Isaiah 36:21
Isaiah 36:21 in Multiple Translations
But the people remained silent and did not answer a word, for Hezekiah had commanded, “Do not answer him.”
But they held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king’s commandment was, saying, Answer him not.
But they held their peace, and answered him not a word; for the king’s commandment was, saying, Answer him not.
But they kept quiet and gave him no answer: for the king's order was, Give him no answer.
But the people remained silent and didn't say anything, for Hezekiah had given the order, “Don't answer him.”
Then they kept silence, and answered him not a worde: for the Kings commandement was, saying, Answere him not.
And they keep silent, and have not answered him a word, for a command of the king is, saying, 'Do not answer him.'
But they remained silent, and said nothing in reply, for the king’s commandment was, “Don’t answer him.”
But they held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king's commandment was, saying, Answer him not.
And they held their peace, and answered him not a word. For the king had commanded, saying: answer him not.
But the people who were listening were silent. No one said anything, because King Hezekiah had commanded, “When the official from Assyria talks to you, do not answer him.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 36:21
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.
Isaiah 36:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַֽ/יַּחֲרִ֔ישׁוּ
וְ/לֹֽא
עָנ֥וּ
אֹת֖/וֹ
דָּבָ֑ר
כִּֽי
מִצְוַ֨ת
הַ/מֶּ֥לֶךְ
הִ֛יא
לֵ/אמֹ֖ר
לֹ֥א
תַעֲנֻֽ/הוּ
וַֽ/יַּחֲרִ֔ישׁוּ
chârash
H2790
to plow/plot
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
עָנ֥וּ
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
אֹת֖/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
דָּבָ֑ר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-ms
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
מִצְוַ֨ת
mitsvâh
H4687
commandment
N-fs
הַ/מֶּ֥לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
הִ֛יא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
לֵ/אמֹ֖ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תַעֲנֻֽ/הוּ
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 36:21
וַֽ/יַּחֲרִ֔ישׁוּ
chârash
H2790
"to plow/plot"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
This verb can mean to be quiet or silent, but also to scratch or engrave, like a farmer plowing a field. It is used in various contexts, including being silent or deaf. The KJV translates it in different ways, including 'cease' or 'hold peace'.
Definition: 1) to cut in, plough, engrave, devise 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut in, engrave 1a2) to plough 1a3) to devise 1b) (Niphal) to be ploughed 1c) (Hiphil) to plot evil
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] altogether, cease, conceal, be deaf, devise, ear, graven, imagine, leave off speaking, hold peace, plow(-er, man), be quiet, rest, practise secretly, keep silence, be silent, speak not a word, be still, hold tongue, worker. See also: Genesis 24:21; Psalms 28:1; Psalms 32:3.
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
עָנ֥וּ
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
אֹת֖/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
דָּבָ֑ר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-ms
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.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
מִצְוַ֨ת
mitsvâh
H4687
"commandment"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means a command or law given by God or humans, as seen in the Bible's rules and guidelines. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy. The commandments guide people's actions.
Definition: 1) commandment 1a) commandment (of man) 1b) the commandment (of God) 1c) commandment (of code of wisdom)
Usage: Occurs in 177 OT verses. KJV: (which was) commanded(-ment), law, ordinance, precept. See also: Genesis 26:5; 1 Chronicles 28:8; Psalms 19:9.
הַ/מֶּ֥לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
הִ֛יא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
לֵ/אמֹ֖ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תַעֲנֻֽ/הוּ
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp | Suff
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
Study Notes — Isaiah 36:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 36:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 36:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 36:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 36:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 36:21
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 36:21
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 36:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 36:21
- Sermons on Isaiah 36:21
Context — Sennacherib Threatens Jerusalem
19Where are the gods of Hamath and Arpad? Where are the gods of Sepharvaim? Have they delivered Samaria from my hand?
20Who among all the gods of these lands has delivered his land from my hand? How then can the LORD deliver Jerusalem from my hand?”
21But the people remained silent and did not answer a word, for Hezekiah had commanded, “Do not answer him.”
22Then 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 | Proverbs 26:4 | Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be like him. |
| 2 | Psalms 38:13–15 | But like a deaf man, I do not hear; and like a mute man, I do not open my mouth. I am like a man who cannot hear, whose mouth offers no reply. I wait for You, O LORD; You will answer, O Lord my God. |
| 3 | Matthew 7:6 | Do not give dogs what is holy; do not throw your pearls before swine. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces. |
| 4 | Amos 5:13 | Therefore, the prudent keep silent in such times, for the days are evil. |
| 5 | Proverbs 9:7–8 | He who corrects a mocker brings shame on himself; he who rebukes a wicked man taints himself. Do not rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. |
| 6 | 2 Kings 18:37 | 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. |
| 7 | Psalms 39:1 | I said, “I will watch my ways so that I will not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle as long as the wicked are present.” |
| 8 | 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.” |
Isaiah 36:21 Summary
In this verse, we see the people of Judah remaining silent in response to the taunts of the Rabshakeh, because their leader, Hezekiah, had commanded them not to answer. This shows that they trusted in Hezekiah's leadership and in God's power to deliver them, as promised in Isaiah 37:35. Just like the people of Judah, we can trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when faced with challenging circumstances, and choose to remain silent, rather than responding in anger or fear, as encouraged in Proverbs 26:4. By trusting in God, we can find peace and wisdom, even in difficult times, as seen in Psalm 37:7.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the people remain silent in response to the Rabshakeh's taunts?
The people remained silent because Hezekiah had commanded them not to answer, as seen in Isaiah 36:21, trusting in God's deliverance as promised in Isaiah 37:35.
Was it wise for Hezekiah to command the people not to respond to the Rabshakeh?
Yes, it was wise, as responding could have led to further provocation and insult, instead, Hezekiah chose to trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in Proverbs 26:4, which advises against answering a fool according to his folly.
How does this silence reflect the character of the people and their leader?
The silence reflects the people's trust in Hezekiah's leadership and their desire to trust in God, rather than relying on their own strength or wisdom, as encouraged in Psalm 37:7, to wait patiently for the Lord.
What can we learn from Hezekiah's decision to remain silent in the face of ridicule?
We can learn the value of trusting in God's power and wisdom, rather than relying on our own abilities, and the importance of seeking God's guidance in times of uncertainty, as seen in James 1:5-6.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways can I apply the principle of trusting in God's sovereignty in my own life, even when faced with challenging circumstances?
- How can I balance the need to speak out against injustice with the wisdom of remaining silent in the face of ridicule or provocation?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's power and wisdom, rather than relying on my own abilities?
- How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, even in the face of uncertainty or adversity?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 36:21
But they held their peace, and answered him not a word,.... The three ministers of Hezekiah; not as confounded, and unable to return an answer: they were capable of saying many things in proof that
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 36:21
But they held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king's commandment was, saying, Answer him not. Answered him not a word - so as not to enter into a war of words with the blasphemer (Exodus 14:14; Jude 1:9).
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 36:21
(21) But they held their peace . . .—Hezekiah seems to have commanded silence, as if distrustful either of the wisdom of the ambassadors or of the effect which any chance words might have upon the garrison and people of Jerusalem. As it was, the only words they had spoken (Isaiah 36:11) had made matters infinitely worse.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 36:21
Verse 21. But they held their peace - "But the people held their peace"] The word העם haam, the people, is supplied from the other copy, and is authorized by a MS. which inserts it after אתו otho.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 36:21
21. they held their peace] i.e. the people on the wall, as is expressed in 2 Kings 18:36. Isaiah 37:1-4. Hezekiah, thrown back at last on the policy of faith consistently advocated by Isaiah, sends an influential deputation to the prophet, entreating him to intercede for the nation in this extremity. (Cf. 2 Kings 12:12-14; Jeremiah 37:3) The king’s message could not fail to be interpreted as a public confession of the utter failure of the policy which had landed him in such a desperate situation.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 36:21
But they held their peace - Hezekiah had commanded them not to answer. They were simply to hear what Rabshakeh had to propose, and to report to him, that he might decide on what course to pursue.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 36:21
20-22. Rabshakeh continues his impious, Jehovah-defying argument, but to no avail. They, the Jews, held their peace, according to the instruction of their king Hezekiah. Rabshakeh’s eloquence was spent in vain.
Sermons on Isaiah 36:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Life of the Mind and the Love of God by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of loving God with all our minds. He lists seven or eight things that we should avoid in order to cultivate a love for God. Th |
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(Proverbs) ch.10:12 - 11:12 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that riches will not help anyone on judgment day, only righteousness will matter. It is not about Bible knowledge or religious activities, bu |
|
The Discipline of Disdain - 23 by Jack Hibbs | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of listening and being slow to speak and anger. He highlights the need to trust in God during times of shaking and suffering. |
|
Personal Testimony by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a personal experience of going against his conscience and the consequences that followed. He describes the moment when his father confronted |
|
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Sex and the Single Person by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of enslavement to worldly desires and emphasizes the need to be free from such bondage. He highlights the prevalence of sexual tempt |
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Casting Pearls Before Swine by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of preparing hearts for the presence of God. He references 1 Corinthians 14:24-25, where it is stated that unbelievers and the |
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Ploughing a Rock by C.H. Spurgeon | The sermon transcript discusses the futility of seeking satisfaction and fulfillment in worldly pursuits such as pleasure, wealth, and success. The author presents various examples |