21 But the people remained silent and said nothing in reply, because the king had commanded, “Do not answer him.”

21 But they held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king’s commandment was, saying, Answer him not.

21 But the people were silent and did not utter a word because Hezekiah had commanded them, “Do not answer him.”

21 But they held their peace and answered him not a word; for the king’s commandment was, “Do not answer him.”

21 The people were silent. They didn’t answer the commander at all, because King Hezekiah had ordered, “Don’t answer him.”

21 But they held their peace, and answered him not a word; for the king’s commandment was, saying, Answer him not.

21 And they were silent, and answered him not a word; for the king’s command was, saying, Answer him not.

21 They were silent and didn’t say anything to him because the king commanded them not to answer him. 

21 But they kept silent; they didn’t say anything, for the king’s command was, “Don’t answer him.”

21 But they were silent and answered him not a word, for the king’s command was, “Do not answer him.”

21 But they were silent and did not answer him a word, for the command of the king was, “You must not answer him.”

21 But the people remained silent. They didn’t say anything. That’s because King Hezekiah had commanded, “Don’t answer him.”

21 But they were silent and answered him not a word; for the king’s commandment was, “Do not answer him.”