King James Version

What Does Isaiah 39:5 Mean?

Isaiah 39:5 in the King James Version says “Then said Isaiah to Hezekiah, Hear the word of the LORD of hosts:” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 39 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Isaiah 39:5 · KJV

Context

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.

7

And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.

Read Isaiah 39 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then said Isaiah to Hezekiah, Hear the word of the LORD of hosts—the prophetic formula introducing divine judgment. After Hezekiah's foolish display of treasures to Babylonian envoys (vv.1-4), Isaiah pronounces consequences. The word of the LORD of hosts (דְּבַר־יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת, devar-YHWH Tseva'ot) emphasizes divine authority—this isn't Isaiah's opinion but God's sovereign decree.

The verse's brevity creates dramatic tension. "Hear" (שְׁמַע, shema) demands attention and obedience, not merely auditory reception. What follows (vv.6-7) will reverse Hezekiah's pride: everything shown to Babylon will be carried to Babylon. The irony is sharp—Hezekiah sought to impress Babylon with Judah's wealth; God decrees that Babylon will take that wealth. The chapter demonstrates how pride and political maneuvering without seeking God's counsel leads to disaster, even for otherwise godly kings.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This occurred during Hezekiah's reign (ca. 715-686 BC), after his recovery from near-fatal illness (Isaiah 38). Merodach-baladan of Babylon sent envoys ostensibly congratulating Hezekiah's recovery, but actually seeking alliance against Assyria (39:1). Hezekiah foolishly showed them everything (v.2), seeking to impress potential allies. Isaiah's prophecy was fulfilled 115+ years later when Nebuchadnezzar conquered Jerusalem (586 BC), plundered the temple and palace, and exiled the royal family to Babylon (2 Kings 24-25). This demonstrates long-range prophetic fulfillment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the phrase 'Hear the word of the LORD of hosts' establish divine authority over human political schemes?
  2. What does Hezekiah's failure to consult God before showing treasures teach about seeking divine wisdom in decisions?
  3. How does Isaiah's prophecy demonstrate that present actions have long-term consequences, even beyond our lifetime?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר1 of 8

“Then said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְשַׁעְיָ֖הוּ2 of 8

“Isaiah”

H3470

jeshajah, the name of seven israelites

אֶל3 of 8
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

חִזְקִיָּ֑הוּ4 of 8

“to Hezekiah”

H2396

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

שְׁמַ֖ע5 of 8

“Hear”

H8085

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

דְּבַר6 of 8

“the word”

H1697

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

יְהוָ֥ה7 of 8

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

צְבָאֽוֹת׃8 of 8

“of hosts”

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

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 39:5 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 39:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 13:13-141 Samuel 15:16

Test Your Knowledge

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