שַׂר
Sar
Ruler, prince, chief, captain
Sar (שַׂר) is a Hebrew word meaning “ruler, prince, chief, captain,” pronounced “SAR.” Derived from the root שׂ-ר-ר, sar appears 420 times in the Hebrew Bible (Strong's H8269).
| Hebrew | שַׂר |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Sar |
| Pronunciation | SAR |
| Meaning | Ruler, prince, chief, captain |
| Root Letters | שׂ-ר-ר |
| Occurrences in Hebrew Bible | 420× |
| Key Verse | Daniel 10:13 |
| Strong's Number | H8269 |
| Category | Kingdom & Authority |
The Hebrew word sar (שַׂר) opens a window into one of the most mysterious dimensions of biblical reality: the existence of spiritual rulers behind earthly powers. In Daniel 10:13, the angel reveals that a 'sar of Persia' — a spiritual prince — resisted him for twenty-one days, until Michael, the great sar who protects Israel, came to help. This verse reveals an invisible hierarchy of spiritual authority operating behind human history. But sar is not only a spiritual term. It describes Pharaoh's officials (Genesis 12:15), military commanders (1 Samuel 17:55), and most gloriously, the coming Messiah — the 'Sar Shalom,' the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). Whether applied to angelic beings, human leaders, or the Messiah, sar consistently points to delegated authority exercised under a higher sovereign. Understanding sar deepens your awareness that the battles you face have dimensions you cannot see.
Key Bible Verse: Daniel 10:13
“The prince (sar) of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days, but Michael, one of the chief princes (sarim), came to help me.”
What Is the Root of Sar in Hebrew?
Sar comes from the root שׂ-ר-ר (sin-resh-resh), meaning 'to rule, have authority, contend.' It denotes someone who exercises authority as a delegate — never autonomous sovereignty, but always delegated rule.
What Does Sar Mean in the Bible?
Sar appears over 420 times in the Hebrew Bible. It describes Pharaoh's officials (Genesis 12:15), military captains (1 Samuel 17:55), angelic princes (Daniel 10:13), and the messianic 'Prince of Peace' (Isaiah 9:6). The feminine 'sarah' means 'princess.'
How Is Sar Used in Modern Hebrew?
The name Sarah ('princess') is one of the world's most popular names, derived from sar. In modern Hebrew, 'sar' means 'government minister' — cabinet ministers are called 'sarim,' connecting ancient authority to modern governance.
How to Use Sar in Prayer & Worship
Call on Jesus as the Sar Shalom — Prince of Peace — to rule over every anxious thought. Ask God to open your eyes to the spiritual dimensions of your battles and to send His angelic sarim to fight on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sar
How do you say “Ruler” in Hebrew?
“Ruler” in Hebrew is Sar (שַׂר), pronounced “SAR.” Sar comes from the root שׂ-ר-ר (sin-resh-resh), meaning 'to rule, have authority, contend.' It denotes someone who exercises authority as a delegate — never autonomous sovereignty, but always delegated rule.
What does Sar mean in the Bible?
Sar (שַׂר) means “Ruler, prince, chief, captain” in Biblical Hebrew. Sar appears over 420 times in the Hebrew Bible. It describes Pharaoh's officials (Genesis 12:15), military captains (1 Samuel 17:55), angelic princes (Daniel 10:13), and the messianic 'Prince of Peace' (Isaiah 9:6). The feminine 'sarah' means 'princess.'
How do you pronounce Sar?
Sar is pronounced “SAR.” The word comes from the Hebrew root שׂ-ר-ר.
Who is the 'Prince of Peace' in Isaiah 9:6?
Isaiah 9:6 prophesies a child called 'Sar Shalom' — Prince of Peace. Christians identify this as Jesus, whose birth, life, death, and resurrection accomplished ultimate peace between God and humanity. The title combines sar (ruler) with shalom (wholeness) — a ruler whose reign produces total restoration.
What are the spiritual princes in the Book of Daniel?
Daniel 10 reveals that behind earthly empires stand spiritual sarim — angelic or demonic beings influencing nations. The 'prince of Persia' opposed God's angel for 21 days. Michael is Israel's sar — the archangel who guards God's people. This passage is the primary biblical basis for national-level spiritual warfare.
Is Sarah's name related to the word sar?
Yes — Sarah (שָׂרָה) is the feminine form of sar, meaning 'princess.' When God changed her name from Sarai to Sarah (Genesis 17:15), He declared her royalty: 'kings of peoples shall come from her' (Genesis 17:16). Every woman named Sarah carries a name bestowed by God Himself.
Sources & Further Study
- Blue Letter Bible — H8269: Sar
- Bible Gateway — Daniel 10:13 (ESV)
- Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (BDB) — entry for שׂ-ר-ר
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