King James Version

What Does Isaiah 39:4 Mean?

Isaiah 39:4 in the King James Version says “Then said he, What have they seen in thine house? And Hezekiah answered, All that is in mine house have they seen: there... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 39 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Isaiah 39:4 · KJV


Context

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:

6

Behold, the days come, that all that is in thine house, and that which thy fathers have laid up in store until this day, shall be carried to Babylon: nothing shall be left, saith the LORD.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Isaiah's direct question "What have they seen in thine house?" and Hezekiah's comprehensive answer "All that is in mine house have they seen: there is nothing among my treasures that I have not shewed them" exposes the full extent of the folly. The repetition "nothing...not shewed" emphasizes total disclosure. Hezekiah seems almost proud of his openness, not recognizing the security risk. This demonstrates how pride blinds us to consequences—the king didn't consider that displaying all resources to potential enemies was dangerous.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Complete disclosure of national wealth and military resources to foreign powers was extraordinary breach of security. Hezekiah's pride overrode basic prudence.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does pride make us blind to obvious dangers and consequences of our actions?
  2. What safeguards can we establish to prevent foolish decisions made in prideful moments?
  3. How can we invite godly counsel to help us see what pride obscures?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר1 of 18

Then said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

מָ֥ה2 of 18
H4100

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

הִרְאִיתִ֖ים3 of 18

have they seen

H7200

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

בְּבֵיתִי֙4 of 18

All that is in mine house

H1004

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

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר5 of 18

Then said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

חִזְקִיָּ֗הוּ6 of 18

And Hezekiah

H2396

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

אֵ֣ת7 of 18
H853

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

כָּל8 of 18
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁ֤ר9 of 18
H834

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

בְּבֵיתִי֙10 of 18

All that is in mine house

H1004

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

הִרְאִיתִ֖ים11 of 18

have they seen

H7200

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

לֹֽא12 of 18
H3808

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

הָיָ֥ה13 of 18
H1961

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

דָבָ֛ר14 of 18

there is nothing

H1697

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

אֲשֶׁ֥ר15 of 18
H834

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

לֹֽא16 of 18
H3808

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

הִרְאִיתִ֖ים17 of 18

have they seen

H7200

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

בְּאוֹצְרֹתָֽי׃18 of 18

among my treasures

H214

a depository


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 39:4 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 39:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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