King James Version

What Does Isaiah 38:8 Mean?

Isaiah 38:8 in the King James Version says “Behold, I will bring again the shadow of the degrees, which is gone down in the sun dial of Ahaz, ten degrees backward. ... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 38 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Behold, I will bring again the shadow of the degrees, which is gone down in the sun dial of Ahaz, ten degrees backward. So the sun returned ten degrees, by which degrees it was gone down. sun dial: Heb. degrees by, or, with the sun

Isaiah 38:8 · KJV


Context

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;

8

Behold, I will bring again the shadow of the degrees, which is gone down in the sun dial of Ahaz, ten degrees backward. So the sun returned ten degrees, by which degrees it was gone down. sun dial: Heb. degrees by, or, with the sun

9

The writing of Hezekiah king of Judah, when he had been sick, and was recovered of his sickness:

10

I said in the cutting off of my days, I shall go to the gates of the grave: I am deprived of the residue of my years.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The miraculous sign "I will bring again the shadow of the degrees, which is gone down in the sun dial of Ahaz, ten degrees backward" demonstrates God's power over creation. Reversing the sun's shadow defies natural law, proving God's supernatural intervention. The specificity "ten degrees" and reference to "Ahaz's sun dial" provide measurable verification. This cosmic sign for one man's healing demonstrates God's personal care—He will rearrange celestial mechanics to assure His servant. The miracle validates the promise of healing.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The mechanism of this miracle is debated—whether earth's rotation temporarily reversed or light refracted unusually. Whatever the means, the result was observable reversal of the shadow.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God sometimes provide extraordinary signs to confirm His promises?
  2. What does God's willingness to alter natural processes teach about His power and care?
  3. How should observable miracles strengthen faith in God's invisible spiritual work?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
הִנְנִ֣י1 of 20
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

וַתָּ֤שָׁב2 of 20

Behold I will bring again

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

אֶת3 of 20
H853

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

צֵ֣ל4 of 20

the shadow

H6738

shade, whether literal or figurative

בַּֽמַּעֲל֖וֹת5 of 20

by which degrees

H4609

elevation, i.e., the act (literally, a journey to a higher place, figuratively, a thought arising), or (concretely) the condition (literally, a step o

אֲשֶׁ֣ר6 of 20
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יָרָֽדָה׃7 of 20

it was gone down

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

בַּֽמַּעֲל֖וֹת8 of 20

by which degrees

H4609

elevation, i.e., the act (literally, a journey to a higher place, figuratively, a thought arising), or (concretely) the condition (literally, a step o

אָחָ֥ז9 of 20

of Ahaz

H271

achaz, the name of a jewish king and of an israelite

הַשֶּׁ֙מֶשׁ֙10 of 20

So the sun

H8121

the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement

אֲחֹרַנִּ֖ית11 of 20

backward

H322

backwards

עֶ֣שֶׂר12 of 20

ten

H6235

ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)

בַּֽמַּעֲל֖וֹת13 of 20

by which degrees

H4609

elevation, i.e., the act (literally, a journey to a higher place, figuratively, a thought arising), or (concretely) the condition (literally, a step o

וַתָּ֤שָׁב14 of 20

Behold I will bring again

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

הַשֶּׁ֙מֶשׁ֙15 of 20

So the sun

H8121

the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement

עֶ֣שֶׂר16 of 20

ten

H6235

ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)

בַּֽמַּעֲל֖וֹת17 of 20

by which degrees

H4609

elevation, i.e., the act (literally, a journey to a higher place, figuratively, a thought arising), or (concretely) the condition (literally, a step o

בַּֽמַּעֲל֖וֹת18 of 20

by which degrees

H4609

elevation, i.e., the act (literally, a journey to a higher place, figuratively, a thought arising), or (concretely) the condition (literally, a step o

אֲשֶׁ֥ר19 of 20
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יָרָֽדָה׃20 of 20

it was gone down

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau


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 38:8 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 38:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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