King James Version

What Does Isaiah 37:16 Mean?

Isaiah 37:16 in the King James Version says “O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, that dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingd...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 37 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Isaiah 37:16 · KJV

Context

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.

17

Incline thine ear, O LORD, and hear; open thine eyes, O LORD, and see: and hear all the words of Sennacherib, which hath sent to reproach the living God.

18

Of a truth, LORD, the kings of Assyria have laid waste all the nations, and their countries, nations: Heb. lands

Read Isaiah 37 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The petition "Incline thine ear, O LORD" and "open thine eyes" uses anthropomorphic language—God doesn't literally have ears or eyes needing attention, but this vivid imagery expresses the prayer for divine attention and action. "See" emphasizes that God should observe Sennacherib's blasphemy. The phrase "all the words of Sennacherib, which hath sent to reproach the living God" correctly identifies the core offense—not threat to Judah but insult to God's honor. Hezekiah wisely appeals to God's jealousy for His own glory.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern prayers often included similar appeals for divine attention. However, Hezekiah prays to the living God, not dead idols that truly cannot hear.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does appealing to God's honor and glory strengthen our prayers?
  2. What does it mean that attacks on God's people are ultimately attacks on God Himself?
  3. How should we frame our needs in light of God's greater purposes and glory?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
יְהוָ֨ה1 of 19

“O LORD”

H3068

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

צְבָא֜וֹת2 of 19

“of hosts”

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

הָֽאֱלֹהִים֙3 of 19

“God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙4 of 19

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

יֹשֵׁ֣ב5 of 19

“that dwellest”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

הַכְּרֻבִ֔ים6 of 19

“between the cherubims”

H3742

a cherub or imaginary figure

אַתָּה7 of 19
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

ה֤וּא8 of 19
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

הָֽאֱלֹהִים֙9 of 19

“God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

לְבַדְּךָ֔10 of 19
H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

לְכֹ֖ל11 of 19
H3605

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

מַמְלְכ֣וֹת12 of 19

“even thou alone of all the kingdoms”

H4467

dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)

הָאָֽרֶץ׃13 of 19

“and earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אַתָּ֣ה14 of 19
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

עָשִׂ֔יתָ15 of 19

“thou hast made”

H6213

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

אֶת16 of 19
H853

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

הַשָּׁמַ֖יִם17 of 19

“heaven”

H8064

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

וְאֶת18 of 19
H853

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

הָאָֽרֶץ׃19 of 19

“and earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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 37:16 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 37:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 99:1Exodus 25:22Psalms 86:101 Samuel 4:4Isaiah 44:24Psalms 80:1

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