Lectionary Calendar
Friday, April 17th, 2026
the Second Week after Easter
the Second Week after Easter
video advertismenet
advertisement
advertisement
advertisement
Attention!
Tired of seeing ads while studying? Now you can enjoy an "Ads Free" version of the site for as little as 10¢ a day and support a great cause!
Click here to learn more!
Click here to learn more!
Read the Bible
New Century Version
2 Kings 18:20
You say you have battle plans and power for war, but your words mean nothing. Whom are you trusting for help so that you turn against me?
Jump to:Bible Study Tools • Parallel Bible Verse • Bible Contextual Overview • Bible Cross-References • Gill's Bible Notes • Barnes' Bible Notes
Bible Study Resources
Concordances:
- Nave'sDictionaries:
- AmericanEncyclopedias:
- CondensedParallel Translations
Christian Standard Bible®
You think mere words are strategy and strength for war. Who are you now relying on so that you have rebelled against me?
You think mere words are strategy and strength for war. Who are you now relying on so that you have rebelled against me?
Hebrew Names Version
You say (but they are but vain words), [There is] counsel and strength for the war. Now on whom do you trust, that you have rebelled against me?
You say (but they are but vain words), [There is] counsel and strength for the war. Now on whom do you trust, that you have rebelled against me?
King James Version
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?
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?
English Standard Version
Do you think that mere words are strategy and power for war? In whom do you now trust, that you have rebelled against me?
Do you think that mere words are strategy and power for war? In whom do you now trust, that you have rebelled against me?
New English Translation
Your claim to have a strategy and military strength is just empty talk. In whom are you trusting that you would dare to rebel against me?
Your claim to have a strategy and military strength is just empty talk. In whom are you trusting that you would dare to rebel against me?
Amplified Bible
"You say (but they are only empty words) 'I have counsel and strength for the war.' Now on whom do you rely, that you have rebelled against me?
"You say (but they are only empty words) 'I have counsel and strength for the war.' Now on whom do you rely, that you have rebelled against me?
New American Standard Bible
"You say—but they are only empty words—'I have a plan and strength for the war.' Now on whom have you relied, that you have revolted against me?
"You say—but they are only empty words—'I have a plan and strength for the war.' Now on whom have you relied, that you have revolted against me?
World English Bible
You say (but they are but vain words), [There is] counsel and strength for the war. Now on whom do you trust, that you have rebelled against me?
You say (but they are but vain words), [There is] counsel and strength for the war. Now on whom do you trust, that you have rebelled against me?
Geneva Bible (1587)
Thou thinkest, Surely I haue eloquence, but counsell and strength are for the warre. On whom then doest thou trust, that thou rebellest against me?
Thou thinkest, Surely I haue eloquence, but counsell and strength are for the warre. On whom then doest thou trust, that thou rebellest against me?
Legacy Standard Bible
You say (but they are only empty words), ‘I have counsel and might for the war.' Now on whom do you trust, that you have rebelled against me?
You say (but they are only empty words), ‘I have counsel and might for the war.' Now on whom do you trust, that you have rebelled against me?
Berean Standard Bible
You claim to have a strategy and strength for war, but these are empty words. On whom are you now relying, that you have rebelled against me?
You claim to have a strategy and strength for war, but these are empty words. On whom are you now relying, that you have rebelled against me?
Contemporary English Version
Does he think he can plan and win a war with nothing but words? Who is going to help him, now that he has turned against the king of Assyria?
Does he think he can plan and win a war with nothing but words? Who is going to help him, now that he has turned against the king of Assyria?
Complete Jewish Bible
Do you think that mere spoken words constitute strategy and strength for battle? In whom, then, are you trusting when you rebel against me like this?
Do you think that mere spoken words constitute strategy and strength for battle? In whom, then, are you trusting when you rebel against me like this?
Darby Translation
Thou sayest—but it is a word of the lips—There is counsel and strength for war. Now on whom dost thou rely, that thou hast revolted against me?
Thou sayest—but it is a word of the lips—There is counsel and strength for war. Now on whom dost thou rely, that thou hast revolted against me?
Easy-to-Read Version
If you say, "I trust in power and great battle plans," then that is useless. Now I ask you, who do you trust so much that you are willing to rebel against me?
If you say, "I trust in power and great battle plans," then that is useless. Now I ask you, who do you trust so much that you are willing to rebel against me?
George Lamsa Translation
You have said that you are a good speaker and that you have counsel and strength for war. Now on whom do you trust, that you have rebelled against me?
You have said that you are a good speaker and that you have counsel and strength for war. Now on whom do you trust, that you have rebelled against me?
Good News Translation
He demanded, "Do you think that words can take the place of military skill and might? Who do you think will help you rebel against Assyria?
He demanded, "Do you think that words can take the place of military skill and might? Who do you think will help you rebel against Assyria?
Lexham English Bible
You think only a word of lips, ‘I have advice and power for the war.' Now, on whom do you trust that you have rebelled against me?
You think only a word of lips, ‘I have advice and power for the war.' Now, on whom do you trust that you have rebelled against me?
Literal Translation
Do you say that a mere word of the lips is counsel and strength for battle; now, on whom have you trusted that you have rebelled against me?
Do you say that a mere word of the lips is counsel and strength for battle; now, on whom have you trusted that you have rebelled against me?
Miles Coverdale Bible (1535)
Thinkest thou, yt thou hast yet councell and power to fighte? Where vnto trustest thou then, that thou art fallen of fro me?
Thinkest thou, yt thou hast yet councell and power to fighte? Where vnto trustest thou then, that thou art fallen of fro me?
American Standard Version
Thou sayest (but they are but vain words), There is counsel and strength for the war. Now on whom dost thou trust, that thou hast rebelled against me?
Thou sayest (but they are but vain words), There is counsel and strength for the war. Now on whom dost thou trust, that thou hast rebelled against me?
Bible in Basic English
You say you have a design, and strength for war, but these are only words. Now to whom are you looking for support, that you have gone against my authority?
You say you have a design, and strength for war, but these are only words. Now to whom are you looking for support, that you have gone against my authority?
Bishop's Bible (1568)
Thou thinkest surely I haue eloquece, but counsell and strength are for the warre: On whom then doest thou trust, that thou rebellest against me?
Thou thinkest surely I haue eloquece, but counsell and strength are for the warre: On whom then doest thou trust, that thou rebellest against me?
JPS Old Testament (1917)
Sayest thou that a mere word of the lips is counsel and strength for the war? Now on whom dost thou trust, that thou hast rebelled against me?
Sayest thou that a mere word of the lips is counsel and strength for the war? Now on whom dost thou trust, that thou hast rebelled against me?
King James Version (1611)
Thou sayest, (but they are but vaine words) I haue counsell and strength for the warre: now on whom doest thou trust, that thou rebellest against me?
Thou sayest, (but they are but vaine words) I haue counsell and strength for the warre: now on whom doest thou trust, that thou rebellest against me?
Brenton's Septuagint (LXX)
Thou hast said, (but they are mere words,)I have counsel and strength for war. Now then in whom dost thou trust, that thou hast revolted from me?
Thou hast said, (but they are mere words,)I have counsel and strength for war. Now then in whom dost thou trust, that thou hast revolted from me?
English Revised Version
Thou sayest, but they are but vain words, [There is] counsel and strength for the war. Now on whom dost thou trust, that thou hast rebelled against me?
Thou sayest, but they are but vain words, [There is] counsel and strength for the war. Now on whom dost thou trust, that thou hast rebelled against me?
Wycliffe Bible (1395)
In hap thou hast take counsel, that thou woldist make thee redi to batel. In whom tristist thou, that thou be hardi to rebelle?
In hap thou hast take counsel, that thou woldist make thee redi to batel. In whom tristist thou, that thou be hardi to rebelle?
Young's Literal Translation
Thou hast said: Only a word of the lips! counsel and might [are] for battle; now, on whom hast thou trusted that thou hast rebelled against me?
Thou hast said: Only a word of the lips! counsel and might [are] for battle; now, on whom hast thou trusted that thou hast rebelled against me?
Update Bible Version
You say (but they are but vain words), [There is] counsel and strength for the war. Now on whom do you trust, that you have rebelled against me?
You say (but they are but vain words), [There is] counsel and strength for the war. Now on whom do you trust, that you have rebelled against me?
Webster's Bible Translation
Thou sayest, but [they are but] vain words, I [have] counsel and strength for the war. Now in whom dost thou trust, that thou rebellest against me?
Thou sayest, but [they are but] vain words, I [have] counsel and strength for the war. Now in whom dost thou trust, that thou rebellest against me?
New King James Version
You speak of having plans and power for war; but they are mere words. And in whom do you trust, that you rebel against me?
You speak of having plans and power for war; but they are mere words. And in whom do you trust, that you rebel against me?
New Living Translation
Do you think that mere words can substitute for military skill and strength? Who are you counting on, that you have rebelled against me?
Do you think that mere words can substitute for military skill and strength? Who are you counting on, that you have rebelled against me?
New Life Bible
You say with empty words, ‘I have wisdom and strength for war.' On whom do you trust, that you have turned against me?
You say with empty words, ‘I have wisdom and strength for war.' On whom do you trust, that you have turned against me?
New Revised Standard
Do you think that mere words are strategy and power for war? On whom do you now rely, that you have rebelled against me?
Do you think that mere words are strategy and power for war? On whom do you now rely, that you have rebelled against me?
J.B. Rotherham Emphasized Bible
Thou hast said - they are only words of the lips! - Counsel and might have I for the war. Now, in whom dost thou trust, that thou hast rebelled against me?
Thou hast said - they are only words of the lips! - Counsel and might have I for the war. Now, in whom dost thou trust, that thou hast rebelled against me?
Douay-Rheims Bible
Perhaps thou hast taken counsel, to prepare thyself for battle. On whom dost thou trust, that thou darest to rebel?
Perhaps thou hast taken counsel, to prepare thyself for battle. On whom dost thou trust, that thou darest to rebel?
Revised Standard Version
Do you think that mere words are strategy and power for war? On whom do you now rely, that you have rebelled against me?
Do you think that mere words are strategy and power for war? On whom do you now rely, that you have rebelled against me?
New American Standard Bible (1995)
"You say (but they are only empty words), 'I have counsel and strength for the war.' Now on whom do you rely, that you have rebelled against me?
"You say (but they are only empty words), 'I have counsel and strength for the war.' Now on whom do you rely, that you have rebelled against me?
Contextual Overview
17 The king of Assyria sent out his supreme commander, his chief officer, and his field commander. They went with a large army from Lachish to King Hezekiah in Jerusalem. When they came near the waterway from the upper pool on the road where people do their laundry, they stopped. 18 They called for the king, so the king sent Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah out to meet them. Eliakim son of Hilkiah was the palace manager, Shebna was the royal secretary, and Joah son of Asaph was the recorder. 19 The field commander said to them, "Tell Hezekiah this: "‘The great king, the king of Assyria, says: What can you trust in now? 20 You say you have battle plans and power for war, but your words mean nothing. Whom are you trusting for help so that you turn against me? 21 Look, you are depending on Egypt to help you, but Egypt is like a splintered walking stick. If you lean on it for help, it will stab your hand and hurt you. The king of Egypt will hurt all those who depend on him. 22 You might say, "We are depending on the Lord our God," but Hezekiah destroyed the Lord 's altars and the places of worship. Hezekiah told Judah and Jerusalem, "You must worship only at this one altar in Jerusalem." 23 "‘Now make an agreement with my master, the king of Assyria: I will give you two thousand horses if you can find enough men to ride them. 24 You cannot defeat one of my master's least important officers, so why do you depend on Egypt to give you chariots and horsemen? 25 I have not come to attack and destroy this place without an order from the Lord . The Lord himself told me to come to this country and destroy it.'" 26 Then Eliakim son of Hilkiah, Shebna, and Joah said to the field commander, "Please speak to us in the Aramaic language. We understand it. Don't speak to us in Hebrew, because the people on the city wall can hear you."
Bible Verse Review
from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge
sayest: or, talkest
vain words: Heb. word of the lips, I have counsel and strength for the war. or, but counsel and strength are for the war. Proverbs 21:30, Proverbs 21:31
rebellest: 2 Kings 18:14
Reciprocal: Exodus 5:9 - vain words 2 Kings 18:7 - rebelled 2 Chronicles 32:1 - king of Assyria 2 Chronicles 32:3 - took counsel Ezra 4:12 - rebellious Isaiah 33:8 - he regardeth Luke 14:31 - General Ephesians 5:6 - vain
Cross-References
Genesis 4:10
Then the Lord said, "What have you done? Your brother's blood is crying out to me from the ground.
Then the Lord said, "What have you done? Your brother's blood is crying out to me from the ground.
Genesis 13:13
Now the people of Sodom were very evil and were always sinning against the Lord .
Now the people of Sodom were very evil and were always sinning against the Lord .
Genesis 19:13
because we are about to destroy this city. The Lord has heard of all the evil that is here, so he has sent us to destroy it."
because we are about to destroy this city. The Lord has heard of all the evil that is here, so he has sent us to destroy it."
Isaiah 3:9
The look on their faces shows they are guilty; like the people of Sodom, they are proud of their sin. They don't care who sees it. How terrible it will be for them, because they have brought much trouble on themselves.
The look on their faces shows they are guilty; like the people of Sodom, they are proud of their sin. They don't care who sees it. How terrible it will be for them, because they have brought much trouble on themselves.
Isaiah 5:7
The vineyard belonging to the Lord All-Powerful is the nation of Israel; the garden that he loves is the people of Judah. He looked for justice, but there was only killing. He hoped for right living, but there were only cries of pain.
The vineyard belonging to the Lord All-Powerful is the nation of Israel; the garden that he loves is the people of Judah. He looked for justice, but there was only killing. He hoped for right living, but there were only cries of pain.
Jeremiah 14:7
We know that we suffer because of our sins. Lord , do something to help us for the good of your name. We have left you many times; we have sinned against you.
We know that we suffer because of our sins. Lord , do something to help us for the good of your name. We have left you many times; we have sinned against you.
James 5:4
The pay you did not give the workers who mowed your fields cries out against you, and the cries of the workers have been heard by the Lord All-Powerful.
The pay you did not give the workers who mowed your fields cries out against you, and the cries of the workers have been heard by the Lord All-Powerful.
Gill's Notes on the Bible
:-
Barnes' Notes on the Bible
Hezekiah no doubt believed that in the “counsel” of Eliakim and Isaiah, and in the “strength” promised him by Egypt, he had resources which justified him in provoking a war.
Vain words - literally, as in margin, i. e., a mere word, to which the facts do not correspond.
