King James Version

What Does Isaiah 37:21 Mean?

Isaiah 37:21 in the King James Version says “Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent unto Hezekiah, saying, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Whereas thou hast prayed to m... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 37 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent unto Hezekiah, saying, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Whereas thou hast prayed to me against Sennacherib king of Assyria:

Isaiah 37:21 · KJV


Context

19

And have cast their gods into the fire: for they were no gods, but the work of men's hands, wood and stone: therefore they have destroyed them. cast: Heb. given

20

Now therefore, O LORD our God, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou art the LORD, even thou only.

21

Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent unto Hezekiah, saying, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Whereas thou hast prayed to me against Sennacherib king of Assyria:

22

This is the word which the LORD hath spoken concerning him; The virgin, the daughter of Zion, hath despised thee, and laughed thee to scorn; the daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee.

23

Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed? and against whom hast thou exalted thy voice, and lifted up thine eyes on high? even against the Holy One of Israel.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Isaiah's message "Thus saith the LORD God of Israel" comes in direct response to Hezekiah's prayer, demonstrating that God hears and answers. The phrase "Whereas thou hast prayed to me against Sennacherib" acknowledges the king's intercession. God's immediate response through His prophet shows that He was waiting for His people to turn to Him in faith. The prophetic answer validates Hezekiah's approach—bringing blasphemy and threats to God rather than attempting human solutions.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The rapid prophetic response showed God's active attention to His people's prayers. This contrasts with silent idols that cannot hear or respond.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's quick response to prayer encourage continued intercession?
  2. What does it mean that God sometimes waits for us to ask before acting?
  3. How have you experienced God's specific answers to specific prayers?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וַיִּשְׁלַח֙1 of 19

sent

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

יְשַֽׁעְיָ֣הוּ2 of 19

Then Isaiah

H3470

jeshajah, the name of seven israelites

בֶן3 of 19

the son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אָמ֔וֹץ4 of 19

of Amoz

H531

amots, an israelite

אֶל5 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

חִזְקִיָּ֖הוּ6 of 19

unto Hezekiah

H2396

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

אָמַ֤ר7 of 19

Thus saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

כֹּֽה8 of 19
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֤ר9 of 19

Thus saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָה֙10 of 19

the LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֵ֣י11 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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל12 of 19

of Israel

H3478

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

אֲשֶׁר֙13 of 19
H834

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

הִתְפַּלַּ֣לְתָּ14 of 19

Whereas thou hast prayed

H6419

to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray

אֵלַ֔י15 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֶל16 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

סַנְחֵרִ֖יב17 of 19

to me against Sennacherib

H5576

sancherib, an assyrian king

מֶ֥לֶךְ18 of 19

king

H4428

a king

אַשּֽׁוּר׃19 of 19

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


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 37:21 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 37:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study