King James Version

What Does Isaiah 36:11 Mean?

Isaiah 36:11 in the King James Version says “Then said Eliakim and Shebna and Joah unto Rabshakeh, Speak, I pray thee, unto thy servants in the Syrian language; for ... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 36 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Isaiah 36:11 · KJV


Context

9

How then wilt thou turn away the face of one captain of the least of my master's servants, and put thy trust on Egypt for chariots and for horsemen?

10

And am I now come up without the LORD against this land to destroy it? the LORD said unto me, Go up against this land, and destroy it.

11

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

12

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

13

Then Rabshakeh stood, and cried with a loud voice in the Jews' language, and said, Hear ye the words of the great king, the king of Assyria.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The officials' request to speak in "Syrian" (Aramaic) rather than "Jews' language" (Hebrew) shows concern for public morale. They recognize Rabshakeh's speech is aimed at the people on the wall, not just the negotiating team. Aramaic was the diplomatic lingua franca, understood by educated officials but not common people. The request reveals wisdom in protecting the vulnerable from demoralizing propaganda. However, Rabshakeh will deliberately reject this request to maximize psychological impact.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Aramaic was the international language of diplomacy and trade in the ancient Near East. Most common people in Judah spoke only Hebrew.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we protect the spiritually vulnerable from demoralizing influences?
  2. What responsibility do leaders have to shield their people from destructive messaging?
  3. When is it appropriate to limit exposure to enemy propaganda?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר1 of 23

Then said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶלְיָקִים֩2 of 23

Eliakim

H471

eljakim, the name of four israelites

וְשֶׁבְנָ֨א3 of 23

and Shebna

H7644

shebna or shebnah, an israelite

וְיוֹאָ֜ח4 of 23

and Joah

H3098

joach, the name of four israelites

אֶל5 of 23
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

רַבְשָׁקֵ֗ה6 of 23

unto Rabshakeh

H7262

rabshakeh, a babylonian official

תְּדַבֵּ֤ר7 of 23

Speak

H1696

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

נָ֤א8 of 23
H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

אֶל9 of 23
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עֲבָדֶ֙יךָ֙10 of 23

I pray thee unto thy servants

H5650

a servant

אֲרָמִ֔ית11 of 23

in the Syrian language

H762

(only adverbial) in aramean

כִּ֥י12 of 23
H3588

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

שֹׁמְעִ֖ים13 of 23

for we understand

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֲנָ֑חְנוּ14 of 23
H587

we

וְאַל15 of 23
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תְּדַבֵּ֤ר16 of 23

Speak

H1696

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

אֵלֵ֙ינוּ֙17 of 23
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוּדִ֔ית18 of 23

not to us in the Jews' language

H3066

the jewish (used adverbially) language

בְּאָזְנֵ֣י19 of 23

in the ears

H241

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

הָעָ֔ם20 of 23

of the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

אֲשֶׁ֖ר21 of 23
H834

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

עַל22 of 23
H5921

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

הַחוֹמָֽה׃23 of 23

that are on the wall

H2346

a wall of protection


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Isaiah 36:11 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 Isaiah 36:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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