2 Kings 18:27

2 Kings 18:27 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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?”

King James Version KJV

But Rab-shakeh said unto them, Hath my master sent me to thy master, and to thee, to speak these words? hath he not sent me to the men which sit on the wall, that they may eat their own dung, and drink their own piss with you?

American Standard Version ASV

But Rabshakeh said unto them, Hath my master sent me to thy master, and to thee, to speak these words? hath he not sent me to the men that sit on the wall, to eat their own dung, and to drink their own water with you?

Bible in Basic English BBE

But the Rab-shakeh said to them, Is it to your master or to you that my master has sent me to say these words? has he not sent me to the men seated on the wall? for they are the people who will be short of food with you when the town is shut in.

Free Bible Version FBV

But the army general replied, “Did my master only send me to say these things to your master and to you, and not to the people sitting on the wall? They too, just like you, are going to have to eat their own excrement and drink their own urine!”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

But Rabshakeh saide vnto them, Hath my master sent me to thy master and to thee to speake these words, and not to the men which sit on the wall, that they may eate their owne doung, and drinke their owne pisse with you?

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And the chief of the butlers saith unto them, 'For thy lord, and unto thee, hath my lord sent me to speak these words? is it not for the men, those sitting on the wall to eat their own dung and to drink their own water, with you?'

World English Bible WEB

But Rabshakeh said to them, “Has my master sent me to your master and to you, to speak these words? Hasn’t he sent me to the men who sit on the wall, to eat their own dung, and to drink their own urine with you?”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

But Rab-shakeh said to them, Hath my master sent me to thy master, and to thee, to speak these words? hath he not sent me to the men who sit on the wall, that they may feed on their vilest excretions with you?

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And Rabsaces answered them, saying: Hath my master sent me to thy master and to thee, to speak these words, and not rather to the men that sit upon the wall, that they may eat their own dung, and drink their urine with you?

Translation for Translators T4T

But the official replied, “Do you think [RHQ] that my master sent me to say these things only to you and not to the people who are standing on the wall? If you reject this message, the people in this city will soon need to eat their own dung and drink their own urine, just like you will, because there will be nothing more for you to eat or drink.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 18:27

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 Kings 18:27 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר אֲלֵי/הֶ֜ם רַב שָׁקֵ֗ה הַ/עַ֨ל אֲדֹנֶ֤י/ךָ וְ/אֵלֶ֨י/ךָ֙ שְׁלָחַ֣/נִי אֲדֹנִ֔/י לְ/דַבֵּ֖ר אֶת הַ/דְּבָרִ֣ים הָ/אֵ֑לֶּה הֲ/לֹ֣א עַל הָ/אֲנָשִׁ֗ים הַ/יֹּֽשְׁבִים֙ עַל הַ֣/חֹמָ֔ה לֶ/אֱכֹ֣ל אֶת חרי/הם צוֹאָתָ֗/ם וְ/לִ/שְׁתּ֛וֹת אֶת שיני/הם מימֵ֥י רַגְלֵי/הֶ֖ם עִמָּ/כֶֽם

וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

אֲלֵי/הֶ֜ם ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

רַב Rabshâqêh H7262 Rabshakeh N-ms

שָׁקֵ֗ה Rabshâqêh H7262 Rabshakeh N-proper

הַ/עַ֨ל ʻal H5921 upon Part | Prep

אֲדֹנֶ֤י/ךָ ʼâdôwn H113 lord N-mp | Suff

וְ/אֵלֶ֨י/ךָ֙ ʼêl H413 to(wards) Conj | Prep | Suff

שְׁלָחַ֣/נִי shâlach H7971 to send V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff

אֲדֹנִ֔/י ʼâdôwn H113 lord N-ms | Suff

לְ/דַבֵּ֖ר dâbar H1696 to speak Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

הַ/דְּבָרִ֣ים dâbâr H1697 Chronicles Art | N-mp

הָ/אֵ֑לֶּה ʼêl-leh H428 these Art | Pron

הֲ/לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Part | Part

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

הָ/אֲנָשִׁ֗ים ʼîysh H376 man Art | N-mp

הַ/יֹּֽשְׁבִים֙ yâshab H3427 to dwell Art | V-Qal

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

הַ֣/חֹמָ֔ה chôwmâh H2346 wall Art | N-fs

לֶ/אֱכֹ֣ל ʼâkal H398 to eat Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

חרי/הם chărêy-yôwnîym H2755 dove-dung N-mp | Suff

צוֹאָתָ֗/ם tsôwʼâh H6675 filth N-fs | Suff

וְ/לִ/שְׁתּ֛וֹת shâthâh H8354 to drink Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

שיני/הם shayin H7890 urine N-mp | Suff

מימֵ֥י mayim H4325 Water (Gate) N-mp

רַגְלֵי/הֶ֖ם regel H7272 foot N-fd | Suff

עִמָּ/כֶֽם ʻim H5973 with Prep | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 18:27

וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

אֲלֵי/הֶ֜ם ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

רַב Rabshâqêh H7262 "Rabshakeh" N-ms

Rabshakeh was a high-ranking official in the Babylonian government, mentioned in 2 Kings 18:17. He was a chief cupbearer, which meant he was in charge of serving the king his drinks. The KJV Bible uses his name as it appears in the original Hebrew.

Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.18.17 1) chief cupbearer, chief of the officers? 2) Rabshakeh

Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: Rabshakeh. See also: 2 Kings 18:17; Isaiah 36:2; Isaiah 36:4.

שָׁקֵ֗ה Rabshâqêh H7262 "Rabshakeh" N-proper

Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.18.17 1) chief cupbearer, chief of the officers? 2) Rabshakeh

Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: Rabshakeh. See also: 2 Kings 18:17; Isaiah 36:2; Isaiah 36:4.

הַ/עַ֨ל ʻal H5921 "upon" Part | 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.

אֲדֹנֶ֤י/ךָ ʼâdôwn H113 "lord" N-mp | Suff

The Hebrew word ʼâdôwn refers to a lord or master, and can be used to describe human leaders or God. It emphasizes the person's power and control over others or things, and is often translated as lord or master.

Definition: 1) firm, strong, lord, master 1a) lord, master 1a1) reference to men 1a1a) superintendent of household, of affairs 1a1b) master 1a1c) king 1a2) reference to God 1a2a) the Lord God 1a2b) Lord of the whole earth 1b) lords, kings 1b1) reference to men 1b1a) proprietor of hill of Samaria 1b1b) master 1b1c) husband 1b1d) prophet 1b1e) governor 1b1f) prince 1b1g) king 1b2) reference to God 1b2a) Lord of lords (probably = "thy husband, Yahweh") 1c) my lord, my master 1c1) reference to men 1c1a) master 1c1b) husband 1c1c) prophet 1c1d) prince 1c1e) king 1c1f) father 1c1g) Moses 1c1h) priest 1c1i) theophanic angel 1c1j) captain 1c1k) general recognition of superiority 1c2) reference to God 1c2a) my Lord, my Lord and my God 1c2b) Adonai (parallel with Yahweh)

Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.

וְ/אֵלֶ֨י/ךָ֙ ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Conj | Prep | Suff

שְׁלָחַ֣/נִי shâlach H7971 "to send" V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff

To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.

Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send

Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.

אֲדֹנִ֔/י ʼâdôwn H113 "lord" N-ms | Suff

Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.

לְ/דַבֵּ֖ר dâbar H1696 "to speak" Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a

To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.

Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight

Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.

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.

הַ/דְּבָרִ֣ים dâbâr H1697 "Chronicles" Art | N-mp

A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.

Definition: This name means word, speaking

Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.

הָ/אֵ֑לֶּה ʼêl-leh H428 "these" Art | Pron

This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.

Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)

Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.

הֲ/לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

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.

הָ/אֲנָשִׁ֗ים ʼîysh H376 "man" Art | N-mp

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

הַ/יֹּֽשְׁבִים֙ yâshab H3427 "to dwell" Art | V-Qal

This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.

Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)

Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.

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.

הַ֣/חֹמָ֔ה 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.

לֶ/אֱכֹ֣ל ʼâkal H398 "to eat" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.

Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)

Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

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.

חרי/הם chărêy-yôwnîym H2755 "dove-dung" N-mp | Suff

Dove-dung was used as fertilizer in biblical times. It is mentioned in the book of 2 Kings as a food source during a time of famine. It was also used as a form of medicine.

Definition: dung, doves' dung

Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: doves' dung. See also: 2 Kings 6:25; 2 Kings 18:27.

צוֹאָתָ֗/ם tsôwʼâh H6675 "filth" N-fs | Suff

This noun refers to filth, excrement, or dirt, and can also be used figuratively to describe moral pollution. It is often used to emphasize the need for cleanliness and purity in the Bible.

Definition: filth, excrement

Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: dung, filth(-iness). Marg. for H2716 (חֶרֶא). See also: 2 Kings 18:27; Isaiah 4:4; Proverbs 30:12.

וְ/לִ/שְׁתּ֛וֹת shâthâh H8354 "to drink" Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to drink, and it's used in many ways, like drinking from a cup or feasting. It's also used to describe being drunk or taking part in a big celebration. We see it in stories like the Last Supper in Matthew 26:27.

Definition: 1) to drink 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to drink 1a1a) of drinking cup of God's wrath, of slaughter, of wicked deeds (fig) 1a2) to feast 1b) (Niphal) to be drunk Aramaic equivalent: she.tah (שְׁתָה "to drink" H8355)

Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] assuredly, banquet, [idiom] certainly, drink(-er, -ing), drunk ([idiom] -ard), surely. (Prop. intensive of H8248 (שָׁקָה).) See also: Genesis 9:21; 2 Kings 19:24; Psalms 50:13.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

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.

שיני/הם shayin H7890 "urine" N-mp | Suff

Shayin refers to urine or piss in the Bible. It is a literal term used to describe bodily waste. The word is used in various contexts to convey a sense of something being worthless or vile.

Definition: urine

Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: piss. See also: 2 Kings 18:27; Isaiah 36:12.

מימֵ֥י mayim H4325 "Water (Gate)" N-mp

This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.

Definition: This name means water, refreshment

Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.

רַגְלֵי/הֶ֖ם regel H7272 "foot" N-fd | Suff

This word also means a foot, like when God says he will tread on the wicked in Malachi 4:3. It's used to describe human and animal feet, as well as the base of objects like tables or idols.

Definition: 1) foot 1a) foot, leg 1b) of God (anthropomorphic) 1c) of seraphim, cherubim, idols, animals, table 1d) according to the pace of (with prep) 1e) three times (feet, paces) Aramaic equivalent: re.gal (רְגַל "foot" H7271)

Usage: Occurs in 232 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be able to endure, [idiom] according as, [idiom] after, [idiom] coming, [idiom] follow, (broken-)foot(-ed, -stool), [idiom] great toe, [idiom] haunt, [idiom] journey, leg, [phrase] piss, [phrase] possession, time. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Samuel 22:39; Psalms 8:7.

עִמָּ/כֶֽם ʻim H5973 "with" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.

Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as

Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.

Study Notes — 2 Kings 18:27

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
2 Kings 18:27 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 18:27
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 18:27
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 18:27
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 18:27
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 18:27
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 18:27
Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 18:27
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 18:27
Sermons on 2 Kings 18:27

Context — Sennacherib Threatens Jerusalem

25So now, was it apart from the LORD that I have come up against this place to destroy it? The LORD Himself said to me, ‘Go up against this land and destroy it.’” 26Then 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.”

27But 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?”

28Then the Rabshakeh stood and called out loudly in Hebrew: “Hear the word of the great king, the king of Assyria! 29This is what the king says: Do not let Hezekiah deceive you; he cannot deliver you from my hand.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Psalms 73:8	They mock and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression.
2	Lamentations 4:5	Those who once ate delicacies are destitute in the streets; those brought up in crimson huddle in ash heaps.
3	Ezekiel 4:15	“Look,” He replied, “I will let you use cow dung instead of human excrement, and you may bake your bread over that.”
4	Deuteronomy 28:53–57	Then you will eat the fruit of your womb, the flesh of the sons and daughters whom the LORD your God has given you, in the siege and distress that your enemy will inflict on you. The most gentle and refined man among you will begrudge his brother, the wife he embraces, and the rest of his children who have survived, refusing to share with any of them the flesh of his children he will eat because he has nothing left in the siege and distress that your enemy will inflict on you within all your gates. The most gentle and refined woman among you, so gentle and refined she would not venture to set the sole of her foot on the ground, will begrudge the husband she embraces and her son and daughter the afterbirth that comes from between her legs and the children she bears, because she will secretly eat them for lack of anything else in the siege and distress that your enemy will inflict on you within your gates.
5	2 Kings 6:25	So there was a great famine in Samaria. Indeed, they besieged the city so long that a donkey’s head sold for eighty shekels of silver, and a quarter cab of dove’s dung sold for five shekels of silver.
6	Ezekiel 4:13	Then the LORD said, “This is how the Israelites will eat their defiled bread among the nations to which I will banish them.”

2 Kings 18:27 Summary

In 2 Kings 18:27, the Rabshakeh is trying to scare the people of Judah into surrendering to the Assyrian army, by telling them that they will suffer greatly if they don't give up, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:53-57. He wants to break their spirits and make them lose hope, but as believers, we know that our hope is in God, and that He is our rock and our salvation, as seen in Psalm 18:2 and 2 Samuel 22:2-3. We can learn from this verse that our words have power, and that we should use them to build up and encourage others, rather than to tear them down, as seen in Ephesians 4:29 and 1 Thessalonians 5:11.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the Rabshakeh's statement about eating dung and drinking urine?

The Rabshakeh's statement is a form of psychological warfare, intended to intimidate and demoralize the people of Judah, as seen in 2 Kings 18:27, and is a fulfillment of the warnings given in Deuteronomy 28:53-57, where God warns of the consequences of disobedience.

Why did the Rabshakeh refuse to speak in Aramaic as requested by Eliakim and others?

The Rabshakeh refused to speak in Aramaic because he wanted to spread fear and despair among the people on the wall, and speaking in Hebrew allowed him to reach a wider audience, as seen in 2 Kings 18:26-27, similar to the tactic used in 2 Chronicles 32:18.

What can we learn from the Rabshakeh's actions in this verse?

We can learn that our words have the power to either build up or tear down, as seen in Ephesians 4:29, and that as believers, we should strive to speak words of encouragement and hope, rather than words of fear and intimidation, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 5:11.

How does this verse relate to the overall story of 2 Kings 18?

This verse is part of the larger narrative of the Assyrian invasion of Judah, and the Rabshakeh's statement is a key part of the Assyrian king's attempt to intimidate and conquer Judah, as seen in 2 Kings 18:13-37, and ultimately, God's deliverance of Judah, as seen in 2 Kings 19:1-37, is a testament to His power and faithfulness, as seen in Isaiah 37:1-38.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I can be a source of encouragement and hope to those around me, rather than a source of fear and intimidation?
How can I apply the lesson of the Rabshakeh's actions to my own life, and strive to speak words that build up and edify others?
What are some areas in my life where I may be experiencing spiritual siege, and how can I trust in God's power and faithfulness to deliver me, as seen in 2 Kings 18-19 and Isaiah 37?
In what ways can I be a light in the darkness, and a source of hope to those around me, as seen in Matthew 5:14-16 and Philippians 2:14-16?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 18:27

[See comments on 2 Kings 18:17]

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 18:27

But Rabshakeh said unto them, Hath my master sent me to thy master, and to thee, to speak these words? hath he not sent me to the men which sit on the wall, that they may eat their own dung, and drink their own piss with you?

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 18:27

To tell them to what extremities and miseries he will force them.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 18:27

2 Kings 18:27 But Rabshakeh said unto them, Hath my master sent me to thy master, and to thee, to speak these words? [hath he] not [sent me] to the men which sit on the wall, that they may eat their own dung, and drink their own piss with you?Ver. 27. Hath he not sent me to the men that sit on the wall?] The soldiers and common sort, of whom your master and you take little care what extremities they undergo, as they are shortly sure to do by a long siege.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 18:27

(27) Hath my master . . .—Rather, Is it to thy lord and to thee that my lord hath sent me to speak these words? The men which sit on the wall—i.e., the soldiers on guard. That they may eat . . .—These coarse words are meant to express the consequence of their resistance: it will bring them to such dire straits that they will be fain to appease the cravings of hunger and thirst with the vilest garbage. (Comp. 2 Kings 6:25 seq.)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 18:27

Verse 27. That they may eat their own dung] That they may be duly apprised, if they hold on Hezekiah's side, Jerusalem shall be most straitly besieged, and they be reduced to such a state of famine as to be obliged to eat their own excrements.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 18:27

That they may eat ... - “My master hath sent me,” the Rab-shakeh seems to say, “to these men, whom I see stationed on the wall to defend the place and bear the last extremities of a prolonged siege -

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 18:27

27. That they may eat their own dung — “He says in substance: Ye are abusing your common people.

Sermons on 2 Kings 18:27

	Sermon	Description
	2 Peter 2:10 by John Gill	John Gill expounds on 2 Peter 2:10, emphasizing the dangers of those who walk after the flesh, particularly in the context of immoral practices that defy both natural law and divin
	The Siege of Samaria by Denis Lyle	Denis Lyle preaches on the Siege of Samaria, highlighting the misery that sin brings, including idolatry in the land and the hypocrisy of the leader, King Jehoram. Despite the dire
	Commentary Notes - Ii Kings by Walter Beuttler	Walter Beuttler delves into the Book of 2 Kings, highlighting the division of the book into two parts and the continuous history it provides of God's people. The message of the boo
	Will There Be Another Revival? by Keith Malcomson	Keith Malcomson preaches on the story of the siege of Samaria in 2 Kings, highlighting the tragic consequences of spiritual famine and unbelief among God's people. The chapter reve
	An Example of God’s Purpose in Our Taking Spoils by David Wilkerson	David Wilkerson emphasizes the spiritual warfare faced by David when the Amalekites attacked Ziklag, illustrating that such attacks are aimed at undermining God's eternal purpose.