שָׂרַר

sârar /saw-rar'/ Ask about this word
Roota primitive root
Meaningto have (transitively, exercise; reflexively, get) dominion
KJV usagemake self a prince, (bear) rule.
Idioms & phrasesidiom altogether
Copy as

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word sârar, represented by H8323, is a primitive root signifying the exercise of dominion. It appears 6 times in 4 unique verses. Its core definition involves having or getting dominion, and it is used idiomatically to describe making oneself a prince or to bear rule.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In scripture, H8323 describes different forms of authority. It is used prophetically in Isaiah, foretelling a time when princes will rule in judgment alongside a righteous king Isaiah 32:1. Similarly, Proverbs connects this act of ruling to divine wisdom, stating that by wisdom, "princes rule" Proverbs 8:16. The word also applies to domestic headship, as seen in the decree that "every man should bear rule in his own house" Esther 1:22. A different context appears in Numbers, where the Israelites accuse Moses of trying to make himself "altogether a prince" over them, using the word three times to emphasize a perceived illegitimate power grab Numbers 16:13.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words clarify the concept of rulership and authority:

  • H8269 sar (a head person... prince... ruler): This noun is derived from H8323 and often appears alongside it, designating the "prince" or "ruler" who performs the action of ruling (Isaiah 32:1, Proverbs 8:16).
  • H4427 mâlak (to reign... be king): This term for reigning as a king is used in parallel with sârar. In Isaiah 32:1, a king shall reign H4427 while princes rule H8323, distinguishing between monarchical rule and the dominion of other leaders.
  • H8199 shâphaṭ (to judge... govern... rule): This word for judging is thematically linked to sârar. In Proverbs 8:16, the verse mentions that princes rule H8323 and also refers to "all the judges of the earth," connecting just governance with rightful dominion.

Theological Significance

The use of H8323 carries significant conceptual weight regarding the nature of authority.

  • Righteous Dominion: The ideal exercise of sârar is tied to justice and divine order. This is seen when princes are prophesied to rule "in judgment" Isaiah 32:1 and when their rule is attributed to wisdom itself Proverbs 8:16.
  • Legitimate Authority: The word highlights the difference between appointed and seized power. While Isaiah and Proverbs describe a legitimate form of rule, the accusation against Moses in Numbers 16:13 uses H8323 to imply an unauthorized and self-appointed dominion.
  • Sphere of Influence: sârar is applied across various domains of leadership. It encompasses the governance of princes Isaiah 32:1, the authority within a household Esther 1:22, and the very act of seeking power over a people Numbers 16:13.

Summary

In summary, H8323 sârar, though used infrequently, offers a specific lens on the concept of dominion. It is not about kingship but about the active exercise of authority by those in leadership, or "princes." It illustrates a spectrum of rule, from the righteous and divinely-sourced authority in judgment to the domestic sphere of a household, and even to the negative sense of illegitimately making oneself a ruler. The word thus captures the nuanced act of bearing rule in its various forms.

Grammatical Forms

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 7 occurrences, inflected in 6 grammatical forms.

  • Qal Imperfect 3rd Plural Masculine 2×
  • Hiphil Perfect 3rd Plural common gender 1×
  • Hithpael Imperfect 2nd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Hithpael Infinitive Construct 1×
  • Qal Consecutive Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Qal Participle Singular Masculine Absolute 1×
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
common gender
Either gender — the form does not distinguish.
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.
Qal
The simple, basic stem — plain action in the active voice.
Hiphil
The causative stem — the subject causes the action.
Hithpael
Reflexive-intensive — the subject acts upon itself.
Consecutive Imperfect
Imperfect with vav — carries narrative forward ("and he…").
Absolute
The independent form of a noun (not bound to another).
Construct
Bound to a following noun — "the X of…".

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 4 verses across 4 books. Most frequent in Numbers (1 verses).

1
Numbers
1
Esther
1
Proverbs
1
Isaiah

Verse Explorer

Select a verse to begin.