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New Life Version
2 Kings 18:20
You say with empty words, ‘I have wisdom and strength for war.' On whom do you trust, that you have turned against me?
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- 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 Century Version
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?
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?
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 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 Then the king of Assyria sent Tartan, Rab-saris and Rabshakeh with a large army from Lachish to King Hezekiah at Jerusalem. So they went up and came to Jerusalem. They came and stood by the ditch of the upper pool, which is on the road to the fuller's field. 18 When they called to the king, Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, and Shebnah, and Joah the son of Asaph came out to them. Eliakim was the head of the house. Shebnah was the writer, and Joah wrote down the things of the nation. 19 Rabshakeh said to them, "Say to Hezekiah, ‘This is what the great king of Assyria says. "What is this strength of heart that you have? 20 You say with empty words, ‘I have wisdom and strength for war.' On whom do you trust, that you have turned against me? 21 Look, you are trusting now in Egypt. It is a walking stick like a piece of broken river-grass. It will cut into a man's hand if he rests on it. So is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust in him. 22 You might tell me, ‘We trust in the Lord our God.' But is it not He Whose high places and altars Hezekiah has taken away? And has he not said to Judah and Jerusalem, ‘You must worship in front of this altar in Jerusalem'? 23 Come now, make an agreement with my ruler the king of Assyria. And I will give you 2,000 horses, if you are able to put horsemen on them. 24 How can you fight back one captain among the least of my ruler's servants, when you trust Egypt for war-wagons and horsemen? 25 Have I come up without the Lord against this place to destroy it? The Lord said to me, ‘Go up against this land and destroy it.'" 26 Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, and Shebnah, and Joah, said to Rabshakeh, "Speak to your servants in the Aramaic language, for we understand it. Do not speak with us in the language of Judah. The people on the wall might hear it."
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
The Lord said, "What have you done? The voice of your brother's blood is crying to Me from the ground.
The Lord said, "What have you done? The voice of your brother's blood is crying to Me from the ground.
Genesis 13:13
whose men were sinful, sinning against the Lord.
whose men were sinful, sinning against the Lord.
Genesis 19:13
For we are about to destroy this place. Because the cry against its people has become so loud to the Lord that the Lord has sent us to destroy it."
For we are about to destroy this place. Because the cry against its people has become so loud to the Lord that the Lord has sent us to destroy it."
Isaiah 3:9
The look on their faces speaks against them. They show their sin like Sodom. They do not even hide it. It is bad for them! For they have brought trouble upon themselves.
The look on their faces speaks against them. They show their sin like Sodom. They do not even hide it. It is bad for them! For they have brought trouble upon themselves.
Isaiah 5:7
For the grape-field of the Lord of All is the people of Israel, and the men of Judah are the vines He planted. So He looked for what is right and fair, but He saw blood poured out. He looked for what is right and good, but He heard a cry of those in trouble.
For the grape-field of the Lord of All is the people of Israel, and the men of Judah are the vines He planted. So He looked for what is right and fair, but He saw blood poured out. He looked for what is right and good, but He heard a cry of those in trouble.
Jeremiah 14:7
"Even when our sins speak against us, O Lord, do something for the good of Your name. For we have fallen away from You many times. We have sinned against You.
"Even when our sins speak against us, O Lord, do something for the good of Your name. For we have fallen away from You many times. We have sinned against You.
James 5:4
See! The men working in your fields are crying against you because you have kept back part of their pay. Their cries have been heard by the Lord Who hears His people.
See! The men working in your fields are crying against you because you have kept back part of their pay. Their cries have been heard by the Lord Who hears His people.
Gill's Notes on the Bible
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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.
