New International VersionWhere is the king of Hamath or the king of Arpad? Where are the kings of Lair, Sepharvaim, Hena and Ivvah?”
New Living TranslationWhat happened to the king of Hamath and the king of Arpad? What happened to the kings of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivvah?”
English Standard VersionWhere is the king of Hamath, the king of Arpad, the king of the city of Sepharvaim, the king of Hena, or the king of Ivvah?’”
Berean Standard BibleWhere are the kings of Hamath, Arpad, Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivvah?’”
King James BibleWhere is the king of Hamath, and the king of Arphad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivah?
New King James VersionWhere is the king of Hamath, the king of Arpad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivah?’ ”
New American Standard BibleWhere is the king of Hamath, the king of Arpad, the king of the city of Sepharvaim, and of Hena and Ivvah?’”
NASB 1995Where is the king of Hamath, the king of Arpad, the king of the city of Sepharvaim, and of Hena and Ivvah?’”
NASB 1977‘Where is the king of Hamath, the king of Arpad, the king of the city of Sepharvaim, and of Hena and Ivvah?’”
Legacy Standard BibleWhere is the king of Hamath, the king of Arpad, the king of the city of Sepharvaim, and of Hena and Ivvah?’”
Amplified BibleWhere is the king of Hamath, the king of Arpad [of northern Syria], the king of the city of Sepharvaim, [the king of] Hena, or [the king of] Ivvah?’”
Christian Standard BibleWhere is the king of Hamath, the king of Arpad, the king of the city of Sepharvaim, Hena, or Ivvah? ’ ”
Holman Christian Standard BibleWhere is the king of Hamath, the king of Arpad, the king of the city of Sepharvaim, Hena, or Ivvah?’”
American Standard VersionWhere is the king of Hamath, and the king of Arpad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, of Hena, and Ivvah?
Contemporary English VersionThe kings of Hamath, Arpad, Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivvah have all disappeared.
English Revised VersionWhere is the king of Hamath, and the king of Arpad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, of Hena, and Ivvah?
GOD'S WORD® TranslationWhere is the king of Hamath, the king of Arpad, and the king of the cities of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivvah?'"
Good News TranslationWhere are the kings of the cities of Hamath, Arpad, Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivvah?"
International Standard VersionWhere is the king of Hamath, the king of Arpad, the king of the city of Sephar-vaim, or of Hena, or of Ivvah, or of Samaria?'"
NET BibleWhere are the king of Hamath, the king of Arpad, and the kings of Lair, Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivvah?'"
New Heart English BibleWhere is the king of Hamath, and the king of Arpad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, of Hena, and Ivvah?'"
Webster's Bible TranslationWhere is the king of Hamath, and the king of Arpad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivah? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhere are the kings of Hamath, Arpad, Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivvah?’”
World English BibleWhere is the king of Hamath, and the king of Arpad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, of Hena, and Ivvah?’” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionWhere [is] the king of Hamath, and the king of Arpad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivvah?”
Young's Literal Translation Where is the king of Hamath, and the king of Arpad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivvah?'
Smith's Literal TranslationWhere the king of Hamath, and the king of Arpad, and the king to the city of Sepharvaim, Hena and Ivah? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleWhere is the king of Emath, and the king of Arphad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, of Ana, and of Ava?
Catholic Public Domain VersionWhere is the king of Hamath and the king of Arpad, or the king of the city of Sepharvaim, or of Hena and Ivvah?”
New American BibleWhere are the king of Hamath, the king of Arpad, or a king of the cities Sepharvaim, Hena or Ivvah?”
New Revised Standard VersionWhere is the king of Hamath, the king of Arpad, the king of the city of Sepharvaim, the king of Hena, or the king of Ivvah?” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleWhere is the king of Hamath and the king of Arphad and the king of the city of Sepharvim and of Dena and of Aka?
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedWhere are the King of Khamath and the King of Raphad, and the King and city Sepharvaim, and Dana and Dava? OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Where is the king of Hamath, and the king of Arpad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, of Hena, and Ivvah?'
Brenton Septuagint TranslationWhere are the kings of Emath? and where is the king of Arphath? and where is the king of the city of Eppharuaim, and of Anagugana?
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Sennacherib's Blasphemous Letter… 12Did the gods of the nations destroyed by my fathers rescue those nations—the gods of Gozan, Haran, and Rezeph, and of the people of Eden in Telassar? 13Whereare the kingsof Hamath,Arpad,Sepharvaim,Hena,and Ivvah?’”
Cross References 2 Kings 19:13Where are the kings of Hamath, Arpad, Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivvah?’”
Isaiah 36:18-20Do not let Hezekiah mislead you when he says, ‘The LORD will deliver us.’ Has the god of any nation ever delivered his land from the hand of the king of Assyria? / Where are the gods of Hamath and Arpad? Where are the gods of Sepharvaim? Have they delivered Samaria from my hand? / Who among all the gods of these lands has delivered his land from my hand? How then can the LORD deliver Jerusalem from my hand?”
2 Chronicles 32:13-15Do you not know what I and my fathers have done to all the peoples of the lands? Have the gods of these nations ever been able to deliver their land from my hand? / Who among all the gods of these nations that my fathers devoted to destruction has been able to deliver his people from my hand? How then can your God deliver you from my hand? / So now, do not let Hezekiah deceive you, and do not let him mislead you like this. Do not believe him, for no god of any nation or kingdom has been able to deliver his people from my hand or from the hand of my fathers. How much less will your God deliver you from my hand!”
Jeremiah 49:23-27Concerning Damascus: “Hamath and Arpad are put to shame, for they have heard a bad report; they are agitated like the sea; their anxiety cannot be calmed. / Damascus has become feeble; she has turned to flee. Panic has gripped her; anguish and pain have seized her like a woman in labor. / How is the city of praise not forsaken, the town that brings Me joy? ...
Nahum 3:8-10Are you better than Thebes, stationed by the Nile with water around her, whose rampart was the sea, whose wall was the water? / Cush and Egypt were her boundless strength; Put and Libya were her allies. / Yet she became an exile; she went into captivity. Her infants were dashed to pieces at the head of every street. They cast lots for her dignitaries, and all her nobles were bound in chains.
Ezekiel 31:3-9Look at Assyria, a cedar in Lebanon, with beautiful branches that shaded the forest. It towered on high; its top was among the clouds. / The waters made it grow; the deep springs made it tall, directing their streams all around its base and sending their channels to all the trees of the field. / Therefore it towered higher than all the trees of the field. Its branches multiplied, and its boughs grew long as it spread them out because of the abundant waters. ...
Isaiah 10:9-11“Is not Calno like Carchemish? Is not Hamath like Arpad? Is not Samaria like Damascus? / As my hand seized the idolatrous kingdoms whose images surpassed those of Jerusalem and Samaria, / and as I have done to Samaria and its idols, will I not also do to Jerusalem and her idols?”
Isaiah 14:24-27The LORD of Hosts has sworn: “Surely, as I have planned, so will it be; as I have purposed, so will it stand. / I will break Assyria in My land; I will trample him on My mountain. His yoke will be taken off My people, and his burden removed from their shoulders.” / This is the plan devised for the whole earth, and this is the hand stretched out over all the nations. ...
Isaiah 30:31-33For Assyria will be shattered at the voice of the LORD; He will strike them with His scepter. / And with every stroke of the rod of punishment that the LORD brings down on them, the tambourines and lyres will sound as He battles with weapons brandished. / For Topheth has long been prepared; it has been made ready for the king. Its funeral pyre is deep and wide, with plenty of fire and wood. The breath of the LORD, like a torrent of burning sulfur, sets it ablaze.
Isaiah 31:8-9“Then Assyria will fall, but not by the sword of man; a sword will devour them, but not one made by mortals. They will flee before the sword, and their young men will be put to forced labor. / Their rock will pass away for fear, and their princes will panic at the sight of the battle standard,” declares the LORD, whose fire is in Zion, whose furnace is in Jerusalem.
Isaiah 33:7-9Behold, their valiant ones cry aloud in the streets; the envoys of peace weep bitterly. / The highways are deserted; travel has ceased. The treaty has been broken, the witnesses are despised, and human life is disregarded. / The land mourns and languishes; Lebanon is ashamed and decayed. Sharon is like a desert; Bashan and Carmel shake off their leaves.
Isaiah 34:1-4Come near, O nations, to listen; pay attention, O peoples. Let the earth hear, and all that fills it, the world and all that springs from it. / The LORD is angry with all the nations and furious with all their armies. He will devote them to destruction; He will give them over to slaughter. / Their slain will be left unburied, and the stench of their corpses will rise; the mountains will flow with their blood. ...
Isaiah 35:4-10Say to those with anxious hearts: “Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance. With divine retribution He will come to save you.” / Then the eyes of the blind will be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. / Then the lame will leap like a deer and the mute tongue will shout for joy. For waters will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert. ...
Isaiah 40:15-17Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are considered a speck of dust on the scales; He lifts up the islands like fine dust. / Lebanon is not sufficient for fuel, nor its animals enough for a burnt offering. / All the nations are as nothing before Him; He regards them as nothingness and emptiness.
Isaiah 41:11-13Behold, all who rage against you will be ashamed and disgraced; those who contend with you will be reduced to nothing and will perish. / You will seek them but will not find them. Those who wage war against you will come to nothing. / For I am the LORD your God, who takes hold of your right hand and tells you: Do not fear, I will help you.
Treasury of Scripture Where is the king of Hamath, and the king of Arphad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivah? Hamath Isaiah 19:9 Moreover they that work in fine flax, and they that weave networks, shall be confounded. Isaiah 36:19 Whereare the gods of Hamath and Arphad? whereare the gods of Sepharvaim? and have they delivered Samaria out of my hand? Hena. 2 Kings 17:24,30,31 And the king of Assyria broughtmen from Babylon, and from Cuthah, and from Ava, and from Hamath, and from Sepharvaim, and placedthem in the cities of Samaria instead of the children of Israel: and they possessed Samaria, and dwelt in the cities thereof… 2 Kings 18:34 Whereare the gods of Hamath, and of Arpad? whereare the gods of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivah? have they delivered Samaria out of mine hand? 2 Kings 19:13 Whereis the king of Hamath, and the king of Arpad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, of Hena, and Ivah? Jump to Previous ArpadArphadCityHamathHenaIvahIvvahSepharvaimSepharva'imJump to Next ArpadArphadCityHamathHenaIvahIvvahSepharvaimSepharva'imIsaiah 37 1.Hezekiah mourning, sends to Isaiah to pray for them6.Isaiah comforts them8.Sennacherib, going to encounter Tirhakah, sends a blasphemous letter to Hezekiah14.Hezekiah's prayer21.Isaiah's prophecy of the destruction of Sennacherib, and the good of Zion36.An angel slays the Assyrians37.Sennacherib is slain at Nineveh by his own sons.Where are the kings of Hamath, Arpad, Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivvah?’”This verse is part of a taunt from the Assyrian king Sennacherib's messenger, Rabshakeh, directed at King Hezekiah of Judah. The rhetorical question emphasizes the futility of relying on other nations for deliverance from Assyria's might. Where are the kings of Hamath, Arpad
Hamath and Arpad were significant city-states in ancient Syria. Hamath, located on the Orontes River, was a prominent center in the region. Arpad, north of Aleppo, was known for its strategic importance. Both cities fell to the Assyrian empire, demonstrating Assyria's dominance. This historical context underscores the threat facing Judah and the perceived inevitability of Assyrian conquest. Sepharvaim
Sepharvaim is often identified with the twin cities of Sippar in Mesopotamia. The mention of Sepharvaim highlights the extent of Assyrian conquests, as these cities were far from the immediate region of Judah. The reference serves to intimidate Hezekiah by listing cities that have already succumbed to Assyria's power. Hena, and Ivvah?’”
Hena and Ivvah are less well-documented locations, possibly small towns or regions also conquered by Assyria. Their inclusion in the list serves to complete the picture of Assyrian invincibility. The rhetorical question implies that just as these places were unable to resist Assyria, so too will Judah be unable to withstand the impending siege.
This verse, in its broader context, challenges the faith of Hezekiah and the people of Judah, urging them to consider the fate of other nations. It sets the stage for Hezekiah's reliance on God for deliverance, contrasting human power with divine intervention. The historical and geographical references serve to heighten the tension and underscore the miraculous nature of Judah's eventual deliverance, as recorded later in the chapter. Persons / Places / Events 1. King of HamathHamath was a significant city-state in ancient Syria. Its king is mentioned to emphasize the power and reach of the Assyrian empire, which had conquered it. 2. King of ArpadArpad was another city in Syria, north of Hamath. Like Hamath, it fell to the Assyrians, demonstrating their military might. 3. City of SepharvaimThis city is often associated with the Assyrian conquests. Its mention here serves to remind the audience of the Assyrian threat. 4. HenaA lesser-known location, possibly a city or region, that was also conquered by the Assyrians. 5. IvvahAnother city or region that fell to the Assyrians, illustrating the extent of their conquests. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty Over NationsThe mention of these conquered kings and cities highlights God's ultimate control over the rise and fall of nations. Believers can trust in God's sovereignty in world affairs. The Futility of Human PowerThe Assyrian empire, despite its might, was ultimately powerless against God's will. This serves as a reminder of the limitations of human power and the supremacy of divine authority. Trust in God's DeliveranceJust as God delivered Jerusalem from the Assyrians, He is able to deliver us from our own trials and challenges. Our trust should be in Him, not in human strength or alliances. Historical Context as a Faith BuilderUnderstanding the historical context of biblical events can strengthen our faith, showing how God has acted consistently throughout history. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Isaiah 37:13?
2.How does Isaiah 37:13 demonstrate God's sovereignty over earthly kings and nations?
3.What lessons can we learn from the fate of the kings in Isaiah 37:13?
4.How does Isaiah 37:13 connect with God's promises in earlier chapters of Isaiah?
5.How can Isaiah 37:13 inspire us to trust God in challenging situations?
6.What practical steps can we take to avoid the pride seen in Isaiah 37:13?
7.What historical evidence supports the existence of the kings mentioned in Isaiah 37:13?
8.How does Isaiah 37:13 reflect God's sovereignty over nations and rulers?
9.What is the significance of the cities listed in Isaiah 37:13?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 37?
11.What was Jesus' purpose on Earth?
12.Isaiah 36:18-20: How do we reconcile the Rabshakeh's claim that no god has saved any nation from Assyria with the biblical assertion that the Lord ultimately delivered Judah?
13.Isaiah 10:7-11: Is there sufficient historical or archaeological evidence supporting the extensive conquests described here?
14.If Isaiah 13 was written in the 8th century BCE, why do some scholars suggest it reflects later events, raising questions about its authorship and date?What Does Isaiah 37:13 Mean Where are• InIsaiah 37:13 the question is hurled by the Assyrian envoy on behalf of King Sennacherib. • It is a taunt meant to undermine Judah’s confidence by pointing to cities already conquered (2 Kings 18:33–35). • The implied answer is, “They’re gone—subdued by Assyria—so what hope do you have?” • The line exposes worldly arrogance that measures power only by military success, ignoring the LORD’s sovereignty (Isaiah 10:12–15).
the kings of Hamath• Hamath was a strategic city on the Orontes River, once famed for its strength (Amos 6:2). • Assyria had toppled its king (2 Kings 17:24), so Sennacherib cites Hamath as Exhibit A of unstoppable conquest. • For Judah, this reminder tests faith: Will they view past Assyrian victories as proof that resistance is futile, or believe God’s promise of deliverance (Isaiah 37:6-7)?
Arpad• Arpad, another fortified city of Syria, had also fallen (Isaiah 10:9). • Listing Arpad reinforces the pattern: “Every city that trusted in its gods collapsed before Assyria.” • Yet Isaiah has already proclaimed that idols are powerless (Isaiah 37:19; 44:9-20). The contrast sets the stage for the LORD to defend His own Name.
Sepharvaim• Sepharvaim’s defeat is noted in2 Kings 17:24, where its people later settle in Samaria and bring with them idolatrous worship. • Sennacherib assumes Israel’s God is no different from Sepharvaim’s gods—a fatal miscalculation (Isaiah 36:18-20). • The mention underscores that idolatry leads to exile and failure, while covenant faithfulness invites divine rescue.
Hena• Hena is lesser-known, but its inclusion broadens the roster of conquered places. • The cumulative effect says: “Great or small, no city has withstood us.” • Hezekiah’s response in prayer (Isaiah 37:14-17) shows the right way to process intimidation—lay it before God.
and Ivvah?• Ivvah (also called Avvah,2 Kings 17:31) represents yet another vanquished land. • By stacking names, Sennacherib crafts a narrative of inevitable victory. • The LORD soon overturns that narrative, sending His angel to strike down 185,000 Assyrians (Isaiah 37:36), proving that earthly records of conquest are meaningless against His decree.
summaryIsaiah 37:13 is a calculated taunt listing cities already crushed by Assyria to persuade Judah that resistance is pointless. Each place name—Hamath, Arpad, Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivvah—highlights past triumphs of a human empire and the impotence of false gods. Yet the verse sets up a dramatic contrast: the living God of Israel is not like the idols of those defeated kingdoms. Rather than crumble under intimidation, Hezekiah turns to the LORD, who vindicates His glory by miraculously destroying the Assyrian army. The message remains clear: no matter how impressive the résumé of earthly powers, the sovereign God keeps His promises and protects His people who trust Him. (13) Where is the king of Hamath . . .--The question which had been asked in Isaiah 36:19 as to the gods of the cities named is now asked of their kings, and the implied answer is that they are in the dungeons of Nineveh. Hena, and Ivah.--The sites have not been identified, but Anah is found as the name of a city on the Euphrates, and Ivah may be the same as the Ava of2Kings 17:24. Verse 13. - Hamath... Arphad... Sepharvaim (see the comment upon Isaiah 36:19).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Whereאַיֵּ֤ה(’ay·yêh)Interrogative
Strong's 346:Where?are the kingsמֶֽלֶךְ־(me·leḵ-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4428:A kingof Hamath,חֲמָת֙(ḥă·māṯ)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 2574:Hamath -- a place North of DamascusArpad,אַרְפָּ֔ד(’ar·pāḏ)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 774:Arpad -- a city in Aram (Syria)Sepharvaim,סְפַרְוָ֑יִם(sə·p̄ar·wā·yim)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 5617:Sepharvaim -- a city conquered by the king of AssyrHena,הֵנַ֖ע(hê·na‘)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 2012:Hena -- a city in Aram (Syria) or Mesopotamiaand Ivvah?’”וְעִוָּֽה׃(wə·‘iw·wāh)Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 5755:Ivvah -- a city conquered by Assyr
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OT Prophets: Isaiah 37:13 Where is the king of Hamath (Isa Isi Is) |
