2 Kings 18:37

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2 Kings 18:37 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Then Hilkiah’s son Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and Asaph’s son Joah the recorder came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn, and they relayed to him the words of the Rabshakeh.

King James Version KJV

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 Rab-shakeh.

American Standard Version ASV

Then came Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who 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.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then Eliakim, the son of Hilkiah, who was over the house, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah, the son of Asaph, the recorder, came to Hezekiah, with their clothing parted as a sign of grief, and gave him an account of what the Rab-shakeh had said.

Free Bible Version FBV

Then Eliakim, son of Hilkiah, the palace manager, Shebna the scribe, and Joah, son of Asaph, the record-keeper, went to Hezekiah with their clothes torn, and they told him what the Assyrian army general had said.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then Eliakim, the sonne of Hilkiah which was steward of the house, and Shebnah the chanceller, and Ioah the sonne of Asaph the recorder came to Hezekiah with their clothes rent, and tolde him the wordes of Rabshakeh.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Eliakim son of Hilkiah, who [is] over the house, cometh in, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah son of Asaph the remembrancer, unto Hezekiah, with rent garments, and they declare to him the words of the chief of the butlers.

World English Bible WEB

Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, came with Shebna the scribe and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder to Hezekiah with their clothes torn, and told him Rabshakeh’s words.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And Eliacim the son of Helcias, who was over the house, and Sobna the scribe, and Joahe the son of Asaph the recorder, came to Ezechias, with their garments rent, and told him the words of Rabsaces.

Translation for Translators T4T

Then Eliakim the palace administrator and Shebna the court secretary and Joah the royal historian went back to Hezekiah with their clothes torn because they were extremely distressed, and they told him what the official from Assyria had said.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 18:37

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

2 Kings 18:37 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יָּבֹ֣א אֶלְיָקִ֣ים בֶּן חִלְקִיָּ֣ה אֲשֶׁר עַל הַ֠/בַּיִת וְ/שֶׁבְנָ֨א הַ/סֹּפֵ֜ר וְ/יוֹאָ֨ח בֶּן אָסָ֧ף הַ/מַּזְכִּ֛יר אֶל חִזְקִיָּ֖הוּ קְרוּעֵ֣י בְגָדִ֑ים וַ/יַּגִּ֣דוּ ל֔/וֹ דִּבְרֵ֖י רַב שָׁקֵֽה

וַ/יָּבֹ֣א bôwʼ H935 Lebo Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

אֶלְיָקִ֣ים ʼElyâqîym H471 Eliakim N-proper

בֶּן bên H1121 son N-ms

חִלְקִיָּ֣ה Chilqîyâh H2518 Hilkiah N-proper

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

הַ֠/בַּיִת bayith H1004 place Art | N-ms

וְ/שֶׁבְנָ֨א Shebnâʼ H7644 Shebna Conj | N-proper

הַ/סֹּפֵ֜ר çâphar H5608 to recount Art | N-ms

וְ/יוֹאָ֨ח Yôwʼâch H3098 Joah Conj | N-proper

בֶּן bên H1121 son N-ms

אָסָ֧ף ʼÂçâph H623 Asaph N-proper

הַ/מַּזְכִּ֛יר zâkar H2142 to remember Art | V-Hiphil

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

חִזְקִיָּ֖הוּ Chizqîyâh H2396 Hezekiah N-proper

קְרוּעֵ֣י qâraʻ H7167 to tear V-Qal-Inf-c

בְגָדִ֑ים beged H899 treachery N-mp

וַ/יַּגִּ֣דוּ nâgad H5046 to tell Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp

ל֔/וֹ Prep | Suff

דִּבְרֵ֖י dâbâr H1697 Chronicles N-mp

רַב Rabshâqêh H7262 Rabshakeh N-ms

שָׁקֵֽה Rabshâqêh H7262 Rabshakeh N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 18:37

וַ/יָּבֹ֣א bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.

אֶלְיָקִ֣ים ʼElyâqîym H471 "Eliakim" N-proper

Eliakim was a king of Judah during the Divided Monarchy, son of Josiah and Zebidah, and father of Jehoiachin. He is mentioned in 2 Kings 23:34 and Jeremiah 27:1.

Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.23.34; son of: Josiah (H2977) and Zebidah (H2080); half-brother of: Jehoahaz (H3059H), Zedekiah (H6667H) and Shallum (H7967J); married to Nehushta (H5179); father of: Jehoiachin (H3078); also called Zedekiah at Jer.27.1; Eliakim at 2Ki.23.34; 1x Another name of ye.ho.ya.qim (יְהוֹיָקִים "Jehoiakim" H3079) § Eliakim = "God raises" or "God sets up" 1) the son of Hilkiah, master of Hezekiah's household 2) Josiah's son, enthroned by Pharaoh 3) a priest who assisted Nehemiah

Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: Eliakim. See also: 2 Kings 18:18; Nehemiah 12:41; Isaiah 22:20.

בֶּן bên H1121 "son" N-ms

In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.

Definition: : child/son

Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

חִלְקִיָּ֣ה Chilqîyâh H2518 "Hilkiah" N-proper

Hilkiah was a significant Israelite with several roles, including high priest during Josiah's reign and father of Jeremiah. His name means my portion is Jehovah, reflecting his devotion to God.

Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at Jer.1.1; brother of: Shallum (H7967R); father of: Jeremiah (H3414L) § Hilkiah = "my portion is Jehovah" 1) father of Eliakim, an officer of Hezekiah 2) high priest in the reign of Josiah 3) a Merarite Levite, son of Amzi 4) another Merarite Levite, 2nd son of Hosah 5) one of those who stood on the right of Ezra when he read the law and probably a Levite and a priest 6) a priest of Anathoth, father of the prophet Jeremiah 7) father of Gemariah who was one of Zedekiah's envoys to Babylon

Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: Hillkiah. See also: 2 Kings 18:18; 2 Chronicles 34:14; Isaiah 22:20.

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

הַ֠/בַּיִת bayith H1004 "place" Art | N-ms

The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.

Definition: nm place, origin, between

Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.

וְ/שֶׁבְנָ֨א Shebnâʼ H7644 "Shebna" Conj | N-proper

Shebna was a high-ranking official in King Hezekiah's court in Judah, mentioned in 2 Kings 18.

Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.18.18; also called Shebnah at 2Ki.18.18,26; § Shebna = "vigour" a person of high position in the court of king Hezekiah of Judah; subsequently the secretary of Hezekiah

Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: Shebna, Shebnah. See also: 2 Kings 18:18; Isaiah 22:15; Isaiah 36:3.

הַ/סֹּפֵ֜ר çâphar H5608 "to recount" Art | N-ms

This word refers to a scribe or secretary who records or inscribes information. It is used in the Bible to describe someone who counts or enumerates things. The KJV translates it as 'scribe, tell, writer'.

Definition: v 1) to count, recount, relate 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to count (things) 1a2) to number, take account of, reckon 1b) (Niphal) to be counted, be numbered 1c) (Piel) to recount, rehearse, declare 1c1) to recount (something), rehearse 1c2) to talk 1c3) to count exactly or accurately 1d) (Pual) to be recounted, be rehearsed, be related

Usage: Occurs in 154 OT verses. KJV: commune, (ac-) count; declare, number, [phrase] penknife, reckon, scribe, shew forth, speak, talk, tell (out), writer. See also: Genesis 15:5; Esther 8:9; Psalms 2:7.

וְ/יוֹאָ֨ח Yôwʼâch H3098 "Joah" Conj | N-proper

Joah means Jehovah is brother, the name of four Israelites, including a chronicler to Hezekiah and a doorkeeper in David's time. He is mentioned in 2 Chronicles 29:12. Joah was a common name in biblical times.

Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ch.29.12b; father of: Eden (H5731A) § Joah = "Jehovah is brother" 1) son of Asaph and chronicler to Hezekiah 2) a Gershonite son or grandson of Zimmah 3) a Korhite, 3rd son of Obed-edom and doorkeeper in the time of David 4) son of Joahaz and chronicler to king Josiah

Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Joah. See also: 2 Kings 18:18; 2 Chronicles 29:12; Isaiah 36:3.

בֶּן bên H1121 "son" N-ms

Definition: : child/son

אָסָ֧ף ʼÂçâph H623 "Asaph" N-proper

Asaph means gatherer, the name of several Israelites, including a Levite and the father of Hezekiah's secretary. He is mentioned in Exodus 6:24 and 1 Chronicles 26:1. Asaph was a common name in biblical times.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.6.24; son of: Korah (H7141I); brother of: Assir (H0617) and Elkanah (H0511); father of: Assir (H0617H) and Kore (H6981); also called Abiasaph at Exo.6.24; Asaph at 1Ch.26.1; Another name of ev.ya.saph (אֶבְיָסָף, אֲבִיאָסָף "Ebiasaph" H0043) § Asaph = "gatherer" 1) the father of Hezekiah's secretary 2) a son of Berechiah, chief Levite musician under David 3) a Persian officer over the royal forest

Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: Asaph. See also: 2 Kings 18:18; Ezra 3:10; Psalms 50:1.

הַ/מַּזְכִּ֛יר zâkar H2142 "to remember" Art | V-Hiphil

To remember means to recall or mark something, like God remembering his covenant with Abraham in Genesis 9:1 and Exodus 2:24.

Definition: 1) to remember, recall, call to mind 1a) (Qal) to remember, recall 1b) (Niphal) to be brought to remembrance, be remembered, be thought of, be brought to mind 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to remember, remind 1c2) to cause to be remembered, keep in remembrance 1c3) to mention 1c4) to record 1c5) to make a memorial, make remembrance

Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] burn (incense), [idiom] earnestly, be male, (make) mention (of), be mindful, recount, record(-er), remember, make to be remembered, bring (call, come, keep, put) to (in) remembrance, [idiom] still, think on, [idiom] well. See also: Genesis 8:1; Psalms 74:2; Psalms 8:5.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

חִזְקִיָּ֖הוּ Chizqîyâh H2396 "Hezekiah" N-proper

Hezekiah was a king of Judah who served Jehovah and removed idolatrous practices. He was the son of Ahaz and Abijah, and a great-great-grandfather of Zephaniah the prophet. His name means Jehovah is my strength.

Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at Zep.1.1; father of: Amariah (H0568O) § Hezekiah or Hizkiah or Hizkijah = "Jehovah is my strength" 1) 12th king of Judah, son of Ahaz and Abijah; a good king in that he served Jehovah and did away with idolatrous practices 2) great-great-grandfather of Zephaniah the prophet 3) son of Neariah, a descendant of David 4) head of a family of returning exiles in the time of Nehemiah

Usage: Occurs in 119 OT verses. KJV: Hezekiah, Hizkiah, Hizkijah. Compare H3169 (יְחִזְקִיָּה). See also: 2 Kings 16:20; 2 Chronicles 31:20; Proverbs 25:1.

קְרוּעֵ֣י qâraʻ H7167 "to tear" V-Qal-Inf-c

This verb means to tear or rend something, and can be used literally or figuratively, as in the case of reviling or enlarging the eyes. In the book of the Prophet Joel, it describes the heavens being torn open. It can also describe the action of wild beasts.

Definition: 1) to tear, tear in pieces 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to tear, rend 1a2) to tear away or out 1a3) to tear, rend asunder 1a3a) to make wide or large (of eyes) 1a3b) to rend open (of heavens) 1a4) to tear, rend (of wild beasts) 1b) (Niphal) to be rent, be split asunder

Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: cut out, rend, [idiom] surely, tear. See also: Genesis 37:29; 2 Kings 5:8; Psalms 35:15.

בְגָדִ֑ים beged H899 "treachery" N-mp

In the Bible, this word refers to clothing or a covering, like a garment or robe. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus, describing what people wore. The word is often translated as 'apparel' or 'raiment'.

Definition: treachery, deceit

Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: apparel, cloth(-es, ing), garment, lap, rag, raiment, robe, [idiom] very (treacherously), vesture, wardrobe. See also: Genesis 24:53; Judges 17:10; Psalms 22:19.

וַ/יַּגִּ֣דוּ nâgad H5046 "to tell" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp

To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.

Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported

Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.

ל֔/וֹ "" Prep | Suff

דִּבְרֵ֖י dâbâr H1697 "Chronicles" N-mp

A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.

Definition: This name means word, speaking

Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.

רַב Rabshâqêh H7262 "Rabshakeh" N-ms

Rabshakeh was a high-ranking official in the Babylonian government, mentioned in 2 Kings 18:17. He was a chief cupbearer, which meant he was in charge of serving the king his drinks. The KJV Bible uses his name as it appears in the original Hebrew.

Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.18.17 1) chief cupbearer, chief of the officers? 2) Rabshakeh

Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: Rabshakeh. See also: 2 Kings 18:17; Isaiah 36:2; Isaiah 36:4.

שָׁקֵֽה Rabshâqêh H7262 "Rabshakeh" N-proper

Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.18.17 1) chief cupbearer, chief of the officers? 2) Rabshakeh

Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: Rabshakeh. See also: 2 Kings 18:17; Isaiah 36:2; Isaiah 36:4.

Study Notes — 2 Kings 18:37

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Context — Sennacherib Threatens Jerusalem

35Who among all the gods of these lands has delivered his land from my hand? How then can the LORD deliver Jerusalem from my hand?” 36But the people remained silent and did not answer a word, for Hezekiah had commanded, “Do not answer him.”

37Then Hilkiah’s son Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and Asaph’s son Joah the recorder came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn, and they relayed to him the words of the Rabshakeh.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	2 Kings 22:11	When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes
2	Genesis 37:29	When Reuben returned to the pit and saw that Joseph was not there, he tore his clothes,
3	2 Kings 5:7	When the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes and asked, “Am I God, killing and giving life, that this man expects me to cure a leper? Surely you can see that he is seeking a quarrel with me!”
4	Genesis 37:34	Then Jacob tore his clothes, put sackcloth around his waist, and mourned for his son many days.
5	2 Kings 18:26	Then Eliakim son of Hilkiah, along with Shebnah and Joah, said to the Rabshakeh, “Please speak to your servants in Aramaic, since we understand it. Do not speak with us in Hebrew in the hearing of the people on the wall.”
6	Matthew 26:65	At this, the high priest tore his clothes and declared, “He has blasphemed! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy.
7	Jeremiah 36:24	Yet in hearing all these words, the king and his servants did not become frightened or tear their garments.
8	Job 1:20	Then Job stood up, tore his robe, and shaved his head. He fell to the ground and worshiped,
9	2 Kings 6:30	When the king heard the words of the woman, he tore his clothes. And as he passed by on the wall, the people saw the sackcloth under his clothes next to his skin.
10	Isaiah 36:21–22	But the people remained silent and did not answer a word, for Hezekiah had commanded, “Do not answer him.” Then Hilkiah’s son Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and Asaph’s son Joah the recorder came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn, and they relayed to him the words of the Rabshakeh.

2 Kings 18:37 Summary

This verse shows how three of King Hezekiah's officials, Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah, responded with great distress and concern when they heard the threatening words of the Rabshakeh, a high-ranking Assyrian official. They tore their clothes as a sign of grief and immediately reported the Rabshakeh's words to Hezekiah, their king, so he could take action and seek the Lord's guidance (as seen in Psalm 34:15 and Proverbs 3:5-6). This verse reminds us that, as believers, we should be deeply concerned when we hear blasphemies or threats against God and His people, and we should take our concerns to the Lord in prayer, trusting in His power and sovereignty. By doing so, we can, like Hezekiah, find comfort and strength in the midst of challenging circumstances, as promised in Isaiah 41:10 and Deuteronomy 31:8.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah tear their clothes?

Tearing their clothes was a sign of grief and distress, as seen in other Bible passages such as Second Samuel 1:11 and Job 1:20, indicating their deep concern and sorrow over the Rabshakeh's threatening words.

What was the role of the recorder in ancient Israel?

The recorder, like Joah, was responsible for keeping official records and documents, similar to a modern-day historian or archivist, as mentioned in Second Samuel 8:16 and First Kings 4:3.

Who was the Rabshakeh and what was his purpose?

The Rabshakeh was a high-ranking official in the Assyrian army, sent by King Sennacherib to intimidate and threaten King Hezekiah and the people of Judah, as seen in the preceding verses, particularly Second Kings 18:19-35.

Why did Hezekiah's officials report the Rabshakeh's words to him?

They reported the Rabshakeh's words to Hezekiah because, as their king, he needed to be informed of the threats and blasphemies spoken against the Lord, so he could take appropriate action and seek the Lord's guidance, as seen in Psalm 119:126 and Proverbs 24:6.

Reflection Questions

How do I respond when faced with threatening or intimidating circumstances, and what can I learn from the examples of Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah?
In what ways can I, like Hezekiah's officials, demonstrate my trust and faith in God's sovereignty and power, especially when faced with overwhelming challenges?
What are some modern-day 'Rabshakeh' voices that seek to intimidate and undermine my faith, and how can I counter them with the truth of God's Word?
How can I, like the officials who tore their clothes, express my grief and concern over the spiritual state of those around me, and what actions can I take to intercede for them?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 18:37

[See comments on 2 Kings 18:17]

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 18:37

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 18:37

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.Ver. 37. With their clothes rent.] To show how deeply they were affected with and offended at Rabshakeh’ s blasphemies. Should not we be as much at the Ranters? See Matthew 26:65.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 18:37

Verse 37. Then came Eliakim - and Shebna - and Joah - to Hezekiah with their clothes rent] It was the custom of the Hebrews, when they heard any blasphemy, to rend their clothes, because this was the greatest of crimes, as it immediately affected the majesty of God, and it was right that a religious people should have in the utmost abhorrence every insult offered to the object of their religious worship. These three ambassadors lay the matter before the king as God's representative; he lays it before the prophet, as God's minister; and the prophet lays it before God, as the people's mediator.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 18:37

37. with their clothes rent] See note on Chap. 2 Kings 5:7.

Sermons on 2 Kings 18:37

	Sermon	Description
	God's Passover Lamb (Part 2) by Erlo Stegen	Erlo Stegen emphasizes the significance of Jesus as the Passover Lamb, drawing parallels between the Old Testament Passover and Christ's sacrifice. He highlights the importance of
	True Worship by Zac Poonen	This sermon emphasizes the importance of true worship, highlighting the significance of worshiping God in spirit and in truth. It explores the concept of worship from the beginning
	Job - Part 1 by John Piper	John Piper explores the profound trial of Job as he grapples with the heart-wrenching possibility of sacrificing his children for the sake of God's greater purpose. Job's deep love
	Communism, Islam, Sept 11, Soverenty of God - Part2 by Josef Tson	In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal experience of being falsely accused and interrogated. After six months, the charges were dropped, and the man who had interrogated hi
	Follow After Righteousness - Part 2 by Joshua Daniel	This sermon emphasizes the importance of following righteousness, patience, meekness, and God-likeness, drawing inspiration from the story of Job who remained faithful and did not
	Meekness by Anton Bosch	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Moses and how he was called by God despite feeling inadequate. Moses pleaded for the people of Israel even when God wanted to des
	The Captivity of the Righteous Part 6 by Phil Beach Jr.	Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the theme of the captivity of the righteous, drawing lessons from the story of Job. He discusses how God touches three major areas in Job's life: health,