Old Testament
2 Kings 18:31
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 king of Assyria is trying to persuade the people of Jerusalem to abandon their leader, Hezekiah.
- Author
- Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 560 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Stop listening to Hezekiah!' The king of Assyria says: 'Make peace with me and surrender. Then each of you will eat from your own grapevine and your own fig tree, and drink water from your own well,
Hearken not to Hezekiah: for thus saith the king of Assyria, Make an agreement with me by a present, and come out to me, and then eat ye every man of his own vine, and every one of his fig tree, and drink ye every one the waters of his cistern:
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the king of Assyria is trying to persuade the people of Jerusalem to abandon their leader, Hezekiah. He offers them a tempting deal: if they surrender, they can enjoy the comforts of their own homes, eating from their vineyards and drinking from their wells. This message is designed to create doubt and fear among the people, making them question their loyalty to Hezekiah. The Assyrian king wants them to see surrender as a way to secure their own well-being. It’s a classic tactic of intimidation, where the enemy tries to undermine the confidence of those who are standing firm. The promise of peace and personal comfort can be very appealing, especially in times of crisis. However, it’s important to recognize that such offers often come with strings attached, leading to loss of freedom and identity. The challenge is to discern between genuine safety and the false security offered by those who seek to control us. This moment highlights the struggle between faithfulness and the allure of compromise.
Related Bible verses
How to apply 2 Kings 18:31 to your life
When faced with difficult choices, we may encounter tempting offers that promise comfort and security. It's crucial to evaluate these offers carefully, considering the long-term consequences. Staying true to our values and beliefs can lead to greater fulfillment than any quick fix. Trusting in our principles can guide us through tough times without compromising our integrity. We must choose wisely in moments of pressure and uncertainty.
Curated for this public verse page. 2 Kings Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 2 Kings 18:31 mean?
In 2 Kings 18:31, the king of Assyria is urging the people of Jerusalem to abandon their leader, Hezekiah, by offering them a tempting deal of peace and comfort if they surrender. This verse illustrates the tactics of intimidation used by enemies to create doubt and fear among those who are loyal.
What does 'make peace with me and surrender' imply in this context?
The phrase 'make peace with me and surrender' implies that the Assyrian king is trying to persuade the people to give up their resistance in exchange for safety and the comforts of home, highlighting the pressure they face during a crisis.
How does 2 Kings 18:31 relate to themes of temptation and faithfulness?
2 Kings 18:31 relates to themes of temptation and faithfulness by showing how the promise of comfort can tempt individuals to compromise their values, challenging them to remain loyal to their beliefs despite the allure of an easier path.
What can we learn from the intimidation tactics in 2 Kings 18:31?
From the intimidation tactics in 2 Kings 18:31, we learn the importance of discernment in the face of pressure. It teaches us to evaluate tempting offers carefully and to prioritize our integrity and values over short-term gains.

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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