King James Version
2 Kings 18:36 in the King James Version says “But the people held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king's commandment was, saying, Answer him not.” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“But the people held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king's commandment was, saying, Answer him not.”
2 Kings 18:36 · KJV
Where are the gods of Hamath, and of Arpad? where are the gods of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivah? have they delivered Samaria out of mine hand?
Who are they among all the gods of the countries, that have delivered their country out of mine hand, that the LORD should deliver Jerusalem out of mine hand?
But the people held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king's commandment was, saying, Answer him not.
Then came Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, which was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder, to Hezekiah with their clothes rent, and told him the words of Rabshakeh.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“held their peace”
H2790to scratch, i.e., (by implication) to engrave, plough; hence (from the use of tools) to fabricate (of any material); figuratively, to devise (in a bad
“But the people”
H5971a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
“Answer”
H6030properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
“him not a word”
H1697a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
“Answer”
H6030properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
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.
2 Kings 18:36 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to 2 Kings 18:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge