Original Word: שָׂרַר
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: sarar
Pronunciation: sah-RAHR
Phonetic Spelling: (saw-rar')
KJV: X altogether, make self a prince, (bear) rule
NASB: rule, appointed princes, lord, master, ruled
Word Origin: [a primitive root]

1. to have (transitively, exercise
2. reflexively, get) dominion

altogether, make self a prince, bear rule

A primitive root; to have (transitively, exercise; reflexively, get) dominion -- X altogether, make self a prince, (bear) rule.

Word Origin
denominative verb from sar
Definition
to be or act as prince, rule
NASB Translation
appointed princes (1), lord (1), master (1), rule (2), ruled (1).

Overview of the Term

The verb שָׂרַר (sārar) portrays the exercise of princely or ruling authority. Across its six Old Testament appearances the word frames a spectrum of leadership—from presumptuous self-promotion to the righteous governance anticipated under the Messiah. By following the progression of these texts, Scripture offers a concise theology of human rule measured against God’s ultimate standard of justice and wisdom.

Rebellion and Self-Exaltation – Numbers 16:13

During Korah’s uprising, Dathan and Abiram accuse Moses: “you also make yourself a prince over us” (Numbers 16:13). Here שָׂרַר depicts a claim to authority that lacks popular consent and, more importantly, divine sanction. The narrative underscores that genuine leadership in Israel must be conferred by God, not seized through insurrection. The subsequent judgment on the rebels (Numbers 16:28–35) warns every generation against confusing personal ambition with a legitimate call to serve.

Household Headship in the Persian Era – Esther 1:22

When King Ahasuerus issues his decree “that every man should be ruler over his own household,” שָׂרַר marks the social expectation of male headship within the empire’s families. Though a pagan monarch authored the edict, the passage affirms a creational order also reflected in the Torah (for example, Genesis 2:24) and later apostolic teaching (Ephesians 5:23). The episode illustrates how God can employ even flawed civil powers to preserve basic structures of family life for His covenant people living in exile.

Wisdom as the Foundation of Governance – Proverbs 8:16

Personified Wisdom declares, “By me princes rule, and all nobles who govern justly” (Proverbs 8:16). שָׂרַר here is inseparable from the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:7). Authority unmoored from divine wisdom degenerates into tyranny, whereas rulers who heed God’s truth become channels of equity and stability. The verse thereby provides a charter for educators, parents and civil officials alike to ground policy and practice in revealed wisdom.

The Promise of Righteous Administration – Isaiah 32:1

“See, a king will reign in righteousness and princes will rule with justice” (Isaiah 32:1). In this prophetic oracle שָׂרַר points forward to the golden age inaugurated by the Son of David. The transformation is two-tiered: the Messianic King embodies perfect righteousness, and His subordinate leaders mirror His justice. The verse anticipates the New Testament vision of shared reign with Christ (Revelation 5:10), reminding believers that present faithfulness prepares them for future stewardship in the kingdom.

Illegitimate Authority and Idolatry – Hosea 8:4

“They set up kings, but not by Me; they made princes, but without My approval” (Hosea 8:4). Shārar appears as God’s indictment of leaders produced by human maneuvering rather than covenant obedience. The verse links political corruption to idolatry, warning that when a society dethrones God in worship it soon enthrones unsuitable rulers. The judgment that follows (Hosea 8:7–10) validates the principle that national calamity often begins with spiritual compromise in the halls of power.

Theological and Ministry Implications

1. Divine Appointment. All true authority is derived, not inherent. Whether in church, state, or home, a servant-leader must seek confirmation from Scripture, prayer, and the believing community before assuming office.
2. Moral Qualification. Rulers “govern justly” only when guided by the wisdom of God. Character outweighs charisma.
3. Eschatological Orientation. Present leadership is preparatory, anticipating the flawless order of Christ’s reign. Faithful service now is rewarded with expanded responsibility then (Luke 19:17).
4. Accountability. Illegitimate or abusive authority invites divine discipline, as seen in Korah’s fate and Israel’s downfall under idolatrous princes.

Practical Application

• Church elders and deacons should evaluate motives, ensuring their desire to “oversee” springs from the Spirit rather than self-promotion (1 Timothy 3:1).
• Christian spouses can reflect Esther 1:22’s household structure without replicating its cultural excess, balancing headship with sacrificial love (Colossians 3:19).
• Believers engaged in civic duty may draw courage from Proverbs 8:16, seeking God’s wisdom for policymaking and judicial decisions.
• Intercessors should pray that national leaders be those whom God appoints, resisting Hosea 8:4’s pattern of humanly contrived power.

Shārar thus serves as a concise biblical commentary on the nature, perils and promise of authority under God—calling every servant-leader to mirror the justice, wisdom and humility of the ultimate Prince of Peace.

הִשְׂתָּרֵֽר׃ הֵשִׂ֖ירוּ השירו השתרר׃ יָשֹֽׂרוּ׃ יָשֹׂ֑רוּ ישרו ישרו׃ שֹׂרֵ֣ר שרר תִשְׂתָּרֵ֥ר תשתרר hê·śî·rū heSiru hêśîrū hiś·tā·rêr histaRer hiśtārêr śō·rêr soRer śōrêr ṯiś·tā·rêr tistaRer ṯiśtārêr yā·śō·rū yaSoru yāśōrūInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts