What was Syrian?

In Isaiah 36, the term “Syrian” refers to the people and language of Aram, a region and ancient kingdom located in modern-day Syria. The Hebrew word used is אֲרָמִי (Aramiy), which is typically translated as “Syrian” in older English translations such as the King James Version, though more modern versions like the NIV often render it as “Aramaic.” It does not describe a single person, but rather an ethnic and linguistic identity connected to the nation of Aram, centered around Damascus.

In Isaiah 36:11, three Judean officials—Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah—ask the Assyrian commander (the Rabshakeh) to speak to them in “Syrian” (Aramaic) instead of Hebrew so that the people listening on the wall would not understand and panic. This highlights not only the presence of multiple languages in the region but also the political and psychological warfare being used by the Assyrians during their siege of Jerusalem.

Biblical References and Cross-References

• Isaiah 36:11 – “Then Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah said to the field commander, ‘Please speak to your servants in Aramaic, since we understand it. Don’t speak to us in Hebrew in the hearing of the people on the wall.'” (NIV)

• 2 Kings 18:26 – A parallel account of the same event during the reign of Hezekiah.

• Daniel 2:4 – Marks the transition in the Book of Daniel from Hebrew to Aramaic, showing the language’s widespread use in official and imperial contexts.

• Ezra 4:7 – References documents written in Aramaic sent to King Artaxerxes of Persia.

Explanation of Events in Isaiah 36

The passage occurs during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah, around 701 B.C., when the Assyrian empire under King Sennacherib invaded Judah. The Assyrian field commander came to Jerusalem and began speaking loudly in Hebrew to frighten the people. The officials of Judah requested that he switch to “Syrian” (Aramaic), a diplomatic and imperial language known to the educated elite but not to the common people.

The Assyrian official refused and continued in Hebrew to demoralize the citizens. This interaction underscores the high-stakes nature of the Assyrian threat and the sophisticated propaganda used to instill fear.

Historical and Linguistic Context

Aram, or ancient Syria, was a significant power in the Near East prior to being overtaken by Assyria. Its language, Aramaic, became the lingua franca of the Near East due to its adoption by major empires like Assyria, Babylon, and Persia. By the time of Jesus, Aramaic had become the spoken language of everyday Jews in Palestine.

The use of Aramaic in Isaiah 36 signifies a cultural and political shift in how empires communicated. It shows the educated class’s ability to navigate these changes while highlighting the vulnerability of the common people to manipulation through public speech.

Theological Implications

The distinction between “Syrian” and “Hebrew” in Isaiah 36 is not merely linguistic but theological. It underscores how God‘s people are under siege, not only physically but ideologically. The Assyrian commander tried to undermine their trust in the Lord by speaking their own language. The officials’ request to speak in Aramaic reflects their desire to protect the people’s hearts from despair and deception.

This moment foreshadows the New Testament tension between worldly powers and the message of God’s sovereignty. Just as Assyria tried to instill fear through a foreign voice, Satan often speaks today through worldly channels to sow doubt in the promises of God.

How This Points to Jesus and the Gospel

Though Jesus spoke Aramaic during His earthly ministry (e.g., Talitha koum in Mark 5:41, Eloi, Eloi in Mark 15:34), He also confronted false kingdoms and false voices. Like the Assyrian in Isaiah 36, Satan tries to shout in our “native tongue” to cause fear and rebellion. But Jesus is the true Word who speaks peace to the heart of those who trust in God (John 14:27).

Moreover, the incident in Isaiah 36 highlights the importance of understanding truth versus manipulation—Jesus, the Word made flesh, speaks the truth that sets us free (John 8:32), even when the voices of this world speak loudly to distract or intimidate.

Broader Biblical Themes

• God’s Sovereignty Over Nations – Despite the Assyrian threats, God preserved Jerusalem in Hezekiah’s time (Isaiah 37), showing His ultimate control.

• The Power of Words and Language – Language can be used for truth or manipulation; God’s Word is the ultimate truth.

• Spiritual Warfare – Just as the Assyrian commander used fear to manipulate, Satan still uses fear and half-truths to sway believers.

• The Remnant’s Faithfulness – Hezekiah’s response and Isaiah’s prophecy remind believers to trust God even when outnumbered or outpowered.

• Christ as the True Messenger – In contrast to the arrogant Rabshakeh, Christ’s words bring life, hope, and truth.

Reflection Questions

1. In what ways do you hear the world “shouting in your language” to make you doubt God?

2. How can you discern between manipulative speech and the truth of God’s Word?

3. How does Jesus speak to your heart through Scripture when you are afraid?

4. What role does language and communication play in your witness to others?

5. When have you needed to rely on God even when surrounded by intimidating voices or circumstances?

6. How do you prepare your mind and heart to hear God’s voice above the noise of the world?

7. What can we learn from Hezekiah’s leaders about protecting the faith of others?

8. How does God’s protection of Jerusalem in Isaiah 36–37 encourage your faith today?

9. What parallels do you see between this Old Testament event and Jesus’ confrontation with Satan in the wilderness?

10. How can the truth of the gospel counter the lies spoken by today’s cultural or spiritual enemies?

The story of the “Syrian” language in Isaiah 36 reminds us that though powerful voices may seek to instill fear, God speaks a better Word—through His prophets, through His Son, and through His Spirit—calling His people to faith, not fear.