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2 Kings 18:20

Made Simple — Modern English Translation

Translated by Verse Made Simple Editorial
KJV ORIGINAL
Thou sayest, (but they are but vain words,) I have counsel and strength for the war. Now on whom dost thou trust, that thou rebellest against me?
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE

You say (but these are just empty words) that you have good advice and strength for war. So tell me, who are you trusting in that makes you think you can rebel against me?

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

The Assyrian commander is mocking King Hezekiah, saying his confidence in war is just empty talk and demanding to know what makes him think he can stand against Assyria.

📚 Historical Context

This is part of the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem around 701 BC, where the powerful Assyrian king Sennacherib sent his commander (the Rabshakeh) to intimidate King Hezekiah and the people of Judah into surrendering. The Assyrians had already conquered much of the region and were known for their military might and psychological warfare tactics.

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Translation & Methodology Sources

The original manuscript text provided is based on the King James Version (KJV), which is in the public domain. Our modern English simplifications are generated via proprietary philological synthesis, cross-referenced against Strong's Exhaustive Concordance and the Textus Receptus to ensure unwavering theological and etymological precision.

Read our full translation methodology →