Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version You say you have counsel and 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 I say, sayest thou, (but they are but vain words) I have counsel and strength for war: now on whom dost thou trust, that thou rebellest against me? New King James Version I say you speak of having plans and power for war; but they are mere words. Now in whom do you trust, that you rebel against me? New American Standard Bible I say, ‘Your plan and strength for the war are only empty words.’ Now on whom have you relied, that you have revolted against me? NASB 1995 “I say, ‘Your counsel and strength for the war are only empty words.’ Now on whom do you rely, that you have rebelled against me? NASB 1977 “I say, ‘Your counsel and strength for the war are only empty words.’ Now on whom do you rely, that you have rebelled against me? Legacy Standard Bible I say, ‘Your counsel and might for the war are only empty words.’ Now in whom do you trust, that you have rebelled against me? Amplified Bible I say, ‘Your plan and strength for the war are only empty words.’ Now in whom do you trust and 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 that you have rebelled against me? Holman Christian Standard Bible I say that your strategy and military preparedness are mere words. What are you now relying on that you have rebelled against me? American Standard Version I say, thy counsel and strength for the war are but vain words: 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 I say, thy counsel and strength for the war are but vain words: 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 Do you really think that guarantees alone can withstand strategy and military strength? On whom are you now depending, that you're rebelling 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 in whom do you trust, that you have rebelled against me? Webster's Bible Translation I say, sayest thou (but they are but vain words) I have counsel and strength for war: now on whom dost thou trust, that thou rebellest against me? World English Bible I say that your counsel and strength for the war are only vain words. Now in whom do you trust, that you have rebelled against me? Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionI 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 I have 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 I said, (also a word of the lips) Counsel and strength for the war; now upon whom trustedst thou that thou didst rebel against me? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleOr with what counsel or strength dost thou prepare for war? on whom dost thou trust, that thou art revolted from me? Catholic Public Domain Version And by what counsel or strength would you prepare to rebel? In whom do you have faith, so much so that you would withdraw from me? 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 BibleSaying, I am an eloquent speaker, and 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 there is among you speaking of the lips and counsel and might for battle. Now, on whom have you trusted that you have rebelled against me? OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917I said: It is but vain words; for counsel and strength are for the war. Now on whom dost thou trust, that thou hast rebelled against me? Brenton Septuagint Translation Is war carried on with counsel and mere words of the lips? and now on whom dost thou trust, that thou rebellest against me? Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Sennacherib Threatens Jerusalem…4The 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? 5You 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? 6Look 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 2 Kings 18:19-21 The 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? / 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? / 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. 2 Chronicles 32:10-11 “This is what Sennacherib king of Assyria says: What is the basis of your confidence, that you remain in Jerusalem under siege? / Is not Hezekiah misleading you to give you over to death by famine and thirst when he says, ‘The LORD our God will deliver us from the hand of the king of Assyria?’ Isaiah 30:1-3 “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. / But Pharaoh’s protection will become your shame, and the refuge of Egypt’s shade your disgrace. Jeremiah 2:36-37 How impulsive you are, constantly changing your ways! You will be disappointed by Egypt just as you were by Assyria. / 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. Hosea 5:13 When Ephraim saw his sickness and Judah his wound, then Ephraim turned to Assyria and sent to the great king. But he cannot cure you or heal your wound. Hosea 7:11 So Ephraim has become like a silly, senseless dove—calling out to Egypt, then turning to Assyria. Hosea 12:1 Ephraim feeds on the wind and pursues the east wind all day long; he multiplies lies and violence; he makes a covenant with Assyria and sends olive oil to Egypt. 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. Psalm 146:3 Put not your trust in princes, in mortal man, who cannot save. Proverbs 21:30-31 There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD. / A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory is of 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. Matthew 15:8-9 ‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. / They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’” Matthew 23:28 In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness. Mark 7:6-7 Jesus answered them, “Isaiah prophesied correctly about you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. / They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’ Treasury of Scripture I say, say you, (but they are but vain words) I have counsel and strength for war: now on whom do you trust, that you rebel against me? vain words. Proverbs 21:30,31 There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD… Proverbs 24:5,6 A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength… that 2 Kings 18:7 And the LORD was with him; and he prospered whithersoever he went forth: and he rebelled against the king of Assyria, and served him not. 2 Kings 24:1 In his days Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up, and Jehoiakim became his servant three years: then he turned and rebelled against him. Nehemiah 2:19,20 But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, heard it, they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, What is this thing that ye do? will ye rebel against the king? … Jump to Previous Authority Battle Counsel Depending Design Empty Lips Mere Military Power Rebelled Rebellest Rely Revolted Speak Strategy Strength Support Think Trust Trusted Vain War Word WordsJump to Next Authority Battle Counsel Depending Design Empty Lips Mere Military Power Rebelled Rebellest Rely Revolted Speak Strategy Strength Support Think Trust Trusted Vain War Word WordsIsaiah 36 1. Sennacherib invades Judah2. Rabshakeh, sent by Sennacherib, solicits the people to revolt 22. His words are told to Hezekiah 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 the people of Judah during the reign of King Hezekiah. The Assyrians were known for their military prowess and had already conquered many nations, including the northern kingdom of Israel. The Rabshakeh's words challenge Judah's confidence in their military plans and capabilities. Historically, Judah was a smaller kingdom with limited military resources compared to the vast Assyrian empire. This phrase highlights the futility of relying solely on human strategies and strength 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 during the time of the Assyrian invasion. He is known for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to reform the religious practices of Judah. 2. Sennacherib The King of Assyria, who led a campaign against Judah and laid siege to Jerusalem. He is a central figure in the account of Isaiah 36. 3. Rabshakeh The Assyrian field commander who delivered the message to the people of Jerusalem, challenging their trust in God and King Hezekiah. 4. Jerusalem The capital city of Judah, which was under threat from the Assyrian army during this event. 5. Assyrian Invasion A significant historical event where the Assyrian Empire sought to conquer Judah, testing the faith and leadership of King Hezekiah. Teaching Points Trust in God Over Human StrengthThe verse challenges us to examine where we place our trust. Are we relying on our own strategies and strength, or are we truly trusting in God? The Futility of Empty Words Words without faith and action are empty. We must ensure that our declarations of faith are backed by genuine trust in God. The Importance of Faith in Crisis In times of crisis, like the siege of Jerusalem, our faith is tested. We must learn to lean on God rather than our own understanding or resources. God's Sovereignty in Deliverance The account reminds us that God is sovereign and capable of delivering us from seemingly insurmountable challenges when we place our trust in Him. The Role of Leadership in Faith Hezekiah's leadership and faith were crucial for Judah. As leaders in our communities or families, we must model trust in God and guide others to do the same.(5, 6) I have counsel and strength for war . . .--Reports of Hezekiah's speech. probably also of his negotiations with Egypt, had reached the ears of the Assyrian king. So Sennacherib. in his inscriptions, speaks of "the king of Egypt as a monarch who could not save those who trusted in him" (Smith, Assyrian Canon). The Pharaoh in this case was Shabatoka, or Sabaco II., the father of the Tir-hakah of Isa xxxvii 9, one of the Ethiopian dynasty that reigned in Egypt from B.C. 725-665.Verse 5. - I say. In 2 Kings 18:20 we read, "Thou sayest" for "I say," which gives a better sense. Dr. Kay holds the two forms to be "complementary." I have counsel and strength for war. Either the words of Hezekiah had been reported to Sennacherib, or he rightly divined Hezekiah's thoughts. It was, no doubt, in reliance on the "counsel" of Eliakim and the "strength" of Egypt that the Jewish monarch had a second time provoked his suzerain. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew You claimאָמַ֙רְתִּי֙ (’ā·mar·tî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common 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 דְּבַר־ (də·ḇar-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause words. שְׂפָתַ֔יִם (śə·p̄ā·ṯa·yim) Noun - fd Strong's 8193: The lip, language, a margin 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 Isaiah 36:5 NIVIsaiah 36:5 NLT Isaiah 36:5 ESV Isaiah 36:5 NASB Isaiah 36:5 KJV Isaiah 36:5 BibleApps.com Isaiah 36:5 Biblia Paralela Isaiah 36:5 Chinese Bible Isaiah 36:5 French Bible Isaiah 36:5 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Isaiah 36:5 I say that your counsel and strength (Isa Isi Is) |
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