King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 18:20 Mean?

2 Kings 18:20 in the King James Version says “Thou sayest, (but they are but vain words,) I have counsel and strength for the war. Now on whom dost thou trust, that t...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Kings 18:20 · KJV

Strength

Context

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

22

But if ye say unto me, We trust in the LORD our God: is not that he, whose high places and whose altars Hezekiah hath taken away, and hath said to Judah and Jerusalem, Ye shall worship before this altar in Jerusalem?

Read 2 Kings 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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?

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 18: Faithful reformation faces external pressure. 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 · 14 words
אָמַ֙רְתָּ֙1 of 14

“Thou sayest”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אַךְ2 of 14
H389

a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only

דְּבַר3 of 14

“words”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

שְׂפָתַ֔יִם4 of 14

“but they are but vain”

H8193

the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)

עֵצָ֥ה5 of 14

“I have counsel”

H6098

advice; by implication, plan; also prudence

וּגְבוּרָ֖ה6 of 14

“and strength”

H1369

force (literally or figuratively); by implication, valor, victory

לַמִּלְחָמָ֑ה7 of 14

“for the war”

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

עַתָּה֙8 of 14
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

עַל9 of 14
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

מִ֣י10 of 14
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

בָטַ֔חְתָּ11 of 14

“Now on whom dost thou trust”

H982

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

כִּ֥י12 of 14
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

מָרַ֖דְתָּ13 of 14

“that thou rebellest”

H4775

to rebel

בִּֽי׃14 of 14
H0

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 18:20 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 18:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 21:30-31

Test Your Knowledge

2 Kings 18 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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