2 Kings 18:36
New International Version
But the people remained silent and said nothing in reply, because the king had commanded, “Do not answer him.”

New Living Translation
But the people were silent and did not utter a word because Hezekiah had commanded them, “Do not answer him.”

English Standard Version
But the people were silent and answered him not a word, for the king’s command was, “Do not answer him.”

Berean Standard Bible
But the people remained silent and did not answer a word, for Hezekiah had commanded, “Do not answer him.”

King James Bible
But the people held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king's commandment was, saying, Answer him not.

New King James Version
But the people held their peace and answered him not a word; for the king’s commandment was, “Do not answer him.”

New American Standard Bible
But the people were silent and did not answer him with even a word, because it was the king’s command: “Do not answer him.”

NASB 1995
But the people were silent and answered him not a word, for the king’s commandment was, “Do not answer him.”

NASB 1977
But the people were silent and answered him not a word, for the king’s commandment was, “Do not answer him.”

Legacy Standard Bible
But the people were silent and answered him not a word, for the king’s commandment was, “Do not answer him.”

Amplified Bible
But the people kept silent and did not answer him, for the king had commanded, “Do not answer him.”

Christian Standard Bible
But the people kept silent; they did not answer him at all, for the king’s command was, “Don’t answer him.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But the people kept silent; they didn’t say anything, for the king’s command was, “Don’t answer him.”

American Standard Version
But the people held their peace, and answered him not a word; for the king's commandment was, saying, Answer him not.

English Revised Version
But the people held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king's commandment was, saying, Answer him not.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But the people were silent and didn't say anything to him because the king commanded them not to answer him.

Good News Translation
The people kept quiet, just as King Hezekiah had told them to; they did not say a word.

International Standard Version
But the people remained silent and did not answer with even so much as a word, because the king's order was, "Don't answer him."

Majority Standard Bible
But the people remained silent and did not answer a word, for Hezekiah had commanded, ?Do not answer him.?

NET Bible
The people were silent and did not respond, for the king had ordered, "Don't respond to him."

New Heart English Bible
But the people held their peace, and answered him not a word; for the king's commandment was, "Do not answer him."

Webster's Bible Translation
But the people held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king's commandment was, saying, Answer him not.

World English Bible
But the people stayed quiet, and answered him not a word; for the king’s commandment was, “Don’t answer him.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the people have kept silent, and have not answered him a word, for the command of the king is, saying, “Do not answer him.”

Young's Literal Translation
And the people have kept silent, and have not answered him a word, for the command of the king is, saying, 'Do not answer him.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And the people were silent and answered him not a word: for it was the command of the king, saying, Ye shall not answer.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But the people held their peace, and answered him not a word: for they had received commandment from the king that they should not answer him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But the people were silent, and they did not respond at all to him. For indeed, they had received an instruction from the king that they should not respond to him.

New American Bible
But the people remained silent and did not answer at all, for the king’s command was, “Do not answer him.”

New Revised Standard Version
But the people were silent and answered him not a word, for the king’s command was, “Do not answer him.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But the people held their peace, and answered him not a word; for the king had commanded, saying, Do not answer him.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the people kept silent and they did not give him an answer, because the King commanded and said: “Do not give him an answer!”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
But the people held their peace, and answered him not a word; for the king's commandment was, saying: 'Answer him not.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
But the men were silent, and answered him not a word: for there was a commandment of the king, saying, Ye shall not answer him.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Sennacherib Threatens Jerusalem
35Who among all the gods of these lands has delivered his land from my hand? How then can the LORD deliver Jerusalem from my hand?” 36But the people remained silent and did not answer a word, for Hezekiah had commanded, “Do not answer him.” 37Then Hilkiah’s son Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and Asaph’s son Joah the recorder came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn, and they relayed to him the words of the Rabshakeh.…

Cross References
Isaiah 36:21
But the people remained silent and did not answer a word, for Hezekiah had commanded, “Do not answer him.”

2 Kings 19:1-2
On hearing this report, King Hezekiah tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and entered the house of the LORD. / And he sent Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and the leading priests, all wearing sackcloth, to the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz

Isaiah 37:1-2
On hearing this report, King Hezekiah tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and entered the house of the LORD. / And he sent Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and the leading priests, all wearing sackcloth, to the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz

2 Chronicles 32:20
In response, King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz cried out to heaven in prayer,

2 Kings 19:6-7
who replied, “Tell your master that this is what the LORD says: ‘Do not be afraid of the words you have heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed Me. / Behold, I will put a spirit in him so that he will hear a rumor and return to his own land, where I will cause him to fall by the sword.’”

Isaiah 37:6-7
who replied, “Tell your master that this is what the LORD says: ‘Do not be afraid of the words you have heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed Me. / Behold, I will put a spirit in him so that he will hear a rumor and return to his own land, where I will cause him to fall by the sword.’”

2 Kings 19:14-19
So Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers, read it, and went up to the house of the LORD and spread it out before the LORD. / And Hezekiah prayed before the LORD: “O LORD, God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, You alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You made the heavens and the earth. / Incline Your ear, O LORD, and hear; open Your eyes, O LORD, and see. Listen to the words that Sennacherib has sent to defy the living God. ...

Isaiah 37:14-20
So Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers, read it, and went up to the house of the LORD and spread it out before the LORD. / And Hezekiah prayed to the LORD: / “O LORD of Hosts, God of Israel, enthroned above the cherubim, You alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You made the heavens and the earth. ...

2 Kings 19:32-34
So this is what the LORD says about the king of Assyria: ‘He will not enter this city or shoot an arrow into it. He will not come before it with a shield or build up a siege ramp against it. / He will go back the way he came, and he will not enter this city, declares the LORD. / I will defend this city and save it for My own sake and for the sake of My servant David.’”

Isaiah 37:33-35
So this is what the LORD says about the king of Assyria: ‘He will not enter this city or shoot an arrow into it. He will not come before it with a shield or build up a siege ramp against it. / He will go back the way he came, and he will not enter this city,’ declares the LORD. / ‘I will defend this city and save it for My own sake and for the sake of My servant David.’”

2 Chronicles 32:7-8
“Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged before the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater One with us than with him. / With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles.” So the people were strengthened by the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.

2 Kings 19:35-37
And that very night the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 men in the camp of the Assyrians. When the people got up the next morning, there were all the dead bodies! / So Sennacherib king of Assyria broke camp and withdrew. He returned to Nineveh and stayed there. / One day, while he was worshiping in the temple of his god Nisroch, his sons Adrammelech and Sharezer put him to the sword and escaped to the land of Ararat. And his son Esar-haddon reigned in his place.

Isaiah 37:36-38
Then the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 men in the camp of the Assyrians. When the people got up the next morning, there were all the dead bodies! / So Sennacherib king of Assyria broke camp and withdrew. He returned to Nineveh and stayed there. / One day, while he was worshiping in the temple of his god Nisroch, his sons Adrammelech and Sharezer put him to the sword and escaped to the land of Ararat. And his son Esar-haddon reigned in his place.

Matthew 5:39
But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also;

Romans 12:19-21
Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” / On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.” / Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.


Treasury of Scripture

But the people held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king's commandment was, saying, Answer him not.

held their peace.

Psalm 38:13,14
But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth…

Psalm 39:1
To the chief Musician, even to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David. I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.

Proverbs 9:7
He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot.

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Command Commanded Commandment Held Kept King's Order Peace Quiet Silent Word
2 Kings 18
1. Hezekiah's good reign
4. 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














But the people remained silent
In the context of 2 Kings 18, the Assyrian field commander, or Rabshakeh, was attempting to demoralize the people of Jerusalem by speaking directly to them in Hebrew. The silence of the people reflects obedience to King Hezekiah's command and a strategic choice to not engage with the enemy's psychological warfare. This silence can be seen as an act of faith and trust in their leadership and ultimately in God, contrasting with the fear and panic that the Assyrians intended to incite.

and did not answer a word
This phrase emphasizes the complete obedience of the people to Hezekiah's directive. It also highlights the wisdom in not engaging with the enemy's provocations, which could lead to further fear and confusion. The restraint shown by the people can be compared to other biblical instances where silence is used as a form of resistance or trust in God, such as Jesus' silence before His accusers (Matthew 27:12-14).

for Hezekiah had commanded
King Hezekiah's leadership is central in this narrative. Known for his faithfulness to God, Hezekiah's command reflects his reliance on divine guidance rather than human wisdom. His decision to instruct the people not to respond to the Assyrian threats demonstrates his understanding of the power of words and the importance of maintaining faith and unity among the people. Hezekiah's leadership is often seen as a type of Christ, who also leads His people with wisdom and calls for trust in God's plan.

“Do not answer him.”
This command underscores the importance of discernment in spiritual battles. By instructing the people not to answer, Hezekiah prevents the Assyrians from sowing doubt and fear. This directive can be seen as a call to focus on God's promises rather than the enemy's threats. It also reflects a broader biblical principle of choosing when to speak and when to remain silent, as seen in Proverbs 26:4-5, which advises on the wisdom of responding to folly.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Hezekiah
The King of Judah, known for his faithfulness to God and reforms to restore proper worship in Judah. Hezekiah's leadership is central to this passage as he instructs the people not to respond to the Assyrian threats.

2. The People of Judah
The inhabitants of Judah who are under the leadership of King Hezekiah. Their silence in this passage reflects obedience and trust in their king's command.

3. Rabshakeh
The Assyrian field commander who delivers a message of intimidation and blasphemy against the God of Israel, attempting to demoralize the people of Judah.

4. Jerusalem
The capital city of Judah, which is under siege by the Assyrian army. The events take place during a time of great threat to the city.

5. Assyrian Siege
The military campaign led by the Assyrian Empire against Judah, aiming to conquer Jerusalem and expand their territory.
Teaching Points
Obedience to Godly Leadership
Hezekiah's command to remain silent demonstrates the importance of following godly leadership, especially in times of crisis. Trusting in leaders who seek God's guidance can lead to divine intervention and protection.

The Power of Silence
Silence can be a powerful response to intimidation and blasphemy. By not engaging with the enemy's provocations, the people of Judah showed restraint and faith, allowing God to be their defender.

Trust in God's Deliverance
The situation in 2 Kings 18:36 reminds believers to trust in God's ability to deliver them from seemingly insurmountable challenges. Hezekiah's faith in God serves as a model for relying on divine strength rather than human might.

Spiritual Warfare
The passage highlights the reality of spiritual warfare, where the enemy seeks to instill fear and doubt. Believers are called to stand firm in faith, using spiritual discernment to know when to speak and when to remain silent.Verse 36. - But the people held their peace, and answered him not a word. All Rabshakeh's efforts to produce open disaffection failed. Whatever impression his arguments may have made, no indication was given that they had produced any. If, then, he had hoped to bring about a mutiny, or even to create a disturbance, he was disappointed. For the king's commandment was, saying, Answer him not. Hezekiah had either anticipated Rabshakeh's tactics, and given an order beforehand that no word should be uttered, or he had promptly met them by sending such an order, on learning Rabshakeh's proceedings, The latter is more probable, since such an outrageous course as that which Rabshakeh had pursued can scarcely have been expected.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
But the people
הָעָ֔ם (hā·‘ām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

remained silent
וְהֶחֱרִ֣ישׁוּ (wə·he·ḥĕ·rî·šū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 2790: To cut in, engrave, plow, devise

and did not
וְלֹֽא־ (wə·lō-)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

answer
עָנ֥וּ (‘ā·nū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 6030: To answer, respond

a word,
דָּבָ֑ר (dā·ḇār)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

for
כִּי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

[Hezekiah]
הַמֶּ֥לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

had commanded,
מִצְוַ֨ת (miṣ·waṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 4687: Commandment

“Do not
לֹ֥א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

answer him.”
תַעֲנֻֽהוּ׃ (ṯa·‘ă·nu·hū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6030: To answer, respond


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OT History: 2 Kings 18:36 But the people held their peace (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg)
2 Kings 18:35
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