2 Kings 18:20 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 18:20 mean?

2 Kings 18:20 records a challenge from the king of Assyria’s messenger to King Hezekiah of Judah, questioning Hezekiah’s confidence in resisting Assyrian power. The messenger mocks Hezekiah’s claim to have wise plans and military strength, calling his words empty and asking what or whom he trusts to justify rebellion.

The speaker is the Assyrian envoy (the Rabshakeh), addressing Hezekiah’s officials during the siege of Jerusalem. The verse is part of a larger speech meant to intimidate Judah and undermine their faith in their leaders and God. The envoy’s taunt highlights the apparent weakness of Judah compared to Assyria and questions the foundation of Hezekiah’s confidence.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 18:20

• וַתֹּאמֶר (vatomer, “thou sayest”): This is the common Hebrew verb for “to say,” but here it is used to throw Hezekiah’s statements back at him, suggesting they are just talk, not reality.
• דְּבָרִים (devarim, “words”): This word means “words” or “matters,” and in this context, it emphasizes that Hezekiah’s assurances are seen as mere talk, not backed by substance.
• עֵצָה (etzah, “counsel”): This word means “advice” or “plan.” The Assyrian speaker is mocking the idea that Judah has any real strategy or wisdom to oppose Assyria.
• גְּבוּרָה (gevurah, “strength”): This word means “strength” or “might,” often in the sense of military power. The envoy questions whether Judah truly has the power to fight.
• בָּטַח (batach, “trust”): This verb means “to trust” or “to rely on.” The challenge is pointed: on what basis does Hezekiah trust that he can rebel and survive?

Why 2 Kings 18:20 matters

• This verse clarifies that the Assyrian threat was not just military but psychological, aiming to shake Judah’s confidence and expose any weakness in their trust.
• The focus on “trust” ties into a larger biblical theme: what or whom people rely on in times of crisis, especially when appearances suggest defeat.
• Seeing the original words for “counsel” and “strength” shows the envoy is not just mocking Judah’s military might, but also their wisdom and leadership, making the challenge broader than just physical power.