Nisroch
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Nisroch in the Bible?
Nisroch is identified in 2 Kings 19:37 and Isaiah 37:38 as the god whom Sennacherib worshipped in the temple of Nisroch, where he was assassinated by his sons Adrammelech and Sharezer while praying. The etymology of the name is uncertain, though some scholars suggest it may be a textual corruption or variant related to Ashur, the chief deity of the Assyrian pantheon, or possibly Nergal.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Nisroch clarifies the specific religious context of Sennacherib's death, illustrating how the biblical narrative contrasts the power of the God of Israel with the vulnerability of Assyrian deities and their royal patrons.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
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Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.