2 Chronicles 32:18

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2 Chronicles 32:18 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Then the Assyrians called out loudly in Hebrew to the people of Jerusalem who were on the wall, to frighten and terrify them in order to capture the city.

King James Version KJV

Then they cried with a loud voice in the Jews’ speech unto the people of Jerusalem that were on the wall, to affright them, and to trouble them; that they might take the city.

American Standard Version ASV

And they cried with a loud voice in the Jews’ language unto the people of Jerusalem that were on the wall, to affright them, and to trouble them; that they might take the city.

Bible in Basic English BBE

These things they said, crying out with a loud voice in the Jews' language, to the people of Jerusalem who were on the wall, with the purpose of troubling them and putting fear into them, so that they might take the town;

Free Bible Version FBV

The Assyrians also shouted this out in Hebrew to the people of Jerusalem standing on the wall to frighten and to terrify them so that the city would be surrendered.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then they cryed with a loude voyce in the Iewes speach vnto the people of Ierusalem that were on the wall, to feare them and to astonish them, that they might take the citie.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And they call with a great voice [in] Jewish, against the people of Jerusalem who [are] on the wall, to frighten them, and to trouble them, that they may capture the city,

World English Bible WEB

They called out with a loud voice in the Jews’ language to the people of Jerusalem who were on the wall, to frighten them and to trouble them, that they might take the city.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Then they cried with a loud voice in the Jews' speech to the people of Jerusalem that were on the wall, to affright them, and to fill them with consternation; that they might take the city.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Moreover he cried out with a loud voice, in the Jews’ tongue, to the people that sat on the walls of Jerusalem, that he might frighten them, and take the city.

Translation for Translators T4T

Then King Sennachereb’s officers shouted in the Hebrew language to the people who were on the wall, in order to cause them to be terrified, thinking that as a result the army of Assyria could capture the city without a battle.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Chronicles 32:18

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

2 Chronicles 32:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יִּקְרְא֨וּ בְ/קוֹל גָּד֜וֹל יְהוּדִ֗ית עַל עַ֤ם יְרוּשָׁלִַ֨ם֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר עַל הַֽ/חוֹמָ֔ה לְ/יָֽרְאָ֖/ם וּֽ/לְ/בַהֲלָ֑/ם לְמַ֖עַן יִלְכְּד֥וּ אֶת הָ/עִֽיר

וַ/יִּקְרְא֨וּ qârâʼ H7121 to call Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

בְ/קוֹל qôwl H6963 voice Prep | N-ms

גָּד֜וֹל gâdôwl H1419 Great (Sea) Adj

יְהוּדִ֗ית Yᵉhûwdîyth H3066 Jewish Ngfsa

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

עַ֤ם ʻam H5971 Amaw N-ms

יְרוּשָׁלִַ֨ם֙ Yᵉrûwshâlaim H3389 Jerusalem N-proper

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

הַֽ/חוֹמָ֔ה chôwmâh H2346 wall Art | N-fs

לְ/יָֽרְאָ֖/ם yârêʼ H3372 to fear Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff

וּֽ/לְ/בַהֲלָ֑/ם bâhal H926 to dismay Conj | Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff

לְמַ֖עַן maʻan H4616 because Prep

יִלְכְּד֥וּ lâkad H3920 to capture V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

הָ/עִֽיר ʻîyr H5892 excitement Art | N-fs

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Chronicles 32:18

וַ/יִּקְרְא֨וּ qârâʼ H7121 "to call" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.

Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen

Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.

בְ/קוֹל qôwl H6963 "voice" Prep | N-ms

A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.

Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)

Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.

גָּד֜וֹל gâdôwl H1419 "Great (Sea)" Adj

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.

Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)

Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.

יְהוּדִ֗ית Yᵉhûwdîyth H3066 "Jewish" Ngfsa

Refers to the Jewish language, as seen in the Bible when Jesus spoke in the Jews' language. This term is used to describe the Hebrew language. It appears in the New Testament.

Definition: § in the Jewish language, in Hebrew

Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: in the Jews' language. See also: 2 Kings 18:26; Nehemiah 13:24; Isaiah 36:11.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

עַ֤ם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" N-ms

A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.

Definition: This name means nation, people

Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.

יְרוּשָׁלִַ֨ם֙ Yᵉrûwshâlaim H3389 "Jerusalem" N-proper

Jerusalem is the capital city of Palestine, also known as the city of peace. It was the chief city of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split.

Definition: § Jerusalem = "teaching of peace" the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split

Usage: Occurs in 600 OT verses. KJV: Jerusalem. See also: Joshua 10:1; 2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 24:6.

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

הַֽ/חוֹמָ֔ה chôwmâh H2346 "wall" Art | N-fs

A wall of protection, like the walls of Jerusalem, provided safety and security for the people. It appears in the Bible as a physical barrier. The Israelites built walls around their cities for defense.

Definition: wall

Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: wall, walled. See also: Exodus 14:22; Nehemiah 6:15; Psalms 51:20.

לְ/יָֽרְאָ֖/ם yârêʼ H3372 "to fear" Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff

This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.

Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour

Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.

וּֽ/לְ/בַהֲלָ֑/ם bâhal H926 "to dismay" Conj | Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff

This verb means to be alarmed or agitated, often suddenly. It's used in the Bible to describe people's reactions to frightening events, like battles or natural disasters. It can also mean to hurry or act hastily.

Definition: 1) to disturb, alarm, terrify, hurry, be disturbed, be anxious, be afraid, be hurried, be nervous 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be disturbed, dismayed, terrified, anxious 1a2) to be in haste, be hasty 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make haste, act hastily, be hurried, be hastened 1b2) to dismay, terrify 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to hasten 1c2) hastened, hastily gained (part.) 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to hasten, hurry, make haste 1d2) to dismay, terrify

Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: be (make) affrighted (afraid, amazed, dismayed, rash), (be, get, make) haste(-n, -y, -ily), (give) speedy(-ily), thrust out, trouble, vex. See also: Genesis 45:3; Psalms 6:4; Psalms 2:5.

לְמַ֖עַן maʻan H4616 "because" Prep

This Hebrew word means because of something or for a specific purpose. It is used to explain why something happens or is done. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's intentions or purposes.

Definition: 1) purpose, intent prep 1a) for the sake of 1b) in view of, on account of 1c) for the purpose of, to the intent that, in order to conj 1d) to the end that

Usage: Occurs in 252 OT verses. KJV: because of, to the end (intent) that, for (to,... 's sake), [phrase] lest, that, to. See also: Genesis 12:13; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 5:9.

יִלְכְּד֥וּ lâkad H3920 "to capture" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

This verb means to capture or seize, often using a net or trap. In the Bible, it is used to describe taking control of something or someone, and is also used figuratively to describe being caught or stuck in a situation.

Definition: 1) to capture, take, seize 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to capture, seize 1a2) to capture (of men) (fig.) 1a3) to take (by lot) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be caught (of men in trap, snare) (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) to grasp each other

Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, catch (self), be frozen, be holden, stick together, take. See also: Numbers 21:32; 2 Kings 18:10; Psalms 9:16.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

הָ/עִֽיר ʻîyr H5892 "excitement" Art | N-fs

In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.

Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror

Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.

Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 32:18

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
2 Chronicles 32:18 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 32:18
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 32:18
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 32:18
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 32:18
Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 32:18
Sermons on 2 Chronicles 32:18

Context — Sennacherib Threatens Jerusalem

16And the servants of Sennacherib spoke further against the LORD God and against His servant Hezekiah. 17He also wrote letters mocking the LORD, the God of Israel, and saying against Him: “Just as the gods of the nations did not deliver their people from my hand, so the God of Hezekiah will not deliver His people from my hand.”

18Then the Assyrians called out loudly in Hebrew to the people of Jerusalem who were on the wall, to frighten and terrify them in order to capture the city.

19They spoke against the God of Jerusalem as they had spoken against the gods of the peoples of the earth—the work of human hands. 20In response, King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz cried out to heaven in prayer,

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Samuel 17:10	Then the Philistine said, “I defy the ranks of Israel this day! Give me a man to fight!”
2	2 Kings 18:26–28	Then Eliakim son of Hilkiah, along with Shebnah and Joah, said to the Rabshakeh, “Please speak to your servants in Aramaic, since we understand it. Do not speak with us in Hebrew in the hearing of the people on the wall.” But the Rabshakeh replied, “Has my master sent me to speak these words only to you and your master, and not to the men sitting on the wall, who are destined with you to eat their own dung and drink their own urine?” Then the Rabshakeh stood and called out loudly in Hebrew: “Hear the word of the great king, the king of Assyria!
3	1 Samuel 17:26	David asked the men who were standing with him, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Just who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?”
4	Nehemiah 6:9	For they were all trying to frighten us, saying, “Their hands will be weakened in the work, and it will never be finished.” But now, my God, strengthen my hands.
5	Isaiah 36:13	Then the Rabshakeh stood and called out loudly in Hebrew: “Hear the words of the great king, the king of Assyria!

2 Chronicles 32:18 Summary

This verse tells us that the Assyrians tried to scare the people of Jerusalem by speaking to them in their own language, Hebrew. They wanted to make the people afraid so they would give up and let the Assyrians take over the city. But we can learn from this that when we face scary or overwhelming situations, we can trust in God's power and protection, just like the people of Jerusalem did, as seen in Psalm 46:1-3. We can also remember that our words have the power to build up or tear down others, and we should use them to bring life and hope to those around us, as seen in Proverbs 12:18.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Assyrians call out loudly in Hebrew to the people of Jerusalem?

The Assyrians called out loudly in Hebrew to frighten and terrify the people of Jerusalem, in order to capture the city, as stated in 2 Chronicles 32:18. This was a tactic to intimidate and demoralize the people, making them more susceptible to surrender.

What was the purpose of the Assyrians' actions in 2 Chronicles 32:18?

The purpose of the Assyrians' actions was to frighten and terrify the people of Jerusalem, in order to capture the city, which is similar to the tactics used by other nations in biblical times, such as in Exodus 14:10-12, where the Israelites were intimidated by the Egyptian army.

How does this verse relate to the idea of spiritual warfare?

This verse illustrates the concept of spiritual warfare, where the enemy seeks to intimidate and frighten God's people, as seen in Ephesians 6:12, which reminds us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil.

What can we learn from the Assyrians' use of the Hebrew language to intimidate the people of Jerusalem?

The Assyrians' use of the Hebrew language shows that they understood the importance of communicating effectively with their enemies, and we can learn from this by being mindful of the words we use and the impact they can have on others, as seen in Proverbs 18:21, which states that the tongue has the power of life and death.

Reflection Questions

How do you respond when faced with intimidating or frightening situations, and what can you learn from the example of the people of Jerusalem in 2 Chronicles 32:18?
In what ways can you use the power of language to build up or tear down others, and how can you use your words to bring life and hope to those around you?
What are some ways that you can prepare yourself for spiritual battles, and how can you use the armor of God, as described in Ephesians 6:10-18, to protect yourself from the enemy's attacks?
How can you trust in God's power and protection when faced with overwhelming circumstances, and what promises can you hold onto, such as Psalm 23:4, which reminds us that God is with us even in the darkest valleys?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 32:18

Then they cried with a loud voice in the Jews' speech unto the people of Jerusalem that were on the wall,.... The messengers of Sennacherib, particularly Rabshakeh the chief speaker; though they were

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 32:18

Then they cried with a loud voice in the Jews' speech unto the people of Jerusalem that were on the wall, to affright them, and to trouble them; that they might take the city.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 32:18

2 Chronicles 32:18 Then they cried with a loud voice in the Jews’ speech unto the people of Jerusalem that [were] on the wall, to affright them, and to trouble them; that they might take the city. Ver. 18. Then they cried … in the Jews’ speech] See 2 Kings 18:28. To affright them, and to trouble them.] To sow the seeds of sedition amongst them, to make division, and thereby get dominion.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 32:18

(18) They cried . . . on the wall.—LXX. and Vulg., “he cried” (i.e., the Rab-sak). (See 2 Kings 18:26-28.) To affright them, and to trouble (terrify, scare) them; that they might take the city.—This is the chronicler’s own statement of the purpose of the words of the Rab-sak reported in 2 Kings 18:28-35. To affright.—The pi‘el of yârç, “to fear,” occurs besides, thrice in Nehemiah 6:9; Nehemiah 6:14; Nehemiah 6:19; and once in 2 Samuel 14:15.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 32:18

18. in the Jews’ speech] R.V. in the Jews’ language. Cp. 2 Kings 18:28 ff. The Rab-shakeh shewed clearly that his object was not to treat with Hezekiah, but to excite a revolt among the Jews against Hezekiah and so gain possession of the city.

Sermons on 2 Chronicles 32:18

	Sermon	Description
	The Testing of David by Zac Poonen	Zac Poonen emphasizes the testing of David, highlighting how God chose David for his faithfulness and concern for God's glory, contrasting him with Saul, who failed God's tests. Da
	(Gaining God's Approval) 7. the Testing of David by Zac Poonen	Zac Poonen emphasizes the testing of David as a man after God's own heart, highlighting his faithfulness in mundane tasks, concern for God's glory, and refusal to take revenge agai
	Destroy Satan's Fortresses in Your Mind by Zac Poonen	Zac Poonen preaches on the story of David and Goliath, emphasizing David's intense concern for God's name and the honor of God's people. David's willingness to face Goliath stemmed
	The Armies of the Living God. by F.B. Meyer	F.B. Meyer emphasizes the stark contrast between David and the soldiers of Saul, who viewed God as distant and absent, while David experienced God as a living presence in his life.
	We Travel an Appointed Way by A.W. Tozer	A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of staying focused on God's calling, as exemplified by Nehemiah, who rose from his sorrow to rebuild Jerusalem despite ridicule and opposition.
	The Father's Business by Victor Maxwell	Victor Maxwell preaches on the importance of being about our Father's business, drawing from the example of Jesus at a young age who was already aware of His identity and mission.
	How Do We Maintain Joy? by David Wilkerson	David Wilkerson emphasizes that the joy of the Lord is our strength, as illustrated in Nehemiah 8:10, where the Israelites, after returning from Babylonian captivity, were captivat