King James Version

What Does Isaiah 37:3 Mean?

Isaiah 37:3 in the King James Version says “And they said unto him, Thus saith Hezekiah, This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and of blasphemy: for the chil... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 37 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And they said unto him, Thus saith Hezekiah, This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and of blasphemy: for the children are come to the birth, and there is not strength to bring forth. blasphemy: or, provocation

Isaiah 37:3 · KJV


Context

1

And it came to pass, when king Hezekiah heard it, that he rent his clothes, and covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the LORD.

2

And he sent Eliakim, who was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests covered with sackcloth, unto Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz.

3

And they said unto him, Thus saith Hezekiah, This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and of blasphemy: for the children are come to the birth, and there is not strength to bring forth. blasphemy: or, provocation

4

It may be the LORD thy God will hear the words of Rabshakeh, whom the king of Assyria his master hath sent to reproach the living God, and will reprove the words which the LORD thy God hath heard: wherefore lift up thy prayer for the remnant that is left. left: Heb. found

5

So the servants of king Hezekiah came to Isaiah.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The message "This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and of blasphemy" accurately diagnoses the situation's spiritual dimension. The metaphor "children are come to the birth, and there is not strength to bring forth" depicts hopeless desperation—life is near but impossible to achieve without intervention. This vivid imagery shows Hezekiah recognizes Judah's complete inability to save themselves. Acknowledging utter helplessness is prerequisite for receiving God's miraculous deliverance. The admission of weakness demonstrates mature faith.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Childbirth without strength to deliver meant certain death in the ancient world. This metaphor communicated desperate extremity to Isaiah.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does admitting complete helplessness position us to receive God's intervention?
  2. Why is recognizing our inability essential before experiencing God's power?
  3. What situations in your life feel like being unable to bring forth what is needed?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
אָמַ֣ר1 of 19

And they said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלָ֗יו2 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כֹּ֚ה3 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

אָמַ֣ר4 of 19

And they said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

חִזְקִיָּ֔הוּ5 of 19

Hezekiah

H2396

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

הַיּ֣וֹם6 of 19

This day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

צָרָ֧ה7 of 19

of trouble

H6869

transitively, a female rival

וְתוֹכֵחָ֛ה8 of 19

and of rebuke

H8433

chastisement; figuratively (by words) correction, refutation, proof (even in defense)

וּנְאָצָ֖ה9 of 19

and of blasphemy

H5007

scorn

הַיּ֣וֹם10 of 19

This day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַזֶּ֑ה11 of 19
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

כִּ֣י12 of 19
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

בָ֤אוּ13 of 19

are come

H935

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

בָנִים֙14 of 19

for the children

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

עַד15 of 19
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

מַשְׁבֵּ֔ר16 of 19

to the birth

H4866

the orifice of the womb (from which the fetus breaks forth)

וְכֹ֥חַ17 of 19

and there is not strength

H3581

vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)

אַ֖יִן18 of 19
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

לְלֵדָֽה׃19 of 19

to bring forth

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage


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 37:3 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 37:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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