King James Version

What Does Isaiah 38:1 Mean?

Isaiah 38:1 in the King James Version says “In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came unto him, and said unto him, Thu... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 38 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came unto him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live. Set: Heb. Give charge concerning thy house

Isaiah 38:1 · KJV


Context

1

In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came unto him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live. Set: Heb. Give charge concerning thy house

2

Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the LORD,

3

And said, Remember now, O LORD, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore. sore: Heb. with great weeping


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's command to 'set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live' demonstrates divine sovereignty over life and death, yet also allows for prayer to change outcomes within His decreed purposes. This paradox reveals that God's pronouncements can be conditional warnings rather than immutable decrees. Hezekiah's childlessness at this point (Manasseh was born three years later) meant no heir to David's throne, threatening messianic promises.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This occurred during or shortly after Sennacherib's invasion (701 BC). Hezekiah was approximately 39 years old, having reigned 14 of his eventual 29 years. The illness was likely a carbuncle or boil that became life-threatening.

Reflection Questions

  1. How should you respond when God's revealed will seems to contradict His promises?
  2. What does Hezekiah's honest emotional response teach you about authentic prayer?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
בַּיָּמִ֣ים1 of 23

In those days

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

הָהֵ֔ם2 of 23
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

חָלָ֥ה3 of 23

sick

H2470

properly, to be rubbed or worn; hence (figuratively) to stroke (in flattering), entreat

חִזְקִיָּ֖הוּ4 of 23

was Hezekiah

H2396

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

מֵ֥ת5 of 23

for thou shalt die

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

וַיָּב֣וֹא6 of 23

came

H935

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

אֵ֠לָיו7 of 23
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְשַׁעְיָ֨הוּ8 of 23

And Isaiah

H3470

jeshajah, the name of seven israelites

בֶן9 of 23

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

אָמ֜וֹץ10 of 23

of Amoz

H531

amots, an israelite

הַנָּבִ֗יא11 of 23

the prophet

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

אָמַ֤ר12 of 23

unto him Thus saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלָ֜יו13 of 23
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כֹּֽה14 of 23
H3541

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

אָמַ֤ר15 of 23

unto him Thus saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָה֙16 of 23

the LORD

H3068

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

צַ֣ו17 of 23

in order

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

לְבֵיתֶ֔ךָ18 of 23

Set thine house

H1004

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

כִּ֛י19 of 23
H3588

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

מֵ֥ת20 of 23

for thou shalt die

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

אַתָּ֖ה21 of 23
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

וְלֹ֥א22 of 23
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִֽחְיֶֽה׃23 of 23

and not live

H2421

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive


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 38:1 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 38:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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