King James Version

What Does Isaiah 37:28 Mean?

Isaiah 37:28 in the King James Version says “But I know thy abode, and thy going out, and thy coming in, and thy rage against me. abode: or, sitting — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 37 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

But I know thy abode, and thy going out, and thy coming in, and thy rage against me. abode: or, sitting

Isaiah 37:28 · KJV


Context

26

Hast thou not heard long ago, how I have done it; and of ancient times, that I have formed it? now have I brought it to pass, that thou shouldest be to lay waste defenced cities into ruinous heaps. Hast: or, Hast thou not heard how I have made it long ago, and formed it of ancient times? should I now bring it to be laid waste, and defenced cities to be ruinous heaps?

27

Therefore their inhabitants were of small power, they were dismayed and confounded: they were as the grass of the field, and as the green herb, as the grass on the housetops, and as corn blasted before it be grown up. of small: Heb. short of hand

28

But I know thy abode, and thy going out, and thy coming in, and thy rage against me. abode: or, sitting

29

Because thy rage against me, and thy tumult, is come up into mine ears, therefore will I put my hook in thy nose, and my bridle in thy lips, and I will turn thee back by the way by which thou camest.

30

And this shall be a sign unto thee, Ye shall eat this year such as groweth of itself; and the second year that which springeth of the same: and in the third year sow ye, and reap, and plant vineyards, and eat the fruit thereof.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The declaration "I know thy abode, and thy going out, and thy coming in" demonstrates omniscience—God observes every movement and plan. "Thy rage against me" identifies the core sin: not military action but rebellion against divine authority. God sees both external actions and internal attitudes. The comprehensive knowledge "I know" repeated emphasizes nothing escapes divine awareness. This sets up the judgment—since God knows all, He will respond appropriately.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Divine omniscience appears throughout Scripture (Psalm 139:1-6). God's comprehensive knowledge of enemies encourages His people that justice will be done.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's omniscience of our enemies' plans comfort us during opposition?
  2. What does it mean that God sees both actions and heart attitudes?
  3. How should awareness of God's comprehensive knowledge affect our own thoughts and plans?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וְשִׁבְתְּךָ֛1 of 7

thy abode

H3427

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

וְצֵאתְךָ֥2 of 7

and thy going out

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

וּבוֹאֲךָ֖3 of 7

and thy coming in

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

יָדָ֑עְתִּי4 of 7

But I know

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

וְאֵ֖ת5 of 7
H853

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

הִֽתְרַגֶּזְךָ֥6 of 7

and thy rage

H7264

to quiver (with any violent emotion, especially anger or fear)

אֵלָֽי׃7 of 7
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to


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 37:28 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 37:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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