רַבְשָׁקֵה (rav.sha.qeh)
rav.sha.qeh
Rabshakeh
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 16 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Rabshakeh identifies a high-ranking official serving during the era of the Divided Monarchy. First appearing in 2 Kings 18:17, he is described as the chief cupbearer or head officer in the Assyrian court. His title reflects a position of significant trust and authority within the royal administration.
He appears most prominently in the conflict between King Hezekiah of Judah and the Assyrian empire. The biblical narrative portrays him as the spokesperson who challenges Jerusalem’s faith, mocking the hope placed in God rather than military strength. This interaction highlights his role not just as a soldier, but as a propagandist using psychological warfare to break the spirit of the defenders.
While the name itself is a proper noun, its occurrence in Scripture carries weight because of the context. Rabshakeh serves as a foil for Hezekiah’s reliance on divine protection. The texts use his arrogant words to underscore the tension between earthly power and spiritual trust, making him a memorable figure in the historical accounts of Isaiah and Kings.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Rabshakeh appears in the Bible as a high-ranking Assyrian official who confronted King Hezekiah. His role was not merely military but psychological, using intimidation to break the faith of Jerusalem’s defenders. This story reminds us that spiritual battles often involve pressures designed to make us doubt God’s protection.
When facing overwhelming odds or hostile voices, it is natural to feel fear. Yet this account shows that trust in God does not depend on our strength but on His faithfulness. Hezekiah responded by seeking the Lord rather than relying on political alliances alone.
This word encourages believers today to stand firm when circumstances seem dire. It invites us to remember that no threat, however loud or powerful, can override God’s purpose for those who seek Him in prayer and humility.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 16 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- commander16×
- [the] chief16×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- רַב\־16×
- שָׁקֵ֗ה6×
- שָׁקֵ֔ה6×
- שָׁקֵ֨ה2×
- שָׁקֵֽה\׃\ \ס1×
- שָׁקֵֽה\׃1×
Key Verses
-
II Kings 18:19
Rabshakeh said to them, “Say now to Hezekiah, ‘The great king, the king of Assyria, says, “What confidence is this in which you trust?
Rabshakeh uses this question to undermine Hezekiah's trust, framing reliance on God as foolishness compared to military power.
-
Isaiah 36:4
Rabshakeh said to them, “Now tell Hezekiah, ‘The great king, the king of Assyria, says, “What confidence is this in which you trust?
The parallel account in Isaiah highlights how the same challenge was repeated to reinforce the psychological pressure on Judah.
-
II Kings 19:4
It may be Yahweh your God will hear all the words of Rabshakeh, whom the king of Assyria his master has sent to defy the living God, and will rebuke the words which Yahweh your God has heard. Therefore lift up your prayer for the remnant that is left.’”
This verse shows Hezekiah’s response, turning Rabshakeh’s defiance into an opportunity for prayer and divine intervention.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Rabshakeh mean?
Why does Rabshakeh appear in both Kings and Isaiah?
How did Hezekiah respond to Rabshakeh?
Every Occurrence (16 verses across 2 books)
II Kings 8 verses
The king of Assyria sent Tartan, Rabsaris, and Rabshakeh from Lachish to King Hezekiah with a great army to Jerusalem.…
II Kings 18:19Rabshakeh said to them, “Say now to Hezekiah, ‘The great king, the king of Assyria, says, “What confidence is this in…
II Kings 18:26Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, Shebnah, and Joah, said to Rabshakeh, “Please speak to your servants in the Syrian…
II Kings 18:27But Rabshakeh said to them, “Has my master sent me to your master and to you, to speak these words? Hasn’t he sent me…
II Kings 18:28Then Rabshakeh stood and cried with a loud voice in the Jews’ language, and spoke, saying, “Hear the word of the great…
II Kings 18:37Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, came with Shebna the scribe and Joah the son of Asaph the…
II Kings 19:4It may be Yahweh your God will hear all the words of Rabshakeh, whom the king of Assyria his master has sent to defy…
II Kings 19:8So Rabshakeh returned and found the king of Assyria warring against Libnah; for he had heard that he had departed from…