King James Version
What Does Isaiah 36:14 Mean?
“Thus saith the king, Let not Hezekiah deceive you: for he shall not be able to deliver you.”
Isaiah 36:14 · KJV
Context
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.
14
Thus saith the king, Let not Hezekiah deceive you: for he shall not be able to deliver you.
15
Neither let Hezekiah make you trust in the LORD, saying, The LORD will surely deliver us: this city shall not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria.
16
Hearken not to Hezekiah: for thus saith the king of Assyria, Make an agreement with me by a present, and come out to me: and eat ye every one of his vine, and every one of his fig tree, and drink ye every one the waters of his own cistern; Make: or, Seek my favour by a present: Heb. Make with me a blessing
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThe command "Let not Hezekiah deceive you" attempts to reframe the king's faith as deception. The claim "he shall not be able to deliver you" directly challenges God's power, though Rabshakeh addresses it to Hezekiah's competence. This is spiritual warfare disguised as political negotiation. The tactic is to separate the people from their godly leader by portraying his faith as foolish fantasy. Satan uses similar tactics to isolate believers from faithful shepherds.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient Near Eastern warfare included psychological operations to turn populations against their rulers. Assyria excelled at sowing division and doubt.
Reflection Questions
- How does the enemy try to separate believers from faithful spiritual leaders?
- What role does trust in leadership play in spiritual warfare?
- How do we discern between legitimate concerns and enemy-sown doubt about our leaders?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 12 wordsכֹּ֚ה1 of 12
H3541properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
אַל4 of 12
H408not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
לָכֶ֖ם6 of 12
H0חִזְקִיָּ֑הוּ7 of 12
“Let not Hezekiah”
H2396chizkijah, a king of judah, also the name of two other israelites
כִּ֥י8 of 12
H3588(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹֽא9 of 12
H3808not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יוּכַ֖ל10 of 12
“you for he shall not be able”
H3201to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
אֶתְכֶֽם׃12 of 12
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
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 36:14 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 36:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge