King James Version

What Does Isaiah 37:11 Mean?

Isaiah 37:11 in the King James Version says “Behold, thou hast heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all lands by destroying them utterly; and shalt thou be d... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 37 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Behold, thou hast heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all lands by destroying them utterly; and shalt thou be delivered?

Isaiah 37:11 · KJV


Context

9

And he heard say concerning Tirhakah king of Ethiopia, He is come forth to make war with thee. And when he heard it, he sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying,

10

Thus shall ye speak to Hezekiah king of Judah, saying, Let not thy God, in whom thou trustest, deceive thee, saying, Jerusalem shall not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.

11

Behold, thou hast heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all lands by destroying them utterly; and shalt thou be delivered?

12

Have the gods of the nations delivered them which my fathers have destroyed, as Gozan, and Haran, and Rezeph, and the children of Eden which were in Telassar?

13

Where is the king of Hamath, and the king of Arphad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivah?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The argument "Behold, thou hast heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all lands" appeals to empirical evidence—Assyria's unbroken record of conquest. The claim "by destroying them utterly" emphasizes total victory, leaving no room for hope. The rhetorical question "shalt thou be delivered?" assumes the obvious answer is no. This logical argument is actually fallacious—past patterns don't determine God's actions. What Assyria did to others is irrelevant when the Defender is YHWH.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Assyrian annals extensively document conquered kingdoms, creating psychological intimidation. Their military reputation was well-earned through brutal effectiveness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we answer when circumstances and history suggest our situation is hopeless?
  2. What is the error in assuming past patterns predict God's sovereign intervention?
  3. How does faith transcend logical probability based on natural circumstances?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
הִנֵּ֣ה׀1 of 12
H2009

lo!

אַתָּ֣ה2 of 12
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

שָׁמַ֗עְתָּ3 of 12

Behold thou hast heard

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֲשֶׁ֨ר4 of 12
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עָשׂ֜וּ5 of 12

have done

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

מַלְכֵ֥י6 of 12

what the kings

H4428

a king

אַשּׁ֛וּר7 of 12

of Assyria

H804

ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire

לְכָל8 of 12
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָאֲרָצ֖וֹת9 of 12

to all lands

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

לְהַחֲרִימָ֑ם10 of 12

by destroying them utterly

H2763

to seclude; specifically (by a ban) to devote to religious uses (especially destruction); physical and reflexive, to be blunt as to the nose

וְאַתָּ֖ה11 of 12
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

תִּנָּצֵֽל׃12 of 12

and shalt thou be delivered

H5337

to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Isaiah 37:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Isaiah 37:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study