King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 18:27 Mean?

2 Kings 18:27 in the King James Version says “But Rabshakeh said unto them, Hath my master sent me to thy master, and to thee, to speak these words? hath he not sent ... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

But Rabshakeh said unto them, Hath my master sent me to thy master, and to thee, to speak these words? hath he not sent me to the men which sit on the wall, that they may eat their own dung , and drink their own piss with you? their own piss: Heb. the water of their feet

2 Kings 18:27 · KJV


Context

25

Am I now come up without the LORD against this place to destroy it? The LORD said to me, Go up against this land, and destroy it.

26

Then said Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, and Shebna, and Joah, unto Rabshakeh, Speak, I pray thee, to thy servants in the Syrian language; for we understand it: and talk not with us in the Jews' language in the ears of the people that are on the wall.

27

But Rabshakeh said unto them, Hath my master sent me to thy master, and to thee, to speak these words? hath he not sent me to the men which sit on the wall, that they may eat their own dung , and drink their own piss with you? their own piss: Heb. the water of their feet

28

Then Rabshakeh stood and cried with a loud voice in the Jews' language, and spake, saying, Hear the word of the great king, the king of Assyria:

29

Thus saith the king, Let not Hezekiah deceive you: for he shall not be able to deliver you out of his hand:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But Rabshakeh said unto them, Hath my master sent me to thy master, and to thee, to speak these words? hath he not sent me to the men which sit on the wall, that they may eat their own dung, and drink their own piss with you?

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.

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
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר1 of 25

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲלֵיהֶ֜ם2 of 25
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

רַבְשָׁקֵ֗ה3 of 25

But Rabshakeh

H7262

rabshakeh, a babylonian official

הַעַ֨ל4 of 25
H5921

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

אֲדֹנִ֔י5 of 25

me to thy master

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

וְאֵלֶ֙יךָ֙6 of 25
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שְׁלָחַ֣נִי7 of 25

sent

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

אֲדֹנִ֔י8 of 25

me to thy master

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

לְדַבֵּ֖ר9 of 25

and to thee to speak

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֶת10 of 25
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַדְּבָרִ֣ים11 of 25

these words

H1697

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

הָאֵ֑לֶּה12 of 25
H428

these or those

הֲלֹ֣א13 of 25
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

עַל14 of 25
H5921

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

הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֗ים15 of 25
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)

הַיֹּֽשְׁבִים֙16 of 25

which sit

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

עַל17 of 25
H5921

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

הַ֣חֹמָ֔ה18 of 25

on the wall

H2346

a wall of protection

לֶֽאֱכֹ֣ל19 of 25

that they may eat

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

אֶת20 of 25
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

חרָיהָ֗ם21 of 25
H2755

excrements of doves or a vegetable

וְלִשְׁתּ֛וֹת22 of 25

and drink

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

אֶת23 of 25
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שֵׁינֵיהֶם24 of 25
H7890

urine

עִמָּכֶֽם׃25 of 25
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then


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 18:27 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 18:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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