King James Version
What Does Isaiah 38:5 Mean?
“Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days fifteen years.”
Context
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
4
Then came the word of the LORD to Isaiah, saying,
5
Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days fifteen years.
6
And I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria: and I will defend this city.
7
And this shall be a sign unto thee from the LORD, that the LORD will do this thing that he hath spoken;
Topics in This Verse
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(5) **Fifteen years.**—The words fix the date of the illness, taking the received chronology, as B.C. 713. The next verse shows that there was danger at the time to be apprehended from Assyria, but does not necessarily refer to Sennacherib’s invasion. Sargon’s attack (Isaiah 20:1) may have caused a general alarm.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 38:5 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 38:5
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge