Isaiah 36:21
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
But they held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king's commandment was, saying, Answer him not.
American King James Version (AKJV)
But they held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king's commandment was, saying, Answer him not.
American Standard Version (ASV)
But they held their peace, and answered him not a word; for the king's commandment was, saying, Answer him not.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
But they kept quiet and gave him no answer: for the king's order was, Give him no answer.
Webster's Revision
But they held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king's commandment was, saying, Answer him not.
World English Bible
But they remained silent, and said nothing in reply, for the king's commandment was, "Don't answer him."
English Revised Version (ERV)
But they held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king's commandment was, saying, Answer him not.
Clarke's Isaiah 36:21 Bible Commentary
But they held their peace "But the people held their peace" - The word העם haam, the people, is supplied from the other copy, and is authorized by a MS. which inserts it after אתו otho.
Barnes's Isaiah 36:21 Bible Commentary
But they held their peace - Hezekiah had commanded them not to answer. They were simply to hear what Rabshakeh had to propose, and to report to him, that he might decide on what course to pursue. It was a case also in which it was every way proper that they should be silent. There was so much insolence, self-confidence, blasphemy, the proposals were so degrading, and the claims were so arrogant, that it was not proper that they should enter into conference, or listen a moment to the terms proposed. Their minds also were so horror-stricken with the language of insolence and blasphemy, and their hearts so pained by the circumstances of the city, that they would not feel like replying to him. There are circumstances when it is proper to maintain a profound silence in the presence of revilers and blasphemers, and when we should withdraw from them, and go and spread the case before the Lord. This was done here Isaiah 37:1, and the result showed that this was the course of wisdom.