2 Kings 19:26
New International Version
Their people, drained of power, are dismayed and put to shame. They are like plants in the field, like tender green shoots, like grass sprouting on the roof, scorched before it grows up.

New Living Translation
That is why their people have so little power and are so frightened and confused. They are as weak as grass, as easily trampled as tender green shoots. They are like grass sprouting on a housetop, scorched before it can grow lush and tall.

English Standard Version
while their inhabitants, shorn of strength, are dismayed and confounded, and have become like plants of the field and like tender grass, like grass on the housetops, blighted before it is grown.

Berean Standard Bible
Therefore their inhabitants, devoid of power, are dismayed and ashamed. They are like plants in the field, tender green shoots, grass on the rooftops, scorched before it is grown.

King James Bible
Therefore their inhabitants were of small power, they were dismayed and confounded; they were as the grass of the field, and as the green herb, as the grass on the housetops, and as corn blasted before it be grown up.

New King James Version
Therefore their inhabitants had little power; They were dismayed and confounded; They were as the grass of the field And the green herb, As the grass on the housetops And grain blighted before it is grown.

New American Standard Bible
‘Therefore their inhabitants were powerless, They were shattered and put to shame. They were like the vegetation of the field and the green grass, Like grass on the housetops that is scorched before it has grown.

NASB 1995
‘Therefore their inhabitants were short of strength, They were dismayed and put to shame; They were as the vegetation of the field and as the green herb, As grass on the housetops is scorched before it is grown up.

NASB 1977
‘Therefore their inhabitants were short of strength, They were dismayed and put to shame; They were as the vegetation of the field and as the green herb, As grass on the housetops is scorched before it is grown up.

Legacy Standard Bible
So their inhabitants were short of power, They were dismayed and put to shame; They were as the plant of the field and as the green herb, As grass on the rooftops is scorched before it rises.

Amplified Bible
‘Therefore their inhabitants were powerless, They were shattered [in spirit] and put to shame; They were like plants of the field, the green herb, As grass on the housetops is scorched before it is grown up.

Christian Standard Bible
Their inhabitants have become powerless, dismayed, and ashamed. They are plants of the field, tender grass, grass on the rooftops, blasted by the east wind.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Their inhabitants have become powerless, dismayed, and ashamed. They are plants of the field, tender grass, grass on the rooftops, blasted by the east wind.

American Standard Version
Therefore their inhabitants were of small power, they were dismayed and confounded; they were as the grass of the field, and as the green herb, as the grass on the housetops, and as grain blasted before it is grown up.

Contemporary English Version
Their people became weak, terribly confused. They were like wild flowers or tender young grass growing on a flat roof, scorched before it matures.

English Revised Version
Therefore their inhabitants were of small power, they were dismayed and confounded; they were as the grass of the field, and as the green herb, as the grass on the housetops, and as corn blasted before it be grown up.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Those who live in these cities are weak, discouraged, and ashamed. They will be like plants in the field, like fresh, green grass on the roofs, scorched before it sprouted.

Good News Translation
The people who lived there were powerless; they were frightened and stunned. They were like grass in a field or weeds growing on a roof when the hot east wind blasts them.

International Standard Version
while their inhabitants, lacking strength, stand dismayed and confused. They were like vegetation out in the fields, and like green herbs— just as grass that grows on a housetop dries out before it can grow.

Majority Standard Bible
Therefore their inhabitants, devoid of power, are dismayed and ashamed. They are like plants in the field, tender green shoots, grass on the rooftops, scorched before it is grown.

NET Bible
Their residents are powerless, they are terrified and ashamed. They are as short-lived as plants in the field, or green vegetation. They are as short-lived as grass on the rooftops when it is scorched by the east wind.

New Heart English Bible
Therefore their inhabitants were of small power. They were dismayed and confounded. They were like the grass of the field, and like the green herb, like the grass on the rooftops when it is scorched by the east wind.

Webster's Bible Translation
Therefore their inhabitants were of small power, they were dismayed and confounded; they were as the grass of the field, and as the green herb, as the grass on the house-tops, and as corn blasted before it is grown up.

World English Bible
Therefore their inhabitants had little power. They were dismayed and confounded. They were like the grass of the field and like the green herb, like the grass on the housetops and like grain blasted before it has grown up.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And their inhabitants [are] feeble-handed, "" They were broken down, and are dried up, "" They have been the herb of the field, "" And the greenness of the tender grass, "" Grass of the roofs, "" And blasted grain—before it has risen up!

Young's Literal Translation
And their inhabitants are feeble-handed, They were broken down, and are dried up, They have been the herb of the field, And the greenness of the tender grass, Grass of the roofs, And blasted corn -- before it hath risen up!

Smith's Literal Translation
And the inhabitants were short of hand, they were terrified and they were ashamed; they were the grass of the field and the green herbage, and the grass of the roofs, and blasted before it rose up.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the inhabitants of them, were weak of hand, they trembled and were confounded, they became like the grass of the field, and the green herb on the tops of houses, which withered before it came to maturity.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And whoever may settle in these, they have trembled, with a weak hand, and they have been confounded. They have become like the hay of the field, and like weeds sprouting on the rooftops, which dry up before they reached maturity.

New American Bible
Their people powerless, dismayed and distraught. They are plants of the field, green growth, thatch on the rooftops, Grain scorched by the east wind.

New Revised Standard Version
while their inhabitants, shorn of strength, are dismayed and confounded; they have become like plants of the field and like tender grass, like grass on the housetops, blighted before it is grown.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Therefore their inhabitants became weak, they were defeated and confounded, and became like the grass of the field and like the green herb, like the grass on the housetops, and like tender grass blasted before it is grown up.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Because their power has become feeble, they are broken down, and they are ashamed, and they have become as grass of the field and like green sprouts of spring, and like the grass of a rooftop, and like a tender sprout before the stalk.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Therefore their inhabitants were of small power, They were dismayed and confounded; They were as the grass of the field, And as the green herb, As the grass on the housetops, And as corn blasted before it is grown up.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And they that dwelt in them were weak in hand, they quaked and were confounded, they became as grass of the field, or as the green herb, the grass growing on houses, and that which is trodden down by him that stands upon it.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Fall of Sennacherib Prophesied
25Have you not heard? Long ago I ordained it; in days of old I planned it. Now I have brought it to pass, that you should crush fortified cities into piles of rubble. 26Therefore their inhabitants, devoid of power, are dismayed and ashamed. They are like plants in the field, tender green shoots, grass on the rooftops, scorched before it is grown. 27But I know your sitting down, your going out and coming in, and your raging against Me.…

Cross References
Isaiah 37:27
Therefore their inhabitants, devoid of power, are dismayed and ashamed. They are like plants in the field, tender green shoots, grass on the rooftops, scorched before it is grown.

Psalm 129:6
May they be like grass on the rooftops, which withers before it can grow,

Psalm 37:2
For they wither quickly like grass and wilt like tender plants.

Isaiah 40:24
No sooner are they planted, no sooner are they sown, no sooner have their stems taken root in the ground, than He blows on them and they wither, and a whirlwind sweeps them away like stubble.

Job 8:12
While the shoots are still uncut, they dry up more quickly than grass.

Job 18:16
The roots beneath him dry up, and the branches above him wither away.

Job 20:5-8
the triumph of the wicked has been brief and the joy of the godless momentary? / Though his arrogance reaches the heavens, and his head touches the clouds, / he will perish forever, like his own dung; those who had seen him will ask, ‘Where is he?’ ...

Psalm 92:7
that though the wicked sprout like grass, and all evildoers flourish, they will be forever destroyed.

Psalm 103:15-16
As for man, his days are like grass—he blooms like a flower of the field; / when the wind passes over, it vanishes, and its place remembers it no more.

Isaiah 16:8
For the fields of Heshbon have withered, along with the grapevines of Sibmah. The rulers of the nations have trampled its choicest vines, which had reached as far as Jazer and spread toward the desert. Their shoots had spread out and passed over the sea.

Isaiah 34:4
All the stars of heaven will be dissolved. The skies will be rolled up like a scroll, and all their stars will fall like withered leaves from the vine, like foliage from the fig tree.

Matthew 13:6
But when the sun rose, the seedlings were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.

James 1:11
For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its flower falls and its beauty is lost. So too, the rich man will fade away in the midst of his pursuits.

1 Peter 1:24
For, “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall,

Matthew 21:19
Seeing a fig tree by the road, He went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. “May you never bear fruit again!” He said. And immediately the tree withered.


Treasury of Scripture

Therefore their inhabitants were of small power, they were dismayed and confounded; they were as the grass of the field, and as the green herb, as the grass on the house tops, and as corn blasted before it be grown up.

of small power.

Numbers 11:23
And the LORD said unto Moses, Is the LORD'S hand waxed short? thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not.

Numbers 14:9
Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not.

Psalm 48:4-7
For, lo, the kings were assembled, they passed by together…

they were.

Psalm 92:7
When the wicked spring as the grass, and when all the workers of iniquity do flourish; it is that they shall be destroyed for ever:

Psalm 102:11
My days are like a shadow that declineth; and I am withered like grass.

Isaiah 40:6-8
The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field: …

the grass.

Psalm 129:6-8
Let them be as the grass upon the housetops, which withereth afore it groweth up: …

Jump to Previous
Blasted Confounded Corn Dismayed Dried Feeble-Handed Field Grain Grass Green Growing Grown Grows Herb House Housetops House-Tops Inhabitants Plant Plants Power Powerless Roof Scorched Shame Shoots Shorn Short Small Sprouting Strength Tender Tops Townsmen Vegetation
Jump to Next
Blasted Confounded Corn Dismayed Dried Feeble-Handed Field Grain Grass Green Growing Grown Grows Herb House Housetops House-Tops Inhabitants Plant Plants Power Powerless Roof Scorched Shame Shoots Shorn Short Small Sprouting Strength Tender Tops Townsmen Vegetation
2 Kings 19
1. Hezekiah, in mourning, sends to Isaiah to pray for them.
6. Isaiah comforts them.
8. Sennacherib, going to encounter Tirhakah, sends a blasphemous letter to Hezekiah.
14. Hezekiah's prayer.
20. Isaiah's prophecy of the destruction of Sennacherib, and the good of Zion.
35. An angel slays the Assyrians.
36. Sennacherib is slain by his own sons.














Therefore their inhabitants
This phrase refers to the people living in the cities that have been conquered or are under threat. The Hebrew word for "inhabitants" is "יֹשְׁבֵיהֶם" (yosheveihem), which implies those who dwell or reside in a place. In the context of 2 Kings 19, these inhabitants are the people of the nations that have been overrun by the Assyrian army. Historically, this reflects the widespread fear and helplessness experienced by those who faced the might of Assyria, a dominant military power of the time.

devoid of power
The Hebrew root for "devoid" is "חָתַת" (chatat), meaning to be shattered or dismayed. This phrase captures the utter helplessness and lack of strength among the people. In a spiritual sense, it reflects the condition of humanity without divine intervention—powerless and vulnerable. The Assyrian threat left nations feeling defenseless, much like individuals without the strength that comes from faith in God.

are dismayed and ashamed
"Dismayed" comes from the Hebrew "חָתַת" (chatat), which can also mean to be broken or terrified. "Ashamed" is from "בּוֹשׁ" (bosh), indicating a sense of disgrace or humiliation. This dual expression of fear and shame highlights the emotional and psychological impact of Assyrian aggression. Spiritually, it serves as a reminder of the consequences of relying on human strength rather than God's power.

They are like plants in the field
This simile uses the imagery of plants to describe the fragility and transience of human life without divine support. The Hebrew word for "plants" is "עֵשֶׂב" (esev), which often symbolizes something that is temporary and easily destroyed. This metaphor emphasizes the fleeting nature of human strength and the need for reliance on God, who provides enduring support and sustenance.

tender green shoots
The phrase "tender green shoots" suggests new growth that is vulnerable and easily damaged. In Hebrew, "יֶרֶק" (yereq) refers to young, green vegetation. This imagery underscores the idea of potential and promise that is cut short by external forces. It serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of nurturing one's faith to withstand trials.

grass on the rooftops
Grass growing on rooftops is an image of something that is exposed and lacks deep roots. In ancient times, roofs were often flat and made of materials that allowed grass to grow, but such grass would quickly wither due to lack of soil and moisture. This metaphor illustrates the superficiality of human efforts without God's foundation, highlighting the need for deep spiritual roots.

scorched before it is grown
The final phrase paints a picture of destruction before maturity. The Hebrew "שָׁדַף" (shadaph) means to be scorched or blasted by the wind. This imagery conveys the idea of potential that is never realized due to external pressures. It serves as a warning of the consequences of not being grounded in faith, as well as an encouragement to seek God's protection and guidance to reach full spiritual maturity.

(26) Of small power.--Literally, short-handed. (Comp. Isaiah 1:2, Isa_59:1.) Keil compares the well-known title of Artaxerxes I., Longimanus, the "long-handed," as if that epithet meant far-reaching in power. Thenius says that a frightened man draws in his arms (?)

As the grass . . .--The as may better be omitted. They were field growth and green herbage; grass of the roofs and blasting before stalk. The sense seems imperfect, unless we supply the idea of withering away, as in Psalm 37:2; Psalm 90:5-6; Psalm 129:6; Isaiah 40 (5, 7. Instead of the word blasting the parallel text (Isaiah 37:27) has field--a difference of one letter. Thenius adopts this, and corrects stalk into east wind, no great change in the Hebrew. We thus get the appropriate expression: and a field before the east wind. . . .

Verse 26. - Therefore their inhabitants were of small power; literally, were short of hand - unable, i.e., to make an effectual resistance. When God has decreed a change in the distribution of power among the nations, his providence works doubly. It infuses confidence and strength into the aggressive people, and spreads dismay and terror among those who are attacked. Unaccountable panics seize them - they seem paralyzed; instead of making every possible preparation for resistance, they fold their hands and do nothing. They are like fascinated birds before the stealthy advance of the serpent. They were dismayed and confounded. Historically, the prophet declares, this was the cause of the general collapse of the nations whom the Assyrians attacked. God put a craven fear into their hearts. They were as the grass of the field, and as the green herb, as the grass on the house-tops. The "grass of the field" is one of the most frequent similes for weakness. "All flesh is grass" (Isaiah 40:6); "They shall soon be cut down like the grass" (Psalm 37:2); "The grass withereth, the flower fadeth" (Isaiah 40:8); "I am withered like grass" (Psalm 102:11). In the hot sun of an Eastern sky nothing faded more quickly. But this weakness was intensified in the "grass of the house-tops." It "withered before it grew up" (Psalm 129:6). The depth of earth was so slight, the exposure so great, the heat so scorching, that it sank in death almost as soon as it had sprung to life. Such has been the weakness of the nations given over as a prey to the Assyrians. And as corn blasted before it be grown up. Corn blasted before it shoots into a stalk is as frail as grass, or frailer. It dwindles and disappears without even asserting itself.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Therefore their inhabitants,
וְיֹֽשְׁבֵיהֶן֙ (wə·yō·šə·ḇê·hen)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | third person feminine plural
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

devoid
קִצְרֵי־ (qiṣ·rê-)
Adjective - masculine plural construct
Strong's 7116: Short

of power,
יָ֔ד (yāḏ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 3027: A hand

are dismayed
חַ֖תּוּ (ḥat·tū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 2865: To prostrate, to break down, either, by violence, by confusion and fear

and ashamed.
וַיֵּבֹ֑שׁוּ (way·yê·ḇō·šū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 954: To pale, to be ashamed, to be disappointed, delayed

They are like
הָי֞וּ (hā·yū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

plants
עֵ֤שֶׂב (‘ê·śeḇ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6212: Herb, herbage

in the field,
שָׂדֶה֙ (śā·ḏeh)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7704: Field, land

tender
וִ֣ירַק (wî·raq)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3419: Green, a vegetable

green shoots,
דֶּ֔שֶׁא (de·še)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1877: A sprout, grass

grass
חֲצִ֣יר (ḥă·ṣîr)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2682: Green grass, herbage

on the rooftops,
גַּגּ֔וֹת (gag·gō·wṯ)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1406: A roof, the top of an altar

scorched
וּשְׁדֵפָ֖ה (ū·šə·ḏê·p̄āh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 7711: Blighted or blasted thing

before
לִפְנֵ֥י (lip̄·nê)
Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440: The face

it is grown.
קָמָֽה׃ (qā·māh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 7054: Something that rises, a stalk of grain


Links
2 Kings 19:26 NIV
2 Kings 19:26 NLT
2 Kings 19:26 ESV
2 Kings 19:26 NASB
2 Kings 19:26 KJV

2 Kings 19:26 BibleApps.com
2 Kings 19:26 Biblia Paralela
2 Kings 19:26 Chinese Bible
2 Kings 19:26 French Bible
2 Kings 19:26 Catholic Bible

OT History: 2 Kings 19:26 Therefore their inhabitants were of small power (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg)
2 Kings 19:25
Top of Page
Top of Page