Then Rabshakeh stood and cried with a loud voice in the Jews' language, and spake, saying, Hear the word of the great king, the king of Assyria:

2 KINGS 18:28KJV
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2 Kings 18:28 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 18:28 mean?

2 Kings 18:28 describes how Rabshakeh, a high official of the Assyrian king, loudly addresses the people of Jerusalem in their own language, announcing a message from the king of Assyria. The verse highlights that Rabshakeh wants everyone in Jerusalem to hear and understand the words he is about to deliver on behalf of his king.

Rabshakeh is speaking directly to the people on the city wall, not just to the officials of Judah. He uses the "Jews' language" (Hebrew) so that all the common people can hear the message, not just the leaders. This is a moment of psychological warfare, as the Assyrian envoy tries to intimidate and persuade the people to surrender by making sure his words reach everyone.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 18:28

  • "language" (יְהוּדִיִּת, yehudit): This word means the language of Judah, or Hebrew. Rabshakeh deliberately chooses to speak in Hebrew rather than Aramaic so that all the people, not just the officials, can understand his message.
  • "cried" (קָרָא, qara): This word means to call out or proclaim loudly. Rabshakeh is not speaking quietly or privately; he is making sure his message is heard by as many people as possible.
  • "loud" (גָּדוֹל, gadol): This word means great or loud. The verse emphasizes that Rabshakeh raises his voice, underlining the public and dramatic nature of his announcement.

Why 2 Kings 18:28 matters

  • The verse shows that the Assyrian strategy was not just military but also psychological, aiming to break the morale of Jerusalem’s people by speaking directly to them.
  • By using Hebrew, Rabshakeh bypasses the officials and speaks to the common people, making the threat and message personal and unavoidable.
  • This moment sets up the tension for the following verses, where the content of Rabshakeh’s message is revealed, showing the pressure Judah faced and the seriousness of the Assyrian threat.

Where else these words appear

“language” Hebrew H3066 · used in 6 verses

  • 2 Kings 18:26 Then said Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, and Shebna, and Joah, unto Rabshakeh, Speak, I pray thee, to thy servants in the Syrian language; for we understand it: and talk not with us in the Jews' language in the ears of the people that are on the wall.
  • 2 Chronicles 32:18 Then they cried with a loud voice in the Jews' speech unto the people of Jerusalem that were on the wall, to affright them, and to trouble them; that they might take the city.
  • Isaiah 36:11 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.

“Rabshakeh” Hebrew H7262 · used in 16 verses

  • 2 Kings 18:17 And the king of Assyria sent Tartan and Rabsaris and Rabshakeh from Lachish to king Hezekiah with a great host against Jerusalem. And they went up and came to Jerusalem. And when they were come up, they came and stood by the conduit of the upper pool, which is in the highway of the fuller's field.
  • 2 Kings 19:4 It may be the LORD thy God will hear all the words of Rabshakeh, whom the king of Assyria his master hath sent to reproach the living God; and will reprove the words which the LORD thy God hath heard: wherefore lift up thy prayer for the remnant that are left.
  • Isaiah 36:12 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?

“Assyria” Hebrew H804 · used in 138 verses

  • Genesis 2:14 And the name of the third river is Hiddekel: that is it which goeth toward the east of Assyria. And the fourth river is Euphrates.
  • 2 Kings 23:29 In his days Pharaohnechoh king of Egypt went up against the king of Assyria to the river Euphrates: and king Josiah went against him; and he slew him at Megiddo, when he had seen him.
  • Isaiah 36:13 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.