Old Testament

2 Chronicles 32:18

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

Then the messengers shouted in Hebrew to the people of Jerusalem standing on the wall, trying to terrify and demoralize them so they could capture the city.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

Then they cried with a loud voice in the Jews’ speech unto the people of Jerusalem that were on the wall, to affright them, and to trouble them; that they might take the city.

What 2 Chronicles 32:18 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In this moment, messengers shouted in Hebrew to the people of Jerusalem who were on the city wall. Their goal was to instill fear and hopelessness among the defenders. By using their own language, they aimed to make their threats more personal and impactful. The messengers wanted to demoralize the people, making them feel vulnerable and ready to surrender. This tactic was meant to weaken the resolve of the defenders, making it easier for the attackers to seize control of the city. It highlights how fear can be used as a weapon in times of conflict. The people on the wall faced a choice: to succumb to fear or to stand firm in their faith and courage. This scene serves as a reminder of the power of words and the importance of resilience in the face of intimidation. It encourages us to remain steadfast, even when confronted with overwhelming challenges and threats to our security and peace of mind. We can find strength in unity and faith, resisting the urge to give in to fear.

How to apply 2 Chronicles 32:18 to your life

When faced with intimidation or fear, remember that you have the power to choose your response. Stand firm in your beliefs and support one another. Surround yourself with people who uplift you and encourage resilience. Together, you can overcome challenges and maintain your strength in difficult times. Don't let fear dictate your actions or decisions.

Curated for this public verse page. 2 Chronicles Summary

Explore more of the Bible

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of Lamech holding his newborn son Noah outside a tent, with a plow and tools lying on the ground nearby

Illustrated scene from Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Noah

An old color photograph of Nablus in a green valley below Mount Gerizim, with people resting on rocks in front.

Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Shechem

Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about 2 Chronicles 32:18

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying 2 Chronicles 32:18

At a Glance — the Book of 2 Chronicles

Author
Traditionally attributed to Ezra
Written
Around 430 BC
Genre
Historical narrative
Original Audience
Post-exilic Jews

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does 2 Chronicles 32:18 mean?

2 Chronicles 32:18 describes how messengers shouted threats in Hebrew to the people of Jerusalem on the city wall. Their intent was to instill fear and demoralize the defenders, making it easier for the attackers to capture the city.

What is the significance of the language used in 2 Chronicles 32:18?

The use of Hebrew by the messengers in 2 Chronicles 32:18 was significant because it made their threats more personal and impactful to the defenders. Speaking in their own language aimed to terrify the people of Jerusalem and weaken their resolve.

What tactics are highlighted in 2 Chronicles 32:18?

2 Chronicles 32:18 highlights the tactic of using fear to intimidate and demoralize an opponent. The messengers aimed to disrupt the morale of the defenders on the wall, showcasing how psychological warfare can be employed in conflict.

What can we learn from 2 Chronicles 32:18 about facing fear?

From 2 Chronicles 32:18, we learn that fear can be used as a weapon against us, but we have the choice to stand firm in our beliefs. It encourages resilience and unity in the face of intimidation.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.