Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version You say you have the counsel and the might for war—but you speak only empty words. On whom are you depending, that you rebel against me? New Living Translation Do you think that mere words can substitute for military skill and strength? Who are you counting on, that you have rebelled against me? English Standard Version Do you think that mere words are strategy and power for war? In whom do you now trust, that you have rebelled against me? Berean Standard Bible You claim to have a strategy and strength for war, but these are empty words. In whom are you now trusting, that you have rebelled against me? King James Bible Thou sayest, (but they are but vain words,) I have counsel and strength for the war. Now on whom dost thou trust, that thou rebellest against me? New King James Version You speak of having plans and power for war; but they are mere words. And in whom do you trust, that you rebel against me? New American Standard Bible You say—but they are only empty words—‘I have a plan and strength for the war.’ Now on whom have you relied, that you have revolted against me? NASB 1995 “You say (but they are only empty words), ‘I have counsel and strength for the war.’ Now on whom do you rely, that you have rebelled against me? NASB 1977 “You say (but they are only empty words), ‘I have counsel and strength for the war.’ Now on whom do you rely, that you have rebelled against me? Legacy Standard Bible You say (but they are only empty words), ‘I have counsel and might for the war.’ Now on whom do you trust, that you have rebelled against me? Amplified Bible You say (but they are only empty words) ‘I have counsel and strength for the war.’ Now on whom do you rely, that you have rebelled against me? Christian Standard Bible You think mere words are strategy and strength for war. Who are you now relying on so that you have rebelled against me? Holman Christian Standard Bible You think mere words are strategy and strength for war. What are you now relying on so that you have rebelled against me? American Standard Version Thou sayest (but they are but vain words), There is counsel and strength for the war. Now on whom dost thou trust, that thou hast rebelled against me? Contemporary English Version Does he think he can plan and win a war with nothing but words? Who is going to help him, now that he has turned against the king of Assyria? English Revised Version Thou sayest, but they are but vain words, There is counsel and strength for the war. Now on whom dost thou trust, that thou hast rebelled against me? GOD'S WORD® Translation You give useless advice about getting ready for war. Whom, then, do you trust for support in your rebellion against me? Good News Translation He demanded, "Do you think that words can take the place of military skill and might? Who do you think will help you rebel against Assyria? International Standard Version You're saying—but they're only empty words—'I have enough advice and resources to conduct warfare!' '"Now who are you relying on, that you have rebelled against me? Majority Standard Bible You claim to have a strategy and strength for war, but these are empty words. In whom are you now trusting, that you have rebelled against me? NET Bible Your claim to have a strategy and military strength is just empty talk. In whom are you trusting that you would dare to rebel against me? New Heart English Bible Do you think that empty words are strategy and power for war? Now on whom do you trust, that you have rebelled against me? Webster's Bible Translation Thou sayest, but they are but vain words, I have counsel and strength for the war. Now in whom dost thou trust, that thou rebellest against me? World English Bible You say (but they are but vain words), ‘There is counsel and strength for war.’ Now on whom do you trust, that you have rebelled against me? Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionYou have said: Only a word of the lips! Counsel and might [are] for battle; now, on whom have you trusted that you have rebelled against me? Young's Literal Translation Thou hast said: Only a word of the lips! counsel and might are for battle; now, on whom hast thou trusted that thou hast rebelled against me? Smith's Literal Translation Thou saidst (but a word of the lips) Counsel and strength for war Now upon whom didst thou trust that thou rebelledst against me? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BiblePerhaps thou hast taken counsel, to prepare thyself for battle. On whom dost thou trust, that thou darest to rebel? Catholic Public Domain Version Perhaps, you have taken counsel, so that you would prepare yourself for battle. In whom do you trust, so that you would dare to rebel? New American Bible Do you think mere words substitute for strategy and might in war? In whom, then, do you place your trust, that you rebel against me? New Revised Standard Version Do you think that mere words are strategy and power for war? On whom do you now rely, that you have rebelled against me? Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleYou have said that you are a good speaker and that you have counsel and strength for war. Now on whom do you trust, that you have rebelled against me? Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And you have said that speech of the lips is in you, and counsel and might for battle! Now, on whom is it you have trusted, that you have rebelled against me? OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Sayest thou that a mere word of the lips is counsel and strength for the war? Now on whom dost thou trust, that thou hast rebelled against me? Brenton Septuagint Translation Thou hast said, (but they are mere words,) I have counsel and strength for war. Now then in whom dost thou trust, that thou hast revolted from me? Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Sennacherib Threatens Jerusalem…19The Rabshakeh said to them, “Tell Hezekiah that this is what the great king, the king of Assyria, says: What is the basis of this confidence of yours? 20You claim to have a strategy and strength for war, but these are empty words. In whom are you now trusting, that you have rebelled against me? 21Look now, you are trusting in Egypt, that splintered reed of a staff that will pierce the hand of anyone who leans on it. Such is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust in him.… Cross References Isaiah 36:5 You claim to have a strategy and strength for war, but these are empty words. In whom are you now trusting, that you have rebelled against me? 2 Chronicles 32:10 “This is what Sennacherib king of Assyria says: What is the basis of your confidence, that you remain in Jerusalem under siege? Isaiah 30:1-2 “Woe to the rebellious children,” declares the LORD, “to those who carry out a plan that is not Mine, who form an alliance, but against My will, heaping up sin upon sin. / They set out to go down to Egypt without asking My advice, to seek shelter under Pharaoh’s protection and take refuge in Egypt’s shade. Jeremiah 2:37 Moreover, you will leave that place with your hands on your head, for the LORD has rejected those you trust; you will not prosper by their help.” Ezekiel 29:6-7 Then all the people of Egypt will know that I am the LORD. For you were only a staff of reeds to the house of Israel. / When Israel took hold of you with their hands, you splintered, tearing all their shoulders; when they leaned on you, you broke, and their backs were wrenched. Isaiah 31:1 Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in their abundance of chariots and in their multitude of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD. Jeremiah 17:5 This is what the LORD says: “Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind, who makes mere flesh his strength and turns his heart from the LORD. Psalm 118:8-9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. / It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes. Isaiah 20:5-6 Those who made Cush their hope and Egypt their boast will be dismayed and ashamed. / And on that day the dwellers of this coastland will say, ‘See what has happened to our source of hope, those to whom we fled for help and deliverance from the king of Assyria! How then can we escape?’” Hosea 10:13 You have plowed wickedness and reaped injustice; you have eaten the fruit of lies. Because you have trusted in your own way and in the multitude of your mighty men, Isaiah 36:6 Look now, you are trusting in Egypt, that splintered reed of a staff that will pierce the hand of anyone who leans on it. Such is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust in him. Isaiah 31:3 But the Egyptians are men, not God; their horses are flesh, not spirit. When the LORD stretches out His hand, the helper will stumble, and the one he helps will fall; both will perish together. Jeremiah 46:25-26 The LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: “Behold, I am about to punish Amon god of Thebes, along with Pharaoh, Egypt with her gods and kings, and those who trust in Pharaoh. / I will deliver them into the hands of those who seek their lives—of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and his officers. But after this, Egypt will be inhabited as in days of old, declares the LORD. Matthew 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling! Luke 14:31-32 Or what king on his way to war with another king will not first sit down and consider whether he can engage with ten thousand men the one coming against him with twenty thousand? / And if he is unable, he will send a delegation while the other king is still far off, to ask for terms of peace. Treasury of Scripture You say, (but they are but vain words,) I have counsel and strength for the war. Now on whom do you trust, that you rebel against me? sayest. Proverbs 21:30,31 There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD… rebellest. 2 Kings 18:14 And Hezekiah king of Judah sent to the king of Assyria to Lachish, saying, I have offended; return from me: that which thou puttest on me will I bear. And the king of Assyria appointed unto Hezekiah king of Judah three hundred talents of silver and thirty talents of gold. Jump to Previous Authority Battle Counsel Depending Design Empty Lips Mere Military Rebel Rebelled Rebellest Rely Speak Strategy Strength Support Think Trust Trusted Vain War Word WordsJump to Next Authority Battle Counsel Depending Design Empty Lips Mere Military Rebel Rebelled Rebellest Rely Speak Strategy Strength Support Think Trust Trusted Vain War Word Words2 Kings 18 1. Hezekiah's good reign4. He destroys idolatry, and prospers 9. The inhabitants of Samaria are carried captive for their sins 13. Sennacherib invading Judah, is pacified by a tribute 17. Rabshakeh, by blasphemous persuasions, solicits the people to revolt You claim to have a strategy and strength for war This phrase is part of a taunt from the Assyrian field commander, the Rabshakeh, directed at King Hezekiah of Judah. The Assyrians were known for their military prowess and psychological warfare, often using intimidation to weaken their enemies' resolve. The claim of having a strategy and strength for war is challenged here, suggesting that Judah's military capabilities are insufficient against the might of Assyria. Historically, Assyria was a dominant empire during this period, known for its advanced military tactics and formidable army. This phrase highlights the futility of relying solely on human strength and strategy without divine support, a recurring theme in the Old Testament. but these are empty words In whom are you now trusting that you have rebelled against me? Persons / Places / Events 1. HezekiahThe King of Judah who is known for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to rid Judah of idolatry. He is the central figure in this chapter, facing the threat from Assyria. 2. Sennacherib The King of Assyria, who invades Judah and sends his officials to intimidate Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem. 3. Rabshakeh The Assyrian field commander who delivers the message of intimidation to Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem, questioning their reliance on God. 4. Jerusalem The capital city of Judah, under siege by the Assyrian army during this event. 5. Assyria A powerful empire during this time, known for its military strength and conquests, posing a significant threat to Judah. Teaching Points Trust in God Over Human StrengthHezekiah's situation reminds us that true strength and strategy come from reliance on God, not merely human efforts or alliances. The Power of Faithful Leadership Hezekiah's faithfulness to God sets an example for leaders today, showing the importance of leading with integrity and trust in divine guidance. Facing Intimidation with Faith The Assyrian threats serve as a reminder that believers may face intimidation, but faith in God provides the courage to stand firm. God's Sovereignty in Deliverance The account underscores God's ability to deliver His people from seemingly insurmountable odds, encouraging believers to trust in His sovereignty.(20) Thou sayest (but they are but vain Words).--Literally, thou hast said--a mere lip-word it was--i.e., insincere language, an utterance which thou knewest to be false. (Comp. our expression, "lip-service.") I have counsel . . .--The margin is wrong. Verse 20. - Thou sayest (but they are but vain words); literally, words of lips; i.e. words which the lips speak, without the heart having any conviction of their truth. We must suppose that Sennacherib has either heard from his spies that Hezekiah is speaking to the people as he represents him to be speaking, or conjectures what he is likely to say. According to the writer of Chronicles (2 Chronicles 32:7, 8), what he did say was very different. He neither boasted of "counsel" nor of material "strength;" but simply said, "There be more with us than with him: with him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles." I have counsel and strength for the war. Sennacherib imagines that Hezekiah's real trust is in the "fleshly arm" of Egypt, and in the counselors who have advised and brought about the alliance. And perhaps he is not far wrong. Hezekiah, it would seem, "halted between two opinions." He hoped for aid from Egypt; but, if it failed, then he hoped for the Divine help promised by Isaiah. Now on whom dost thou trust, that thou rebellest against me?Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew You claimאָמַ֙רְתָּ֙ (’ā·mar·tā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say [to have] a strategy עֵצָ֥ה (‘ê·ṣāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 6098: Advice, plan, prudence and strength וּגְבוּרָ֖ה (ū·ḡə·ḇū·rāh) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 1369: Force, valor, victory for war, לַמִּלְחָמָ֑ה (lam·mil·ḥā·māh) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 4421: A battle, war but אַךְ־ (’aḵ-) Adverb Strong's 389: A particle of affirmation, surely [these are] empty שְׂפָתַ֔יִם (śə·p̄ā·ṯa·yim) Noun - fd Strong's 8193: The lip, language, a margin words. דְּבַר־ (də·ḇar-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause On עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against whom מִ֣י (mî) Interrogative Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix are you now עַתָּה֙ (‘at·tāh) Adverb Strong's 6258: At this time relying, בָטַ֔חְתָּ (ḇā·ṭaḥ·tā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 982: To trust, be confident, sure that כִּ֥י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction you have rebelled מָרַ֖דְתָּ (mā·raḏ·tā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 4775: To rebel against me? בִּֽי׃ (bî) Preposition | first person common singular Strong's Hebrew Links 2 Kings 18:20 NIV2 Kings 18:20 NLT 2 Kings 18:20 ESV 2 Kings 18:20 NASB 2 Kings 18:20 KJV 2 Kings 18:20 BibleApps.com 2 Kings 18:20 Biblia Paralela 2 Kings 18:20 Chinese Bible 2 Kings 18:20 French Bible 2 Kings 18:20 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Kings 18:20 You say but they are but vain (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) |
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