Isaiah 36:11
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.
Original Language Analysis
תְּדַבֵּ֤ר
Speak
H1696
תְּדַבֵּ֤ר
Speak
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
7 of 23
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
נָ֤א
H4994
נָ֤א
Strong's:
H4994
Word #:
8 of 23
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
12 of 23
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
שֹׁמְעִ֖ים
for we understand
H8085
שֹׁמְעִ֖ים
for we understand
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
13 of 23
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
וְאַל
H408
וְאַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
15 of 23
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תְּדַבֵּ֤ר
Speak
H1696
תְּדַבֵּ֤ר
Speak
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
16 of 23
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
אֵלֵ֙ינוּ֙
H413
יְהוּדִ֔ית
not to us in the Jews' language
H3066
יְהוּדִ֔ית
not to us in the Jews' language
Strong's:
H3066
Word #:
18 of 23
the jewish (used adverbially) language
בְּאָזְנֵ֣י
in the ears
H241
בְּאָזְנֵ֣י
in the ears
Strong's:
H241
Word #:
19 of 23
broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)
הָעָ֔ם
of the people
H5971
הָעָ֔ם
of the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
20 of 23
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
21 of 23
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Cross References
Ezra 4:7And in the days of Artaxerxes wrote Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the rest of their companions, unto Artaxerxes king of Persia; and the writing of the letter was written in the Syrian tongue, and interpreted in the Syrian tongue.Daniel 2:4Then spake the Chaldeans to the king in Syriack, O king, live for ever: tell thy servants the dream, and we will shew the interpretation.
Historical Context
Aramaic was the international language of diplomacy and trade in the ancient Near East. Most common people in Judah spoke only Hebrew.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we protect the spiritually vulnerable from demoralizing influences?
- What responsibility do leaders have to shield their people from destructive messaging?
- When is it appropriate to limit exposure to enemy propaganda?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The officials' request to speak in "Syrian" (Aramaic) rather than "Jews' language" (Hebrew) shows concern for public morale. They recognize Rabshakeh's speech is aimed at the people on the wall, not just the negotiating team. Aramaic was the diplomatic lingua franca, understood by educated officials but not common people. The request reveals wisdom in protecting the vulnerable from demoralizing propaganda. However, Rabshakeh will deliberately reject this request to maximize psychological impact.