King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 18:19 Mean?

2 Kings 18:19 in the King James Version says “And Rabshakeh said unto them, Speak ye now to Hezekiah, Thus saith the great king, the king of Assyria, What confidence ...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Rabshakeh said unto them, Speak ye now to Hezekiah, Thus saith the great king, the king of Assyria, What confidence is this wherein thou trustest?”

2 Kings 18:19 · KJV

Context

17

And the king of Assyria sent Tartan and Rabsaris and Rabshakeh from Lachish to king Hezekiah with a great host against Jerusalem. And they went up and came to Jerusalem. And when they were come up, they came and stood by the conduit of the upper pool, which is in the highway of the fuller's field. great: Heb. heavy

18

And when they had called to the king, there came out to them Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, which was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder. scribe: or, secretary

19

And Rabshakeh said unto them, Speak ye now to Hezekiah, Thus saith the great king, the king of Assyria, What confidence is this wherein thou trustest?

20

Thou sayest, (but they are but vain words,) I have counsel and strength for the war. Now on whom dost thou trust, that thou rebellest against me? sayest: or, talkest vain: Heb. word of the lips I have: or, but counsel and strength are for the war

21

Now, behold, thou trustest upon the staff of this bruised reed, even upon Egypt, on which if a man lean, it will go into his hand, and pierce it: so is Pharaoh king of Egypt unto all that trust on him. trustest: Heb. trustest thee

Read 2 Kings 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Rabshakeh said unto them, Speak ye now to Hezekiah, Thus saith the great king, the king of Assyria, What confidence is this wherein thou trustest?

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 18: Faithful reformation faces external pressure. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. In Judah's later history, we see both genuine reforms and deep-rooted corruption, revealing that external religious activity cannot substitute for heart transformation.

The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 18 takes place during Hezekiah's reign in Judah, late 8th century BCE, around 715-686 BCE. The chapter's theme (Hezekiah's Reforms and Assyrian Threat) reflects the historical reality of genuine religious reform under Hezekiah, including trust in God that resulted in miraculous deliverance from Assyria. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 18 regarding faithful reformation faces external pressure?
  2. What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
  3. In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
אָמַ֞ר1 of 18

“Thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲלֵהֶם֙2 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

רַבְשָׁקֵ֔ה3 of 18

“And Rabshakeh”

H7262

rabshakeh, a babylonian official

אָמַ֞ר4 of 18

“Thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

נָ֖א5 of 18
H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

אֶל6 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

חִזְקִיָּ֑הוּ7 of 18

“ye now to Hezekiah”

H2396

chizkijah, a king of judah, also the name of two other israelites

כֹּֽה8 of 18
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֞ר9 of 18

“Thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

מֶ֣לֶךְ10 of 18

“king”

H4428

a king

הַגָּדוֹל֙11 of 18

“the great”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

מֶ֣לֶךְ12 of 18

“king”

H4428

a king

אַשּׁ֔וּר13 of 18

“of Assyria”

H804

ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire

מָ֧ה14 of 18
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

הַבִּטָּח֛וֹן15 of 18

“What confidence”

H986

trust

הַזֶּ֖ה16 of 18
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

אֲשֶׁ֥ר17 of 18
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בָּטָֽחְתָּ׃18 of 18

“is this wherein thou trustest”

H982

properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Kings 18:19 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Kings 18:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 36:42 Kings 19:10Isaiah 10:8-142 Chronicles 32:7-8Psalms 4:22 Chronicles 32:14-16

Places in This Verse

AssyriaRegion · Modern: Nineveh · 36.36°N, 43.15°E141 verses across 15 books
View all places in 2 Kings 18 →

Test Your Knowledge

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