Isaiah 36:9
Isaiah 36:9 in Multiple Translations
For how can you repel a single officer among the least of my master’s servants when you depend on Egypt for chariots and horsemen?
How then wilt thou turn away the face of one captain of the least of my master’s servants, and put thy trust on Egypt for chariots and for horsemen?
How then canst thou turn away the face of one captain of the least of my master’s servants, and put thy trust on Egypt for chariots and for horsemen?
How then may you put to shame the least of my master's servants? and you have put your hope in Egypt for war-carriages and horsemen:
How could you defeat even a single officer in charge of the weakest of my master's men when you're trusting in Egypt for chariots and horsemen?
For howe canst thou despise any captaine of the least of my lordes seruants? and put thy trust on Egypt for charets and for horsemen?
And how dost thou turn back the face of one captain of the least of the servants of my lord, and dost trust for thee on Egypt, for chariot and for horsemen?
How then can you turn away the face of one captain of the least of my master’s servants, and put your trust in Egypt for chariots and for horsemen?
How then wilt thou turn away the face of one captain of the least of my master's servants, and put thy trust on Egypt for chariots and for horsemen?
And how wilt thou stand against the face of the judge of one place, of the least of my master’s servants? But if thou trust in Egypt, in chariots and in horsemen:
You are expecting the king of Egypt to send chariots and men riding horses to assist you. But they certainly would not [RHQ] be able to resist/defeat even the most insignificant/unimportant official in the army of Assyria!
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 36:9
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.
Isaiah 36:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אֵ֣יךְ
תָּשִׁ֗יב
אֵ֠ת
פְּנֵ֨י
פַחַ֥ת
אַחַ֛ד
עַבְדֵ֥י
אֲדֹנִ֖/י
הַ/קְטַנִּ֑ים
וַ/תִּבְטַ֤ח
לְ/ךָ֙
עַל
מִצְרַ֔יִם
לְ/רֶ֖כֶב
וּ/לְ/פָרָשִֽׁים
וְ/אֵ֣יךְ
ʼêyk
H349
how?
Conj | Part
תָּשִׁ֗יב
shûwb
H7725
to return
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
אֵ֠ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
פְּנֵ֨י
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp
פַחַ֥ת
pechâh
H6346
governor
N-ms
אַחַ֛ד
ʼechâd
H259
one
Adj
עַבְדֵ֥י
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
N-mp
אֲדֹנִ֖/י
ʼâdôwn
H113
lord
N-ms | Suff
הַ/קְטַנִּ֑ים
qâṭân
H6996
small
Art | Adj
וַ/תִּבְטַ֤ח
bâṭach
H982
to trust
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2ms
לְ/ךָ֙
Prep | Suff
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
מִצְרַ֔יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
Egypt
N-proper
לְ/רֶ֖כֶב
rekeb
H7393
chariot
Prep | N-ms
וּ/לְ/פָרָשִֽׁים
pârâsh
H6571
horse
Conj | Prep | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 36:9
וְ/אֵ֣יךְ
ʼêyk
H349
"how?"
Conj | Part
In the Bible, this word means 'how' or 'where', like in Genesis when God asks Adam 'where are you'. It's also used to express surprise or excitement.
Definition: interrog adv how?
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: how, what. See also: Genesis 26:9; Ecclesiastes 2:16; Psalms 11:1.
תָּשִׁ֗יב
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
אֵ֠ת
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.
פְּנֵ֨י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
פַחַ֥ת
pechâh
H6346
"governor"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a governor or leader of a city or region. In the Bible, it describes officials in the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, such as those appointed by King Solomon or King David.
Definition: governor Aramaic equivalent: pe.chah (פֶּחָה "governor" H6347)
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: captain, deputy, governor. See also: 1 Kings 10:15; Esther 8:9; Isaiah 36:9.
אַחַ֛ד
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
עַבְדֵ֥י
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
N-mp
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
אֲדֹנִ֖/י
ʼâdôwn
H113
"lord"
N-ms | 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.
הַ/קְטַנִּ֑ים
qâṭân
H6996
"small"
Art | Adj
This Hebrew word means something or someone small in size, amount, or importance. It can describe something as little or least, and is often used to convey a sense of youth or insignificance. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: young, small, unimportant Another spelling of qa.ton (קָטֹן ": small" H6996B)
Usage: Occurs in 100 OT verses. KJV: least, less(-er), little (one), small(-est, one, quantity, thing), young(-er, -est). See also: Genesis 1:16; 1 Kings 22:31; Psalms 104:25.
וַ/תִּבְטַ֤ח
bâṭach
H982
"to trust"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2ms
To trust means to have confidence or faith in something or someone, like the Israelites trusting in God to lead them through the desert, as seen in Psalm 23.
Definition: 1) to trust 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to trust, trust in 1a2) to have confidence, be confident 1a3) to be bold 1a4) to be secure 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to trust, make secure 2) (TWOT) to feel safe, be careless
Usage: Occurs in 117 OT verses. KJV: be bold (confident, secure, sure), careless (one, woman), put confidence, (make to) hope, (put, make to) trust. See also: Deuteronomy 28:52; Psalms 118:8; Psalms 4:6.
לְ/ךָ֙
""
Prep | Suff
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.
מִצְרַ֔יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
"Egypt"
N-proper
This word means Egypt, a country in northeastern Africa, and is used in the Bible to describe the land and its people. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often referring to the Nile River and the Egyptians. Egypt is an important setting for many biblical events.
Definition: § Egypt = "land of the Copts" a country at the northeastern section of Africa, adjacent to Palestine, and through which the Nile flows Egyptians = "double straits" adj 2) the inhabitants or natives of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 569 OT verses. KJV: Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim. See also: Genesis 10:6; Exodus 6:13; Exodus 34:18.
לְ/רֶ֖כֶב
rekeb
H7393
"chariot"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for chariot refers to a vehicle, team of horses, or cavalry. It is also used to describe the upper millstone in a grinding mill. Chariots were important in biblical times for transportation and war.
Definition: : chariot 1) a team, chariot, chariotry, mill-stone, riders 1a) chariotry, chariots 1b) chariot (single) 1c) upper millstone (as riding on lower millstone) 1d) riders, troop (of riders), horsemen, pair of horsemen, men riding, ass-riders, camel-riders Also means: re.khev (רֶ֫כֶב ": millstone" H7393H)
Usage: Occurs in 104 OT verses. KJV: chariot, (upper) millstone, multitude (from the margin), wagon. See also: Genesis 50:9; 2 Kings 8:21; Psalms 20:8.
וּ/לְ/פָרָשִֽׁים
pârâsh
H6571
"horse"
Conj | Prep | N-mp
This word means a horseman or a cavalry soldier, like those who rode chariots in battle. In the Bible, it describes the riders of horses and chariots, like in Exodus 14:9 where the Egyptian horsemen pursued the Israelites.
Definition: horse, steed, warhorse
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: horseman. See also: Genesis 50:9; 2 Chronicles 8:6; Isaiah 21:7.
Study Notes — Isaiah 36:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Sennacherib Threatens Jerusalem
7But if you say to me, ‘We trust in the LORD our God,’ is He not the One whose high places and altars Hezekiah has removed, saying to Judah and Jerusalem, ‘You must worship before this altar’?
8Now, therefore, make a bargain with my master, the king of Assyria. I will give you two thousand horses—if you can put riders on them!
9For how can you repel a single officer among the least of my master’s servants when you depend on Egypt for chariots and horsemen?
10So now, was it apart from the LORD that I have come up against this land to destroy it? The LORD Himself said to me, ‘Go up against this land and destroy it.’” 11Then Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah said to the Rabshakeh, “Please speak to your servants in Aramaic, since we understand it. Do not speak to us in Hebrew in the hearing of the people on the wall.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 10:8 | “Are not all my commanders kings?” he says. |
| 2 | Isaiah 30:16–17 | “No,” you say, “we will flee on horses.” Therefore you will flee! “We will ride swift horses,” but your pursuers will be faster. A thousand will flee at the threat of one; at the threat of five you will all flee, until you are left alone like a pole on a mountaintop, like a banner on a hill. |
| 3 | Isaiah 36:6 | Look now, you are trusting in Egypt, that splintered reed of a staff that will pierce the hand of anyone who leans on it. Such is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust in him. |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 17:16 | But the king must not acquire many horses for himself or send the people back to Egypt to acquire more horses, for the LORD has said, ‘You are never to go back that way again.’ |
| 5 | Isaiah 30:7 | Egypt’s help is futile and empty; therefore I have called her Rahab Who Sits Still. |
| 6 | Proverbs 21:31 | A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory is of the LORD. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 2:36 | How unstable you are, constantly changing your ways! You will be disappointed by Egypt just as you were by Assyria. |
| 8 | Isaiah 20:5 | Those who made Cush their hope and Egypt their boast will be dismayed and ashamed. |
| 9 | Isaiah 31:3 | But the Egyptians are men, not God; their horses are flesh, not spirit. When the LORD stretches out His hand, the helper will stumble, and the one he helps will fall; both will perish together. |
| 10 | Isaiah 30:2–5 | They set out to go down to Egypt without asking My advice, to seek shelter under Pharaoh’s protection and take refuge in Egypt’s shade. But Pharaoh’s protection will become your shame, and the refuge of Egypt’s shade your disgrace. For though their princes are at Zoan and their envoys have arrived in Hanes, everyone will be put to shame because of a people useless to them. They cannot be of help; they are good for nothing but shame and reproach.” |
Isaiah 36:9 Summary
[The Rabshakeh's question in Isaiah 36:9 is a challenge to Judah's trust in human strength and alliances, rather than in the Lord God. This verse reminds us that true strength and salvation come from God alone, not from human power or alliances (Psalm 20:7-8). We should trust in God's power and promises, rather than relying on human solutions. By trusting in God, we can find true strength and salvation, even in the face of challenges or uncertainties (Isaiah 26:4).]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Rabshakeh's question in Isaiah 36:9?
The Rabshakeh's question highlights the futility of trusting in human strength and alliances, such as Egypt, rather than in the Lord God (Isaiah 36:6, Isaiah 31:1).
Why does the Rabshakeh mention the king of Assyria's servants in Isaiah 36:9?
The Rabshakeh mentions the king of Assyria's servants to emphasize the vast military power of Assyria and to intimidate Judah into surrender, but this contrasts with God's power and promises (Isaiah 36:4, 2 Chronicles 32:7-8).
Is the Rabshakeh's claim that Judah depends on Egypt for chariots and horsemen accurate?
Yes, the claim is accurate as Judah had formed an alliance with Egypt, which is condemned by God through the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 30:1-5, Isaiah 31:1-3).
What is the spiritual implication of the Rabshakeh's statement in Isaiah 36:9?
The statement implies that trusting in human strength and alliances is a form of idolatry, and that true trust should be placed in the Lord God, who is the only reliable source of strength and salvation (Isaiah 26:4, Psalm 20:7-8).
Reflection Questions
- How do I tend to rely on human strength or alliances in my own life, rather than trusting in God's power and promises?
- What are some areas where I need to surrender my trust in human solutions and instead trust in God's sovereignty?
- In what ways can I apply the lesson of Isaiah 36:9 to my relationships and decision-making, prioritizing trust in God over human wisdom or strength?
- How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's power and promises, especially in the face of challenges or uncertainties?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 36:9
How then wilt thou turn away the face of one captain of the least of my master's servants,.... Be able to resist him; or be a match for him; or cause him to flee; the least captain or general in the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 36:9
How then wilt thou turn away the face of one captain of the least of my master's servants, and put thy trust on Egypt for chariots and for horsemen? Captain - a governor under a satrap-even he commands more horsemen than this.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 36:9
9. Hezekiah’s power is not equal to that of the lowest official in the Assyrian Empire; yet he dares to defy the great king! The word rendered captain means the governor of a province.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 36:9
How then wilt thou turn away the face - The most unimportant captain in the army of Assyria commands more horsemen than this, and how can you expect to oppose even him, much more how can you be able
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 36:9
9. How… turn away… one captain — How will you, even then, figure in a hand to hand fight with the least one of my satraps or small governors? Which do you think would first take flight?
Sermons on Isaiah 36:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Look to God and Not to Egypt by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of trusting in God rather than relying on worldly wealth and success. He shares a story about a visit from an older person who |
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Their Strength Is to Sit Still (Don't Dissipate Power, but Wait on the lord.) by Hans R. Waldvogel | Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the profound strength found in stillness and waiting on the Lord, contrasting it with the futility of relying on human efforts. He reflects on the impo |
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Inward Stillness by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches on the importance of inward stillness to truly know God. He shares a personal experience of being in a time of great anxiety and turmoil, where he learne |
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Epistle 43 by George Fox | George Fox preaches to the brethren, encouraging them to stand together in God's power and not be discouraged by external enemies. He emphasizes the importance of holding onto free |
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Letter 195. by James Bourne | James Bourne preaches about the profound effects of godly fear, leading to heart searching, unceasing prayer, and a deep sense of contrition and repentance. He emphasizes the impor |
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Surviving the Anointing - Part 2 by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the importance of surviving the anointing by returning to God and embracing His presence. It highlights the dangers of rejecting wisdom, standing in the path |
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God Works for Those Who Wait for Him by John Piper | John Piper preaches on the importance of trusting in the Lord's work for those who wait for Him, emphasizing that God's labor surpasses human efforts in providing for our needs and |