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.

ISAIAH 36:13KJV
Know the Bible

Isaiah 36:13 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 36:13 mean?

Isaiah 36:13 describes how Rabshakeh, an official of the Assyrian king, stood and loudly addressed the people of Jerusalem in their own language, telling them to listen to the message from the king of Assyria. The verse highlights a moment when the Assyrian empire tried to intimidate and persuade the people of Judah during a time of siege.

Rabshakeh is speaking directly to the people on the city wall, not just to the officials of King Hezekiah. By using the Jews’ language, Rabshakeh ensures everyone can understand his message, increasing the pressure and fear among the people. This is part of the Assyrian strategy to undermine confidence in their own king and encourage surrender.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 36:13

  • "language" (יְהוּדִית, yehudit): This word means the language of Judah, or Hebrew. Rabshakeh intentionally uses the people’s own language rather than a foreign tongue, making sure his message is clear to all listeners, not just the leaders.
  • "cried" (קָרָא, qara): This verb means to call out or proclaim loudly. The use of this word shows Rabshakeh’s intention to be heard by as many people as possible, emphasizing the public and forceful nature of his speech.
  • "loud" (גָּדוֹל, gadol): This word means great or loud, describing the volume of Rabshakeh’s voice. It adds to the sense of urgency and intimidation, showing that this was not a private negotiation but a public challenge.

Why Isaiah 36:13 matters

  • The verse shows the psychological tactics used by the Assyrians, aiming to break the morale of Jerusalem’s people by speaking directly to them in their own language.
  • It sets up the dramatic confrontation between the Assyrian empire and the faith of Judah, highlighting the pressure faced by the people and their leaders.
  • Understanding that Rabshakeh spoke in Hebrew explains why the officials later ask him to speak in Aramaic, hoping to limit the impact of his words on the general population.

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 Kings 18:28 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:
  • Nehemiah 13:24 And their children spake half in the speech of Ashdod, and could not speak in the Jews' language, but according to the language of each people.

“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 18:37 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.
  • 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.

“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 20:6 And I will add unto thy days fifteen years; and I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake.
  • Isaiah 36:8 Now therefore give pledges, I pray thee, to my master the king of Assyria, and I will give thee two thousand horses, if thou be able on thy part to set riders upon them.