2 Kings 18:36
2 Kings 18:36 in Multiple Translations
But the people remained silent and did not answer a word, for Hezekiah had commanded, “Do not answer him.”
But the people held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king’s commandment was, saying, Answer him not.
But the people held their peace, and answered him not a word; for the king’s commandment was, saying, Answer him not.
But the people kept quiet and gave him no answer: for the king's order was, Give him no answer.
But the people remained silent and didn't say anything, for Hezekiah had given the order, “Don't answer him.”
But the people helde their peace, and answered not him a worde: for the Kings commandement was, saying, Answere ye him not.
And the people have kept silent, and have not answered him a word, for the command of the king is, saying, 'Do not answer him.'
But the people stayed quiet, and answered him not a word; for the king’s commandment was, “Don’t answer him.”
But the people held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king's commandment was, saying, Answer him not.
But the people held their peace, and answered him not a word: for they had received commandment from the king that they should not answer him.
But the people who were listening stayed silent. No one said anything, because King Hezekiah had told them, “When the official from Assyria talks to you, do not answer him.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 18:36
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 18:36 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הֶחֱרִ֣ישׁוּ
הָ/עָ֔ם
וְ/לֹֽא
עָנ֥וּ
אֹת֖/וֹ
דָּבָ֑ר
כִּי
מִצְוַ֨ת
הַ/מֶּ֥לֶךְ
הִ֛יא
לֵ/אמֹ֖ר
לֹ֥א
תַעֲנֻֽ/הוּ
וְ/הֶחֱרִ֣ישׁוּ
chârash
H2790
to plow/plot
Conj | V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
הָ/עָ֔ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
עָנ֥וּ
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
אֹת֖/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
דָּבָ֑ר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-ms
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
מִצְוַ֨ת
mitsvâh
H4687
commandment
N-fs
הַ/מֶּ֥לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
הִ֛יא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
לֵ/אמֹ֖ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תַעֲנֻֽ/הוּ
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 18:36
וְ/הֶחֱרִ֣ישׁוּ
chârash
H2790
"to plow/plot"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
This verb can mean to be quiet or silent, but also to scratch or engrave, like a farmer plowing a field. It is used in various contexts, including being silent or deaf. The KJV translates it in different ways, including 'cease' or 'hold peace'.
Definition: 1) to cut in, plough, engrave, devise 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut in, engrave 1a2) to plough 1a3) to devise 1b) (Niphal) to be ploughed 1c) (Hiphil) to plot evil
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] altogether, cease, conceal, be deaf, devise, ear, graven, imagine, leave off speaking, hold peace, plow(-er, man), be quiet, rest, practise secretly, keep silence, be silent, speak not a word, be still, hold tongue, worker. See also: Genesis 24:21; Psalms 28:1; Psalms 32:3.
הָ/עָ֔ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | 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.
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | 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.
עָנ֥וּ
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
אֹת֖/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
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.
דָּבָ֑ר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-ms
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.
כִּי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
מִצְוַ֨ת
mitsvâh
H4687
"commandment"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means a command or law given by God or humans, as seen in the Bible's rules and guidelines. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy. The commandments guide people's actions.
Definition: 1) commandment 1a) commandment (of man) 1b) the commandment (of God) 1c) commandment (of code of wisdom)
Usage: Occurs in 177 OT verses. KJV: (which was) commanded(-ment), law, ordinance, precept. See also: Genesis 26:5; 1 Chronicles 28:8; Psalms 19:9.
הַ/מֶּ֥לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
הִ֛יא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
לֵ/אמֹ֖ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
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.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
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.
תַעֲנֻֽ/הוּ
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp | Suff
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 18:36
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Kings 18:36 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 18:36
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 18:36
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 18:36
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 18:36
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 18:36
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 18:36
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 18:36
- Sermons on 2 Kings 18:36
Context — Sennacherib Threatens Jerusalem
34Where are the gods of Hamath and Arpad? Where are the gods of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivvah? Have they delivered Samaria from my hand?
35Who among all the gods of these lands has delivered his land from my hand? How then can the LORD deliver Jerusalem from my hand?”
36But the people remained silent and did not answer a word, for Hezekiah had commanded, “Do not answer him.”
37Then Hilkiah’s son Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and Asaph’s son Joah the recorder came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn, and they relayed to him the words of the Rabshakeh.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Amos 5:13 | Therefore, the prudent keep silent in such times, for the days are evil. |
| 2 | Proverbs 9:7 | He who corrects a mocker brings shame on himself; he who rebukes a wicked man taints himself. |
| 3 | Matthew 7:6 | Do not give dogs what is holy; do not throw your pearls before swine. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces. |
| 4 | Psalms 38:13–14 | But like a deaf man, I do not hear; and like a mute man, I do not open my mouth. I am like a man who cannot hear, whose mouth offers no reply. |
| 5 | Proverbs 26:4 | Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be like him. |
| 6 | Psalms 39:1 | I said, “I will watch my ways so that I will not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle as long as the wicked are present.” |
2 Kings 18:36 Summary
In 2 Kings 18:36, the people remained silent when the Rabshakeh taunted them, because Hezekiah had told them not to answer. This shows that they trusted in God's power and wisdom, rather than their own. Just like the people in this verse, we can choose to trust in God and remain silent in the face of adversity, rather than trying to defend ourselves or rely on our own strength (as seen in Psalm 37:7). By doing so, we can demonstrate our faith in God's deliverance and provision, just as Hezekiah did.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the people remain silent in the face of the Rabshakeh's taunts?
The people remained silent because Hezekiah had commanded them not to answer, as seen in 2 Kings 18:36, trusting in God's deliverance as promised in Isaiah 30:15.
Was it wise for Hezekiah to command the people not to answer the Rabshakeh?
Yes, it was wise, as seen in Proverbs 26:4, which advises not to answer a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him, and in this case, the people's silence was an act of faith in God's power, as seen in 2 Kings 18:36.
How does this silence reflect the people's trust in God?
The people's silence reflects their trust in God, as they chose not to rely on their own strength or words, but instead waited on God, as seen in Psalm 37:7, which instructs us to be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him.
What can we learn from the people's response in this situation?
We can learn the importance of trusting in God's power and wisdom, rather than our own, as seen in 2 Kings 18:36, and the value of silence and stillness in the face of adversity, as seen in Psalm 46:10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have been tempted to respond to criticism or taunts, and how can I apply the lesson of silence from this verse?
- How can I cultivate trust in God's power and wisdom, even when faced with overwhelming opposition or challenges?
- What are some ways I can 'remain silent' in my daily life, choosing not to engage with negativity or foolishness, and instead trusting in God's deliverance?
- How can I apply the principle of not answering a fool according to his folly, as seen in Proverbs 26:4, in my interactions with others?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 18:36
[See comments on 2 Kings 18:17]
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 18:36
But the people held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king's commandment was, saying, Answer him not.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 18:36
The people, i.e. either these three men, this word being sometimes used of a very few men, as . Or rather, the people that were with then upon the wall, , to whom he spake, and from whom he expected an answer. Answer him not; which was wisely ordered, partly lest by their words they should either betray their fears, or provoke their enemies to greater injuries or blasphemies, or give them some advantage or direction for their further proceedings; and partly that by this instance of obedience and calmness he might see the resolution of the people to cleave unto their king, and the vanity of his attempts to seduce them to a defection from him.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 18:36
2 Kings 18:36 But the people held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king’ s commandment was, saying, Answer him not.Ver. 36. But the people held their peace.] They punished him with silence, as Isaac did Ishmael. Sile, et funestam dedisti plagam, saith Chrysostom. Silence is the best answer to words of scorn and petulancy, saith learned Hooker. Convitia spreta exolescunt, saith Tacitus. It is best to stop an open mouth with saying nothing, saith Basil. "But I as a deaf man heard not: yea, I was as one dumb, in whose mouth there is no reproof." Princes use to punish the indecencies of ambassadors by denying them audience. Rabshakeh could not be more spited than with no answer. This sulphurous flask therefore dieth in his own smoke, only leaving a hateful stench behind it. Sιωπητονονειδονπνιγεινδει. - Bas., Ephesians 72.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 18:36
Verse 36. Answer him not.] The blasphemy is too barefaced; Jehovah is insulted, not you; let him avenge his own quarrel. See the succeeding chapter.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 18:36
36. the people held their peace] Rab-shakeh had hoped to excite the people, at all events, to some expression of discontent, and perhaps had any movement of that kind been displayed, the ‘great host’ of verse 17 would at once have begun the attack, for treason within the city might have opened the gates. But the expectation is utterly disappointed, even the fear of starvation provokes no treachery. Bp Hall observes here, ‘I do not more wonder at Hezekiah’s wisdom in commanding silence, than at the subjects’ obedience in keeping it. This railer could not be more spited, than with no answer; and if he might be exasperated he could not be reformed. Besides, the rebounding of those multiplied blasphemies might leave some ill impressions in the multitude. This sulphurous flask, therefore, dies in his own smoke; only leaving a hateful stench behind it’. The Chronicler, though his account is briefer, yet describes in more terrible terms the blasphemies of the Assyrian envoy. Not only does he mention his language to those who came to hear him, but he adds ‘he wrote also letters to rail on the Lord, the God of Israel, and to speak against Him … and they spake against the God of Jerusalem, as against the gods of the people of the earth which were the work of the hands of man’. (2 Chronicles 32:17; 2 Chronicles 32:19.) Perhaps he is alluding to the letter mentioned below (2 Kings 19:14).
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 18:36
36. The people held their peace — There must have been an impressive solemnity as well as a noble dignity in that silence of the people, which left the Assyrian ambassadors in complete ignorance of
Sermons on 2 Kings 18:36
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Under Authority and Having Authority by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of living under God's authority, focusing on leading others to eternal life. It highlights the need to prioritize obedience to God's will, hum |
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The Right Reaction to Correction by Derek Prince | Derek Prince emphasizes the importance of how individuals react to correction and reproof, highlighting that one's response reveals their character. Those who respond with anger an |
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The Final Warning by Asahel Nettleton | Asahel Nettleton delivers a powerful sermon on the importance of receiving reproof with humility and the consequences of hardening one's heart against correction. He emphasizes the |
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Repentance From Dead Works by Richard Owen Roberts | Richard Owen Roberts preaches on the biblical demand for repentance, emphasizing the need to repent not only from sins but also from dead works. He delves into the difference betwe |
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Personal Testimony by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a personal experience of going against his conscience and the consequences that followed. He describes the moment when his father confronted |
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Sex and the Single Person by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of enslavement to worldly desires and emphasizes the need to be free from such bondage. He highlights the prevalence of sexual tempt |
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Casting Pearls Before Swine by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of preparing hearts for the presence of God. He references 1 Corinthians 14:24-25, where it is stated that unbelievers and the |