King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 18:37 Mean?

2 Kings 18:37 in the King James Version says “Then came Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, which was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

2 Kings 18:37 · KJV


Context

35

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?

36

But the people held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king's commandment was, saying, Answer him not.

37

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 21 words
וַיָּבֹ֣א1 of 21

Then came

H935

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

אֶלְיָקִ֣ים2 of 21

Eliakim

H471

eljakim, the name of four israelites

בֶּן3 of 21

the son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

חִלְקִיָּ֣ה4 of 21

of Hilkiah

H2518

chilhijah, the name of eight israelites

אֲשֶׁר5 of 21
H834

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

עַל6 of 21
H5921

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

הַ֠בַּיִת7 of 21

which was over the household

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

וְשֶׁבְנָ֨א8 of 21

and Shebna

H7644

shebna or shebnah, an israelite

הַסֹּפֵ֜ר9 of 21

the scribe

H5608

properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra

וְיוֹאָ֨ח10 of 21

and Joah

H3098

joach, the name of four israelites

בֶּן11 of 21

the son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אָסָ֧ף12 of 21

of Asaph

H623

asaph, the name of three israelites, and of the family of the first

הַמַּזְכִּ֛יר13 of 21

the recorder

H2142

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

אֶל14 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

חִזְקִיָּ֖הוּ15 of 21

to Hezekiah

H2396

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

קְרוּעֵ֣י16 of 21

rent

H7167

to rend, literally or figuratively (revile, paint the eyes, as if enlarging them)

בְגָדִ֑ים17 of 21

with their clothes

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

וַיַּגִּ֣דוּ18 of 21

and told

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

ל֔וֹ19 of 21
H0
דִּבְרֵ֖י20 of 21

him the words

H1697

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

רַבְשָׁקֵֽה׃21 of 21

of Rabshakeh

H7262

rabshakeh, a babylonian official


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 18:37 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 18:37 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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