "chief officer." After the city fell, Rab-saris, along with other officials such as Nergal-sharezer, Samgar-nebo, and Nebushazban, took up residence at the Middle Gate, a prominent location within Jerusalem. The presence of these high-ranking officials demonstrates the complete subjugation of Jerusalem to Babylonian authority. The specific duties and responsibilities of Rab-saris are not elaborated upon in the biblical text.
In Scripture
1 biblical book ; 1 with study contentJeremiah 2 verses
- Jeremiah 39:3
"Then all the officials of the king of Babylon entered and sat in the Middle Gate: Nergal-sharezer of Samgar, Nebo-sarsekim the Rabsaris, Nergal-sharezer the Rabmag, and all the rest of the officials of the king of Babylon."
Study Jeremiah → - Jeremiah 39:13
"So Nebuzaradan captain of the guard, Nebushazban the Rabsaris, Nergal-sharezer the Rabmag, and all the captains of the king of Babylon"
Study Jeremiah →
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | רַב־סָרִיס |