King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 18:21 Mean?

2 Kings 18:21 in the King James Version says “Now, behold, thou trustest upon the staff of this bruised reed, even upon Egypt, on which if a man lean, it will go into...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Kings 18:21 · KJV

Context

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?

23

Now therefore, I pray thee, give pledges to my lord the king of Assyria, and I will deliver thee two thousand horses, if thou be able on thy part to set riders upon them. pledges: or, hostages

Read 2 Kings 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 · 25 words
עַתָּ֡ה1 of 25
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

הִנֵּ֣ה2 of 25
H2009

lo!

הַבֹּטְחִ֖ים3 of 25

“Now behold thou trustest”

H982

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

לְּךָ֡4 of 25
H0
עַל5 of 25
H5921

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

מִשְׁעֶנֶת֩6 of 25

“upon the staff”

H4938

support (abstractly), i.e., (figuratively) sustenance or (concretely) a walking-stick

הַקָּנֶ֨ה7 of 25

“reed”

H7070

a reed (as erect); by resemblance a rod (especially for measuring), shaft, tube, stem, the radius (of the arm), beam (of a steelyard)

הָרָצ֤וּץ8 of 25

“of this bruised”

H7533

to crack in pieces, literally or figuratively

הַזֶּה֙9 of 25
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

עַל10 of 25
H5921

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

מִצְרַ֔יִם11 of 25

“even upon Egypt”

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

אֲשֶׁ֨ר12 of 25
H834

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

יִסָּמֵ֥ךְ13 of 25

“lean”

H5564

to prop (literally or figuratively); reflexively, to lean upon or take hold of (in a favorable or unfavorable sense)

אִישׁ֙14 of 25

“on which if a man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

עָלָ֔יו15 of 25
H5921

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

וּבָ֥א16 of 25

“it will go”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

בְכַפּ֖וֹ17 of 25

“into his hand”

H3709

the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-

וּנְקָבָ֑הּ18 of 25

“and pierce”

H5344

to puncture, literally (to perforate, with more or less violence) or figuratively (to specify, designate, libel)

כֵּ֚ן19 of 25
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

פַּרְעֹ֣ה20 of 25

“it so is Pharaoh”

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

מֶֽלֶךְ21 of 25

“king”

H4428

a king

מִצְרַ֔יִם22 of 25

“even upon Egypt”

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

לְכָֽל23 of 25
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַבֹּטְחִ֖ים24 of 25

“Now behold thou trustest”

H982

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

עָלָֽיו׃25 of 25
H5921

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

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 18:21 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 18:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 30:7Ezekiel 29:6-7Isaiah 30:2-3Jeremiah 46:17Isaiah 31:1-32 Kings 17:4

Places in This Verse

EgyptRegion · Modern: Ain Shams · 30.13°N, 31.31°E658 verses across 33 books
View all places in 2 Kings 18 →

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