Isaiah 36:11 Meaning and Explanation
“Then said Eliakim and Shebna and Joah unto Rabshakeh, Speak, I pray thee, unto thy servants in the Syrian language; for we understand it: and speak not to us in the Jews' language, in the ears of the people that are on the wall.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Hezekiah's officials ask Rabshakeh to speak in Aramaic rather than Hebrew, to prevent the common people on the walls from hearing his threats.
The Context of Isaiah 36:11
Hezekiah's officials ask Rabshakeh to speak Aramaic to prevent the people on the walls from hearing his threats.
What Does Isaiah 36:11 Mean?
The officials have allowed Rabshakeh to deliver his entire message in Hebrew, presumably hoping to contain damage. Now they recognize the danger: if Rabshakeh continues in Hebrew for all to hear, his psychological assault will demoralize the people defending the city. By asking him to speak Aramaic (the diplomatic language of the region), they hope to move the negotiation to a private conversation between government representatives rather than a public address.
This request reveals the officials' concern about morale and shows political shrewdness. They are not rejecting Rabshakeh's message outright but attempting to manage its spread. The request also indicates that Syria (Aramaic speakers) are familiar with Judah and its language. The officials want to preserve Jerusalem's will to resist by preventing ordinary soldiers and citizens from hearing the full weight of Rabshakeh's threats.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 36:11
What does Isaiah 36:11 mean?
Hezekiah's officials ask Rabshakeh to speak in Aramaic rather than Hebrew, to prevent the common people on the walls from hearing his threats.
What is the context of Isaiah 36:11?
Hezekiah's officials ask Rabshakeh to speak Aramaic to prevent the people on the walls from hearing his threats.