King James Version

What Does Isaiah 38:14 Mean?

Isaiah 38:14 in the King James Version says “Like a crane or a swallow, so did I chatter: I did mourn as a dove: mine eyes fail with looking upward: O LORD, I am opp...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 38 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Like a crane or a swallow, so did I chatter: I did mourn as a dove: mine eyes fail with looking upward: O LORD, I am oppressed; undertake for me. undertake: or, ease me”

Isaiah 38:14 · King James Version

Context

12

Mine age is departed, and is removed from me as a shepherd's tent: I have cut off like a weaver my life: he will cut me off with pining sickness: from day even to night wilt thou make an end of me. with: or, from the thrum

13

I reckoned till morning, that, as a lion, so will he break all my bones: from day even to night wilt thou make an end of me.

14

Like a crane or a swallow, so did I chatter: I did mourn as a dove: mine eyes fail with looking upward: O LORD, I am oppressed; undertake for me. undertake: or, ease me

15

What shall I say? he hath both spoken unto me, and himself hath done it: I shall go softly all my years in the bitterness of my soul.

16

O Lord, by these things men live, and in all these things is the life of my spirit: so wilt thou recover me, and make me to live.

Read Isaiah 38 full chapter

Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
The simile "Like a crane or a swallow, so did I chatter" describes incoherent groaning in pain—unable to form coherent words. "I did mourn as a dove" adds the dove's mournful cooing, expressing grief. The physical symptom "mine eyes fail with looking upward" depicts exhaustion from looking toward heaven for help. The desperate cry "O LORD, I am oppressed; undertake for me" is plea for divine intervention. "Undertake" (Hebrew 'arab) means to act as guarantor or advocate, asking God to take responsibility for the situation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient listeners would recognize these bird calls—the crane's harsh cry, swallow's chattering, and dove's mournful coo. The imagery made suffering's expression visceral.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we pray when pain overwhelms our ability to form coherent words?
  2. What does it mean to ask God to "undertake" for us as our guarantor?
  3. How does groaning in the Spirit (Romans 8:26) relate to inarticulate suffering prayer?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
כְּס֤וּס1 of 13

“Like a crane”

H5483

a horse (as leaping)

עָגוּר֙2 of 13

“or a swallow”

H5693

probably the swallow

כֵּ֣ן3 of 13
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

אֲצַפְצֵ֔ף4 of 13

“so did I chatter”

H6850

to coo or chirp (as a bird)

אֶהְגֶּ֖ה5 of 13

“I did mourn”

H1897

to murmur (in pleasure or anger); by implication, to ponder

כַּיּוֹנָ֑ה6 of 13

“as a dove”

H3123

a dove (apparently from the warmth of their mating)

דַּלּ֤וּ7 of 13

“fail”

H1809

to slacken or be feeble; figuratively, to be oppressed

עֵינַי֙8 of 13

“mine eyes”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

לַמָּר֔וֹם9 of 13

“with looking upward”

H4791

altitude, i.e., concretely (an elevated place), abstractly (elevation, figuratively (elation), or adverbially (aloft)

אֲדֹנָ֖י10 of 13
H136

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

עָֽשְׁקָה11 of 13

“I am oppressed”

H6234

anguish

לִּ֥י12 of 13
H0
עָרְבֵֽנִי׃13 of 13

“undertake”

H6148

to braid, i.e., intermix; technically, to traffic (as if by barter); also or give to be security (as a kind of exchange)

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 38:14 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 38:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 59:11Psalms 69:3Psalms 119:122-123Psalms 123:1-4Job 30:29Nahum 2:7

Test Your Knowledge

Isaiah 38 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterIsaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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