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Young's Literal Translation
2 Kings 18:20
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?
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Bible Study Resources
Concordances:
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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?
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 And the king of Asshur sendeth Tartan, and the chief of the eunuchs, and the chief of the butlers, from Lachish, unto king Hezekiah, with a heavy force, to Jerusalem, and they go up and come in to Jerusalem, and they go up, and come in and stand by the conduit of the upper pool that [is] in the highway of the fuller's field. 18 And they call unto the king, and go out unto them doth Eliakim son of Hilkiah, who [is] over the house, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah son of Asaph the remembrancer. 19 And the chief of the butlers saith unto them, `Say, I pray you, unto Hezekiah, Thus said the great king, the king of Asshur, What [is] this confidence in which thou hast confided? 20 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? 21 `Now, lo, thou hast trusted for thee on the staff of this broken reed, on Egypt; which a man leaneth on, and it hath gone into his hand, and pierced it! -- so [is] Pharaoh king of Egypt to all those trusting on him. 22 `And when ye say unto me, Unto Jehovah our God we have trusted, is it not He whose high places and whose altars Hezekiah hath turned aside, and saith to Judah and to Jerusalem, Before this altar do ye bow yourselves in Jerusalem? 23 `And, now, give a pledge for thee, I pray thee, to my lord the king of Asshur, and I give to thee two thousand horses, if thou art able to give for thee riders on them. 24 And how dost thou turn back the face of one captain of the least of the servants of my lord, that thou dost trust for thee on Egypt for chariot, and for horsemen? 25 Now, without Jehovah have I come up against this place to destroy it? Jehovah said unto me, Go up against this land, and thou hast destroyed it.' 26 And Eliakim son of Hilkiah saith -- and Shebna, and Joah -- to the chief of the butlers, `Speak, we pray thee, unto thy servants [in] Aramaean, for we are understanding, and do not speak with us [in] Jewish, in the ears of the people who [are] on the wall.'
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
And He saith, `What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood is crying unto Me from the ground;
And He saith, `What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood is crying unto Me from the ground;
Genesis 13:13
and the men of Sodom [are] evil, and sinners before Jehovah exceedingly.
and the men of Sodom [are] evil, and sinners before Jehovah exceedingly.
Genesis 19:13
for we are destroying this place, for their cry hath been great [before] the face of Jehovah, and Jehovah doth send us to destroy it.'
for we are destroying this place, for their cry hath been great [before] the face of Jehovah, and Jehovah doth send us to destroy it.'
Isaiah 3:9
The appearance of their faces witnessed against them, And their sin, as Sodom, they declared, They have not hidden! Wo to their soul, For they have done to themselves evil.
The appearance of their faces witnessed against them, And their sin, as Sodom, they declared, They have not hidden! Wo to their soul, For they have done to themselves evil.
Isaiah 5:7
Because the vineyard of Jehovah of Hosts [Is] the house of Israel, And the man of Judah His pleasant plant, And He waiteth for judgment, and lo, oppression, For righteousness, and lo, a cry.
Because the vineyard of Jehovah of Hosts [Is] the house of Israel, And the man of Judah His pleasant plant, And He waiteth for judgment, and lo, oppression, For righteousness, and lo, a cry.
Jeremiah 14:7
Surely our iniquities have testified against us, O Jehovah, work for Thy name's sake, For many have been our backslidings, Against Thee we have sinned.
Surely our iniquities have testified against us, O Jehovah, work for Thy name's sake, For many have been our backslidings, Against Thee we have sinned.
James 5:4
lo, the reward of the workmen, of those who in-gathered your fields, which hath been fraudulently kept back by you -- doth cry out, and the exclamations of those who did reap into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth have entered;
lo, the reward of the workmen, of those who in-gathered your fields, which hath been fraudulently kept back by you -- doth cry out, and the exclamations of those who did reap into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth have entered;
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.