King James Version

What Does Isaiah 37:14 Mean?

Isaiah 37:14 in the King James Version says “And Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up unto the house of th... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 37 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up unto the house of the LORD, and spread it before the LORD.

Isaiah 37:14 · KJV


Context

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?

14

And Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up unto the house of the LORD, and spread it before the LORD.

15

And Hezekiah prayed unto the LORD, saying,

16

O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, that dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth: thou hast made heaven and earth.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Hezekiah receiving the letter and reading it shows deliberate engagement with the threat—he doesn't ignore or minimize it but faces reality fully. Going "up unto the house of the LORD" demonstrates proper crisis response: bring the problem to God. The detail that Hezekiah "spread it before the LORD" is profound—physically displaying the threatening letter before God symbolizes complete transparency and trust. This action says, "Lord, You see what I see. I bring this to You."

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The temple was where God's presence dwelt between the cherubim above the ark. Bringing urgent matters to God's dwelling place demonstrated covenant relationship and expectation of divine help.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to "spread before the LORD" our troubles and fears?
  2. How does physically presenting problems to God in prayer demonstrate trust?
  3. What is your practice for bringing overwhelming circumstances to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַיִּקַּ֨ח1 of 14

received

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

חִזְקִיָּ֖הוּ2 of 14

And Hezekiah

H2396

chizkijah, a king of judah, also the name of two other israelites

אֶת3 of 14
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַסְּפָרִ֛ים4 of 14

the letter

H5612

properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book

מִיַּ֥ד5 of 14

from the hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

הַמַּלְאָכִ֖ים6 of 14

of the messengers

H4397

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

וַיִּקְרָאֵ֑הוּ7 of 14

and read

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

וַיַּ֙עַל֙8 of 14

went up

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

בֵּ֣ית9 of 14

unto the house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יְהוָֽה׃10 of 14

of the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וַיִּפְרְשֵׂ֥הוּ11 of 14

and spread

H6566

to break apart, disperse, etc

חִזְקִיָּ֖הוּ12 of 14

And Hezekiah

H2396

chizkijah, a king of judah, also the name of two other israelites

לִפְנֵ֥י13 of 14

it before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְהוָֽה׃14 of 14

of the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god


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 37:14 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 37:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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