King James Version

What Does Isaiah 38:5 Mean?

Isaiah 38:5 in the King James Version says “Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tear... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 38 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Isaiah 38:5 · KJV


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;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's response as 'the God of David thy father' invokes covenant promises to the Davidic line, assuring continuity of messianic hopes. The addition of fifteen years demonstrates both divine sovereignty (knowing the future) and responsiveness (hearing prayer). The 'sign' Hezekiah requests (v. 7) shows that seeking confirmation of God's promises is legitimate faith, not doubting unbelief.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The fifteen added years (701-686 BC) allowed Hezekiah to father Manasseh (born c. 698 BC) who, despite later wickedness, continued the Davidic lineage leading to Christ. This demonstrates how God's micro-providences serve macro-purposes.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do God's covenant promises to your spiritual forefathers encourage your faith today?
  2. When has God's 'yes' to your prayers served purposes larger than your immediate need?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
הָל֞וֹךְ1 of 23

Go

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

אָמַ֤ר2 of 23

Thus saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶל3 of 23
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

חִזְקִיָּ֗הוּ4 of 23

to Hezekiah

H2396

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

כֹּֽה5 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

אָמַ֤ר6 of 23

Thus saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָה֙7 of 23

the LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֵי֙8 of 23

the God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

דָּוִ֣ד9 of 23

of David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אָבִ֔יךָ10 of 23

thy father

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

שָׁמַ֙עְתִּי֙11 of 23

I have heard

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֶת12 of 23
H853

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

תְּפִלָּתֶ֔ךָ13 of 23

thy prayer

H8605

intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn

רָאִ֖יתִי14 of 23

I have seen

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֶת15 of 23
H853

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

דִּמְעָתֶ֑ךָ16 of 23

thy tears

H1832

weeping

הִנְנִי֙17 of 23
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

יוֹסִ֣ף18 of 23

behold I will add

H3254

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

עַל19 of 23
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יָמֶ֔יךָ20 of 23

unto thy 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

חֲמֵ֥שׁ21 of 23

fifteen

H2568

five

עֶשְׂרֵ֖ה22 of 23
H6240

ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth

שָׁנָֽה׃23 of 23

years

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)


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 38:5 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 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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