King James Version

What Does Isaiah 39:2 Mean?

Isaiah 39:2 in the King James Version says “And Hezekiah was glad of them, and shewed them the house of his precious things, the silver, and the gold, and the spice... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 39 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Hezekiah was glad of them, and shewed them the house of his precious things, the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious ointment, and all the house of his armour, and all that was found in his treasures: there was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah shewed them not. precious things: or, spicery armour: or, jewels: Heb. vessels, or, instruments

Isaiah 39:2 · KJV


Context

1

At that time Merodachbaladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah: for he had heard that he had been sick, and was recovered.

2

And Hezekiah was glad of them, and shewed them the house of his precious things, the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious ointment, and all the house of his armour, and all that was found in his treasures: there was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah shewed them not. precious things: or, spicery armour: or, jewels: Heb. vessels, or, instruments

3

Then came Isaiah the prophet unto king Hezekiah, and said unto him, What said these men? and from whence came they unto thee? And Hezekiah said, They are come from a far country unto me, even from Babylon.

4

Then said he, What have they seen in thine house? And Hezekiah answered, All that is in mine house have they seen: there is nothing among my treasures that I have not shewed them.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The statement "Hezekiah was glad of them" shows his pleasure at Babylonian attention. The comprehensive display "shewed them the house of his precious things, the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious ointment, and all the house of his armour, and all that was found in his treasures" reveals prideful ostentation. The phrase "there was nothing...that Hezekiah shewed them not" emphasizes complete disclosure. This foolish pride in displaying national wealth contrasts sharply with Hezekiah's earlier humility. The lapse demonstrates how even faithful believers can stumble into pride after victories.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Babylon sent envoys ostensibly to congratulate Hezekiah's recovery, but likely for intelligence gathering. Showing potential enemies all resources was strategically foolish.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does pride after spiritual victory make us vulnerable to foolish decisions?
  2. What motivates the desire to impress others with our accomplishments or possessions?
  3. How can we maintain humility after experiencing God's dramatic deliverance?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 35 words
וַיִּשְׂמַ֣ח1 of 35

was glad

H8055

probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome

עֲלֵיהֶם֮2 of 35
H5921

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

חִזְקִיָּ֛הוּ3 of 35

And Hezekiah

H2396

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

הֶרְאָ֧ם4 of 35

of them and shewed

H7200

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

אֶת5 of 35
H853

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

בְּבֵית֖וֹ6 of 35

and all the house

H1004

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

נְכֹתֹ֡ה7 of 35

of his precious things

H5238

spicery, i.e., (generally) valuables

אֶת8 of 35
H853

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

הַכֶּסֶף֩9 of 35

the silver

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

וְאֶת10 of 35
H853

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

הַזָּהָ֨ב11 of 35

and the gold

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

וְאֶת12 of 35
H853

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

הַבְּשָׂמִ֜ים13 of 35

and the spices

H1314

fragrance; by implication, spicery; also the balsam plant

וְאֵ֣ת׀14 of 35
H853

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

הַשֶּׁ֣מֶן15 of 35

ointment

H8081

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

הַטּ֗וֹב16 of 35

and the precious

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

וְאֵת֙17 of 35
H853

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

כָּל18 of 35
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

בְּבֵית֖וֹ19 of 35

and all the house

H1004

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

כֵּלָ֔יו20 of 35

of his armour

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

וְאֵ֛ת21 of 35
H853

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

כָּל22 of 35
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר23 of 35
H834

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

נִמְצָ֖א24 of 35

and all that was found

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

בְּאֹֽצְרֹתָ֑יו25 of 35

in his treasures

H214

a depository

לֹֽא26 of 35
H3808

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

הָיָ֣ה27 of 35
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

דָבָ֗ר28 of 35

there was nothing

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

אֲ֠שֶׁר29 of 35
H834

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

לֹֽא30 of 35
H3808

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

הֶרְאָ֧ם31 of 35

of them and shewed

H7200

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

חִזְקִיָּ֛הוּ32 of 35

And Hezekiah

H2396

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

בְּבֵית֖וֹ33 of 35

and all the house

H1004

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

וּבְכָל34 of 35
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מֶמְשַׁלְתּֽוֹ׃35 of 35

nor in all his dominion

H4475

rule; also (concretely in plural) a realm or a ruler


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 39:2 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 39:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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