New International VersionThe field commander said to them, “Tell Hezekiah: “’This is what the great king, the king of Assyria, says: On what are you basing this confidence of yours?
New Living TranslationThen the Assyrian king’s chief of staff told them to give this message to Hezekiah: “This is what the great king of Assyria says: What are you trusting in that makes you so confident?
English Standard VersionAnd the Rabshakeh said to them, “Say to Hezekiah, ‘Thus says the great king, the king of Assyria: On what do you rest this trust of yours?
Berean Standard BibleThe 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?
King James BibleAnd Rabshakeh said unto them, Speak ye now to Hezekiah, Thus saith the great king, the king of Assyria, What confidence is this wherein thou trustest?
New King James VersionThen the Rabshakeh said to them, “Say now to Hezekiah, ‘Thus says the great king, the king of Assyria: “What confidence is this in which you trust?
New American Standard BibleAnd Rabshakeh said to them, “Say now to Hezekiah, ‘This is what the great king, the king of Assyria says: “What is this confidence that you have?
NASB 1995Then Rabshakeh said to them, “Say now to Hezekiah, ‘Thus says the great king, the king of Assyria, “What is this confidence that you have?
NASB 1977Then Rabshakeh said to them, “Say now to Hezekiah, ‘Thus says the great king, the king of Assyria, “What is this confidence that you have?
Legacy Standard BibleThen Rabshakeh said to them, “Say now to Hezekiah, ‘Thus says the great king, the king of Assyria, “What is this trust that you have?
Amplified BibleThen the Rabshakeh said to them, “Say to Hezekiah, ‘Thus says the great king, the king of Assyria, “What is [the reason for] this confidence that you have?
Christian Standard BibleThen the royal spokesman said to them, “Tell Hezekiah this is what the great king, the king of Assyria, says: ‘What are you relying on?
Holman Christian Standard BibleThen the Rabshakeh said to them, “Tell Hezekiah this is what the great king, the king of Assyria, says: ‘What are you relying on?
American Standard VersionAnd Rabshakeh said unto them, Say ye now to Hezekiah, Thus saith the great king, the king of Assyria, What confidence is this wherein thou trustest?
Contemporary English VersionOne of the Assyrian commanders told them: I have a message for Hezekiah from the great king of Assyria. Ask Hezekiah why he feels so sure of himself.
English Revised VersionAnd Rabshakeh said unto them, Say ye now to Hezekiah, Thus saith the great king, the king of Assyria, What confidence is this wherein thou trustest?
GOD'S WORD® TranslationHe said to them, "Tell Hezekiah, 'This is what the great king, the king of Assyria, says: What makes you so confident?
Good News TranslationOne of the Assyrian officials told them that the emperor wanted to know what made King Hezekiah so confident.
International Standard VersionRab-shakeh told them, "Tell Hezekiah right now, 'This is what the great king, the king of Assyria says: '"Why are you so confident?
NET BibleThe chief adviser said to them, "Tell Hezekiah: 'This is what the great king, the king of Assyria, says: "What is your source of confidence?
New Heart English BibleRabshakeh said to them, "Say now to Hezekiah, 'Thus says the great king, the king of Assyria, "What confidence is this in which you trust?
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd Rab-shakeh said to them, Speak ye now to Hezekiah, Thus saith the great king, the king of Assyria, What confidence is this in which thou trustest? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe 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?
World English BibleRabshakeh said to them, “Say now to Hezekiah, ‘The great king, the king of Assyria, says, “What confidence is this in which you trust? Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the chief of the butlers says to them, “Now say to Hezekiah, Thus said the great king, the king of Asshur: What [is] this confidence in which you have confided?
Young's Literal Translation And the chief of the butlers saith unto them, 'Say, I pray you, unto Hezekiah, Thus said the great king, the king of Asshur, What is this confidence in which thou hast confided?
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd Rabshakeh will say to them, Say now to Hezekiah, Thus said the great king, the king of Assur, What this confidence in which thou trustedst? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Rabsaces said to them: Speak to Ezechias: Thus saith the great king, the king of the Assyrians: What is this confidence, wherein thou trustest?
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd Rabshakeh said to them: “Speak to Hezekiah: Thus says the great king, the king of the Assyrians: What is this faith, in which you strive?
New American BibleThe commander said to them, “Tell Hezekiah, ‘Thus says the great king, the king of Assyria: On what do you base this trust of yours?
New Revised Standard VersionThe Rabshakeh said to them, “Say to Hezekiah: Thus says the great king, the king of Assyria: On what do you base this confidence of yours? Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen the Rab-shakeh said to them, Speak now to Hezekiah, Thus says the great king, the king of Assyria: What confidence is this in which you trust?
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd Rab Shaqeh said to them: “Say to Hezekiah, ‘Thus says the great King, the King of Assyria: what is this trust that you have trusted? OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Rab-shakeh said unto them: 'Say ye now to Hezekiah: Thus saith the great king, the king of Assyria: What confidence is this wherein thou trustest?
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd Rapsakes said to them, Say now to Ezekias, Thus says the king, the great king of the Assyrians, What is this confidence wherein thou trustest?
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Sennacherib Threatens Jerusalem… 18Then they called for the king; and Eliakim son of Hilkiah the palace administrator, Shebnah the scribe, and Joah son of Asaph the recorder, went out to them. 19The Rabshakehsaidto them,“TellHezekiahthat this is whatthe greatking,the kingof Assyria,says:Whatis the basisof thisconfidenceof 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?…
Cross References Isaiah 36:4The 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?
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 37:10“Give this message to Hezekiah king of Judah: ‘Do not let your God, in whom you trust, deceive you by saying that Jerusalem will not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria.
2 Kings 19:10“Give this message to Hezekiah king of Judah: ‘Do not let your God, in whom you trust, deceive you by saying that Jerusalem will not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria.
Isaiah 36:5You 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?
2 Kings 19:22Whom have you taunted and blasphemed? Against whom have you raised your voice and lifted your eyes in pride? Against the Holy One of Israel!
Isaiah 37:23Whom have you taunted and blasphemed? Against whom have you raised your voice and lifted your eyes in pride? Against the Holy One of Israel!
2 Kings 19:6-7who 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 37:6-7who 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 19:14-19So 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 37:14-20So 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 19:32-34So 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 37:33-35So 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 Kings 19:35-37And 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 37:36-38Then 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.
Treasury of Scripture And Rabshakeh said to them, Speak you now to Hezekiah, Thus said the great king, the king of Assyria, What confidence is this wherein you trust? Rab-shakeh. Thus saith. 2 Chronicles 32:10 Thus saith Sennacherib king of Assyria, Whereon do ye trust, that ye abide in the siege in Jerusalem? Isaiah 10:8-14 For he saith,Are not my princes altogether kings? … Isaiah 36:4 And Rabshakeh said unto them, Say ye now to Hezekiah, Thus saith the great king, the king of Assyria, What confidenceis this wherein thou trustest? What confidence. 2 Kings 18:22,29,30 But if ye say unto me, We trust in the LORD our God:is not that he, whose high places and whose altars Hezekiah hath taken away, and hath said to Judah and Jerusalem, Ye shall worship before this altar in Jerusalem? … 2 Kings 19:10 Thus shall ye speak to Hezekiah king of Judah, saying, Let not thy God in whom thou trustest deceive thee, saying, Jerusalem shall not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria. 2 Chronicles 32:7,8,10,11,14-16 Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude thatis with him: forthere be more with us than with him: … Jump to Previous AsshurAssyriaButlersChiefCommanderConfidedConfidenceFieldGreatHezekiahHezeki'ahHopePlacingRabshakehRab'shakehRab-ShakehRestSpeakTrustTrustestWhereinWordsJump to Next AsshurAssyriaButlersChiefCommanderConfidedConfidenceFieldGreatHezekiahHezeki'ahHopePlacingRabshakehRab'shakehRab-ShakehRestSpeakTrustTrustestWhereinWords2 Kings 18 1.Hezekiah's good reign4.He destroys idolatry, and prospers9.The inhabitants of Samaria are carried captive for their sins13.Sennacherib invading Judah, is pacified by a tribute17.Rabshakeh, by blasphemous persuasions, solicits the people to revoltThe Rabshakeh said to themThe Rabshakeh was a high-ranking Assyrian official, likely a chief cupbearer or military commander, sent by King Sennacherib of Assyria. His role was to deliver messages and negotiate on behalf of the king. This encounter occurs during a time when Assyria was expanding its empire and threatening the smaller kingdoms of the region, including Judah. The Rabshakeh's speech is a psychological tactic aimed at undermining the morale of the people of Jerusalem. Tell Hezekiah
Hezekiah was the king of Judah, known for his religious reforms and efforts to centralize worship in Jerusalem. He is depicted as a faithful king who sought to follow the ways of the Lord, contrasting with many of his predecessors. The Rabshakeh's message is directed at Hezekiah, challenging his leadership and the decisions he has made, particularly his rebellion against Assyrian dominance. that this is what the great king, the king of Assyria, says
The title "the great king" reflects the Assyrian view of their monarch as the supreme ruler of the known world, a common self-designation in ancient Near Eastern royal inscriptions. This phrase emphasizes the power and authority of the Assyrian king, Sennacherib, who was known for his military campaigns and conquests. The Assyrian Empire was the dominant power in the region, and its kings were often seen as invincible. What is the basis of this confidence of yours?
This question challenges the foundation of Hezekiah's trust and confidence, likely referring to his reliance on God and his political alliances, such as with Egypt. The Rabshakeh is questioning the wisdom of Hezekiah's resistance against Assyria, implying that his confidence is misplaced. This moment is a test of faith for Hezekiah and the people of Judah, echoing themes found throughout the Bible where God's people are called to trust in Him despite overwhelming odds. This challenge can be seen as a precursor to the New Testament teachings on faith and reliance on God, as seen in passages likeHebrews 11. Persons / Places / Events 1. RabshakehA high-ranking Assyrian official and spokesman for King Sennacherib. He is known for delivering messages intended to intimidate and demoralize the people of Judah. 2. HezekiahThe King of Judah, known for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to reform the religious practices of his people by removing idolatry. 3. AssyriaA powerful empire during this period, known for its military might and conquests. The Assyrian king at this time was Sennacherib. 4. JerusalemThe capital city of Judah, which was under threat from the Assyrian army during Hezekiah's reign. 5. SennacheribThe King of Assyria, who sought to conquer Jerusalem and expand his empire. Teaching Points Confidence in GodHezekiah's situation challenges us to consider where we place our confidence. In times of trial, do we rely on our own strength or trust in God's power and promises? Facing IntimidationThe Rabshakeh's words were meant to instill fear. As believers, we must recognize the tactics of the enemy and stand firm in our faith, knowing that God is with us. Prayer and DependenceHezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat was to seek God in prayer. This teaches us the importance of turning to God in times of crisis and relying on His guidance and intervention. God's SovereigntyThe account of Hezekiah and the Assyrians reminds us of God's ultimate control over nations and events. We can trust that He is working for our good, even when circumstances seem dire. Faith in ActionHezekiah's faith was not passive; he took practical steps to prepare for the Assyrian siege while trusting in God's deliverance. Our faith should also lead to action, as we follow God's leading in our lives. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of 2 Kings 18:19?
2.How does 2 Kings 18:19 challenge us to trust in God's power today?
3.What does "rely on" in 2 Kings 18:19 reveal about faith's importance?
4.How can we apply Hezekiah's example of faith in our daily struggles?
5.What other Bible stories emphasize reliance on God over earthly powers?
6.How does 2 Kings 18:19 encourage us to confront modern-day spiritual challenges?
7.What does 2 Kings 18:19 reveal about the power dynamics between Assyria and Judah?
8.How does 2 Kings 18:19 challenge the faith of Hezekiah and his people?
9.What historical evidence supports the events described in 2 Kings 18:19?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 18?
11.Why does 2 Chronicles 32 seem to present a different order of events compared to 2 Kings 18-19 regarding the siege and Hezekiah's actions?
12.Who was Sennacherib in the Bible?
13.Who was Rabshakeh in the Bible?
14.Nehemiah 4:1–3: How reliable is the account of mocking enemies if there’s limited external historical evidence of such opposition during the wall’s rebuilding?What Does 2 Kings 18:19 Mean The Rabshakeh said to them• The Rabshakeh is the Assyrian spokesman sent with Tartan and Rabsaris (2 Kings 18:17–18). • His role is intimidation—standing at the conduit of the upper pool, the very spot where Isaiah once warned Ahaz to trust God (Isaiah 7:3). • He speaks in the Jews’ language (2 Kings 18:28), showing calculated psychological warfare. • Scripture regularly depicts enemies taunting God’s people—Goliath in1 Samuel 17:8–10; Sennacherib again in2 Chronicles 32:18—inviting the faithful to remember God’s past deliverances (Exodus 14:13–14;Psalm 46:10–11).
Tell Hezekiah• The message isolates Judah’s king, hoping to undermine his leadership (cf.Luke 22:31). • Hezekiah’s reputation is one of wholehearted trust—“There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah… He trusted in the LORD” (2 Kings 18:5–6). • By addressing him by name rather than title, the Rabshakeh belittles Hezekiah’s authority, just as Pharaoh scorned Moses (Exodus 5:2). • Moments like this press every believer to decide whether to heed the voice of fear or the voice of faith (Joshua 24:15;John 10:27).
this is what the great king, the king of Assyria, says• Assyria styles itself “the great king,” exalting earthly power above heaven’s throne (Isaiah 10:12–14; 14:13–14). • The contrast is stark: human pride versus the LORD of Hosts (Isaiah 37:16). • Previous conquests (2 Kings 18:33–35) are paraded to prove the inevitability of Judah’s fall, much like Nebuchadnezzar’s boast inDaniel 3:15. • Yet God consistently humbles proud empires—Egypt (Exodus 14:30–31), Babylon (Daniel 4:37), and later Assyria itself (Nahum 3:18–19).
What is the basis of this confidence of yours?• The taunt challenges Judah’s faith foundation, repeating in2 Kings 18:20 and echoed in 19:10. • From a worldly lens Judah’s resources are scant—no alliance with Egypt (Isaiah 30:1–2) and no match for Assyrian might. • Hezekiah’s confidence rests on covenant promises (Deuteronomy 20:1–4;Psalm 20:7): – The LORD fights for His people (2 Chronicles 32:7–8). – Deliverance is by faith, not numbers (Judges 7:2). – Trust invites divine intervention (Jeremiah 17:7;Proverbs 3:5–6). • The question remains timeless: do we rely on visible strength or on the unseen but living God (2 Corinthians 5:7;Hebrews 11:1)?
summaryThe Rabshakeh’s speech is calculated to unsettle Judah by magnifying Assyria’s power and belittling Hezekiah’s reliance on the LORD. While the enemy flaunts earthly greatness, Scripture frames true confidence in God’s proven character and covenant faithfulness. The verse exposes a clash between arrogant human claims and humble, steadfast trust, calling every reader to anchor confidence not in circumstance but in the Lord who “delivers those who trust in Him” (Psalm 34:22). (19) And Rab-shakeh said.--Tiglath Pileser records that he sent a rab-sak as his envoy to Tyre. Thenius supposes the present rab-sak may have been a better master of Hebrew than his companions. Schrader says it would have been beneath the tartan's dignity to speak, and that such vigorous language as follows would have had a very strange effect in the mouth of a eunuch (the rabsaris) .The great king, the king of Assyria.--Comp. the usual grandiloquent style of the Assyrian sovereigns: "I, Esarhaddon, the great king, the mighty king, the king of multitudes, the king of the country of Asshur;" and the title, "king of princes," which Hosea applies to the king of Assyria (Hosea 8:10). Verse 19. - And Rabshakeh said unto them. Although the third in order of dignity, Rabshakeh took the word, probably because he was familiar with the Hebrew language, and could speak it fluently (see ver. 26). His being spokesman made him appear to be the chief ambassador, and made Isaiah, in the parallel passage (36.), pass over in silence the other two. Speak ye now to Hezekiah. It was a rude, almost an insulting commencement, to give Hezekiah no title - neither "the king," nor "King of Judah," nor even "your master," but to call him merely "Hezekiah." The same rudeness is persisted in throughout (vers. 22, 29, 30, 31, 32), and it is emphasized by the employment of some title or other, generally a lofty title, when Sennacherib is spoken cf. Sennacherib himself is less rude in his inscriptions (see the 'Eponym Canon,' pp. 133, line 45; 134, line 6; 136, lines 21, 15). Thus saith the great king, the King of Assyria. The "great king" - sarru rabu - was the ordinary title assumed by Assyrian monarchs. It passed from them to the Babylonians and the Persians. Sennacherib calls himself, on Bellino's cylinder," the great king, the powerful king, the King of Assyria, the king unrivalled, the pious monarch, the worshipper of the great gods, the protector of the just, the lover of the righteous, the noble warrior, the valiant hero, the first of all kings, the great punisher of unbelievers" (see 'Records of the Past,' vol. 1. p. 25). What confidence is this wherein thou trustest? We may assume that Hezekiah had, at the beginning of the year, withheld his tribute. He had certainly not gone out to meet the "great king" as he approached his territories, to do homage, and place the forces of Judah at his disposal. On the contrary, he had taken up an attitude of hostility. He had fortified his capital ( 2 Chronicles 32:2-5); he had collected arms and soldiers, and had shut himself up in Jerusalem, having made every preparation for a siege. Sennacherib inquires why he has dared to do all this - on what strength does he rely? What is the ground of his confidence?
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew The Rab-shakehשָׁקֵ֔ה(šā·qêh)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7262:Rabshakeh -- perhaps 'chief of the officers', an Assyrian military leadersaidוַיֹּ֤אמֶר(way·yō·mer)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, sayto them,אֲלֵהֶם֙(’ă·lê·hem)Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, to“Tellאִמְרוּ־(’im·rū-)Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 559:To utter, sayHezekiahחִזְקִיָּ֑הוּ(ḥiz·qî·yā·hū)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2396:Hezekiah -- 'Yah has strengthened', a king of Judah, also several other Israelitesthat this is whatכֹּֽה־(kōh-)Adverb
Strong's 3541:Like this, thus, here, nowthe greatהַגָּדוֹל֙(hag·gā·ḏō·wl)Article | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 1419:Great, older, insolentking,הַמֶּ֤לֶךְ(ham·me·leḵ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428:A kingthe kingמֶ֣לֶךְ(me·leḵ)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4428:A kingof Assyria,אַשּׁ֔וּר(’aš·šūr)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 804:Ashshursays:אָמַ֞ר(’ā·mar)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, sayWhatמָ֧ה(māh)Interrogative
Strong's 4100:What?, what!, indefinitely whatis the basisבָּטָֽחְתָּ׃(bā·ṭā·ḥə·tā)Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 982:To trust, be confident, sure[of] thisהַזֶּ֖ה(haz·zeh)Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088:This, thatconfidenceהַבִּטָּח֛וֹן(hab·biṭ·ṭā·ḥō·wn)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 986:Trustof yours?אֲשֶׁ֥ר(’ă·šer)Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that
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OT History: 2 Kings 18:19 Rabshakeh said to them Say you now (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) |
