King James Version

What Does Isaiah 39:3 Mean?

Isaiah 39:3 in the King James Version says “Then came Isaiah the prophet unto king Hezekiah, and said unto him, What said these men? and from whence came they unto ... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 39 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Isaiah 39:3 · 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.

5

Then said Isaiah to Hezekiah, Hear the word of the LORD of hosts:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Isaiah's questions "What said these men? and from whence came they?" probe the encounter's nature. Hezekiah's answer "From a far country are they come unto me, even from Babylon" seems innocent but reveals the problem—he attributes their coming to himself ("unto me") rather than recognizing geopolitical maneuvering. The prophet's questioning technique draws out the king's error gently, giving opportunity for self-awareness. This demonstrates wise pastoral approach—asking questions rather than immediately condemning.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Babylon at this time was still under Assyrian dominance but seeking allies for future independence. The visit had political dimensions Hezekiah apparently didn't recognize.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does wise counsel use questions to help us recognize our errors?
  2. What spiritual danger lies in attributing others' actions to our importance rather than their agendas?
  3. How can we cultivate self-awareness about our motivations and blind spots?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
בָּ֥אוּ1 of 22

Then came

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

יְשַׁעְיָ֣הוּ2 of 22

Isaiah

H3470

jeshajah, the name of seven israelites

הַנָּבִ֔יא3 of 22

the prophet

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

אֶל4 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ5 of 22

unto king

H4428

a king

חִזְקִיָּ֔הוּ6 of 22

Hezekiah

H2396

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

וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙7 of 22

and said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלָ֜יו8 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מָ֥ה9 of 22
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙10 of 22

and said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הָאֲנָשִׁ֣ים11 of 22

these men

H582

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

הָאֵ֗לֶּה12 of 22
H428

these or those

וּמֵאַ֙יִן֙13 of 22

and from whence

H370

where? (only in connection with prepositional prefix, whence)

בָּ֥אוּ14 of 22

Then came

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֵלֶ֔יךָ15 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙16 of 22

and said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

חִזְקִיָּ֔הוּ17 of 22

Hezekiah

H2396

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

מֵאֶ֧רֶץ18 of 22

country

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

רְחוֹקָ֛ה19 of 22

from a far

H7350

remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)

בָּ֥אוּ20 of 22

Then came

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֵלַ֖י21 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מִבָּבֶֽל׃22 of 22

unto me even from Babylon

H894

babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire


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 39:3 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 39:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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