Old Testament
Isaiah 36:11
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Then Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah said to Rabshakeh, "Please speak to us in Aramaic — we understand it. Don't speak to us in Hebrew where the people on the wall can hear you."
Compare translations
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.
What Isaiah 36:11 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah are speaking to Rabshakeh, who is a messenger from the Assyrian king. They request him to speak in Aramaic, a language they understand, rather than Hebrew, which the people on the wall can hear. Their concern is that if Rabshakeh speaks in Hebrew, the soldiers and citizens listening might be frightened or demoralized by the threats being made. This moment highlights the tension and fear surrounding the siege of Jerusalem, as well as the importance of communication in times of crisis. The leaders are trying to protect their people from panic and maintain morale by controlling the information that is shared publicly. This request also reflects their understanding of the political and psychological warfare being waged against them, as Rabshakeh's words could have a significant impact on the morale of the people.
How to apply Isaiah 36:11 to your life
In our lives, we often face situations where communication can influence the emotions and reactions of those around us. It is important to choose our words wisely, especially in sensitive situations, to avoid unnecessary fear or panic. Being mindful of how we communicate can help maintain peace and understanding.
Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah 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.
Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. 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.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
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 PlansAsk AI about Isaiah 36:11
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 Isaiah 36:11
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Isaiah
- Author
- Isaiah the prophet
- Written
- Around 700 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah and the surrounding nations
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Isaiah 36:11 mean?
Isaiah 36:11 describes a moment when Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah ask Rabshakeh to speak in Aramaic instead of Hebrew. They are concerned that speaking Hebrew would frighten the people on the wall, highlighting the importance of communication during a crisis.
What is the significance of speaking in Aramaic in Isaiah 36:11?
Speaking in Aramaic allowed Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah to control the conversation and protect the morale of the people. By requesting Rabshakeh to use a language they understood, they aimed to prevent panic among those listening.
How does Isaiah 36:11 relate to leadership?
In Isaiah 36:11, the leaders demonstrate effective communication skills by trying to protect their people from fear. Their request to Rabshakeh shows the importance of thoughtful communication in leadership, especially in crisis situations.
What themes are present in Isaiah 36:11?
Key themes in Isaiah 36:11 include communication, fear, leadership, and psychological warfare. The verse emphasizes how words can influence emotions and the importance of managing information during stressful times.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.