The word "Rabsaris" is spelled with a silent "b" and pronounced as "raˈb-sa-ri-z". In IPA phonetic transcription, the first syllable is pronounced as "ra", the second syllable as "b", and the third syllable as "sa". The fourth syllable is pronounced with a short "i" sound and the final syllable is pronounced as "z". This term is believed to be of Babylonian origin and refers to a high-ranking official who served the king as a chief eunuch.
Rabsaris is a term derived from the ancient Assyrian language and refers to a high-ranking official or priest in biblical times. The word originates from the combination of two Assyrian terms: "rab" meaning great or chief, and "saris" meaning eunuch. Thus, a literal translation of "Rabsaris" would be "chief eunuch."
In ancient Assyria, the Rabsaris held a position of authority and influence. They were typically appointed by the king to serve in administrative and religious roles. As an important member of the royal court, the Rabsaris would have been responsible for advising the king, overseeing various governmental functions, and maintaining religious rituals.
The role of a Rabsaris can be found mentioned in the Bible as well, specifically in the Old Testament book of 2 Kings. Here, the Rabsaris is named as one of the three officials sent by the Assyrian King Sennacherib to deliver a message to King Hezekiah of Judah during a military campaign.
Although the title Rabsaris primarily existed in ancient Assyria, it is now predominantly seen in biblical and historical contexts. Today, the word is seldom used outside of scholarly, religious, or historical discussions to describe the high-ranking eunuch officials of ancient societies, particularly those from the Assyrian empire.
The word "Rabsaris" comes from the ancient Akkadian language, which was spoken in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq and Syria) during the Assyrian and Babylonian empires. In Akkadian, "Rabi" means "chief" or "great", while "saris" means "eunuch" or "official".
In the Bible, particularly in the book of Jeremiah (39:3, 39:13), "Rabsaris" is mentioned as a title for an official within the Babylonian court. It refers to a high-ranking eunuch or chamberlain who held administrative or military responsibilities in the king's palace.