Old Testament
2 Kings 18:21
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, the message is clear: relying on Egypt for help is a mistake.
- Author
- Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 560 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Look at you — leaning on Egypt for support! Egypt is nothing but a splintered reed. If you lean on it, it stabs right through your hand. That's exactly what Pharaoh king of Egypt is to everyone who trusts him.
Now, behold, thou trustest upon the staff of this bruised reed, even upon Egypt, on which if a man lean, it will go into his hand, and pierce it: so is Pharaoh king of Egypt unto all that trust on him.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the message is clear: relying on Egypt for help is a mistake. Egypt is compared to a broken reed, which seems sturdy but is actually weak and dangerous. If you lean on it, it will hurt you. This is a warning about trusting in unreliable sources for support. The king of Egypt, Pharaoh, represents false security. People who depend on him will find themselves disappointed and hurt. The imagery of a splintered reed illustrates how fragile and untrustworthy such alliances can be. Instead of finding strength, those who trust in Egypt will only experience pain. This verse encourages us to seek true and reliable sources of support in our lives, rather than those that will ultimately let us down. It’s a reminder to evaluate where we place our trust and to choose wisely, ensuring that our foundations are solid and dependable, not fragile and harmful. Trusting in the right things can lead to safety and security, while misplaced trust can lead to injury and disappointment. Explore related consequences.
Related Bible verses
How to apply 2 Kings 18:21 to your life
Consider where you place your trust in life. Are you relying on things or people that may let you down? Seek out reliable sources of support, whether they are friends, family, or principles that have proven to be strong. Make choices that lead to safety and security, avoiding fragile alliances that can cause harm. Trust wisely to avoid disappointment and pain in your journey ahead. “Trust in the right things.” “Choose wisely.”
Curated for this public verse page. 2 Kings Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 2 Kings 18:21 mean?
2 Kings 18:21 warns against relying on Egypt for support, comparing it to a broken reed that appears strong but is actually weak and harmful. Trusting in Egypt, represented by Pharaoh, leads to disappointment and injury.
What is the meaning of 'splintered reed' in 2 Kings 18:21?
The 'splintered reed' in 2 Kings 18:21 symbolizes something that seems sturdy but is actually fragile and dangerous. Leaning on it for support will result in harm, illustrating the risks of misplaced trust.
How does 2 Kings 18:21 apply to modern life?
2 Kings 18:21 encourages individuals to evaluate where they place their trust in life. It suggests avoiding reliance on unreliable people or systems that may lead to disappointment and instead seeking solid, dependable support.
What themes are present in 2 Kings 18:21?
The themes in 2 Kings 18:21 include trust, reliability, false security, and the consequences of misplaced faith. It highlights the importance of wisdom in choosing whom or what to rely on for support.
The Book of 2 Kings
2 Kings 1: Elijah’s Final Prophecy
The book of 2 Kings opens with the reign of Ahaziah, Ahab’s son and successor, who continues his father’s wicked ways. After falling through a lattice in his upper chamber, Ahaziah is seriously injured. Instead of inquiring of the Lord of Israel, he sends messengers to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, whether he will recover. The prophet Elijah is sent by an angel to intercept the messengers. He confronts them with the question, “Is it not because there is not a God in Israel, that ye go to enquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron?” and delivers a message of judgment: Ahaziah will not recover but will surely die.
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