Isaiah 38 22

Isaiah 38:22 kjv

Hezekiah also had said, What is the sign that I shall go up to the house of the LORD?

Isaiah 38:22 nkjv

And Hezekiah had said, "What is the sign that I shall go up to the house of the LORD?"

Isaiah 38:22 niv

Hezekiah had asked, "What will be the sign that I will go up to the temple of the LORD?"

Isaiah 38:22 esv

Hezekiah also had said, "What is the sign that I shall go up to the house of the LORD?"

Isaiah 38:22 nlt

And Hezekiah had asked, "What sign will prove that I will go to the Temple of the LORD?"

Isaiah 38 verses

Isaiah 38 22 Meaning

This verse records Hezekiah's lament and subsequent praise upon his miraculous recovery from a deadly illness. He acknowledges that those alive in Sheol, the grave, cannot praise God, whereas he, being restored to life, can and will praise the Lord. It highlights the preciousness of life and the opportunity it affords to glorify God.

Isaiah 38 22 Context

Isaiah chapter 38 recounts a pivotal moment in the life of King Hezekiah of Judah. Following a successful military campaign by the Assyrians, Jerusalem faced imminent threat. God sent the prophet Isaiah to tell Hezekiah he would die. In his distress, Hezekiah wept bitterly and prayed fervently. God heard his prayer, showed him a sign with the sun's shadow going back, and promised him an additional fifteen years of life. Verse 22 comes immediately after Isaiah brings the king the good news of his recovery and a sign that it would surely happen, and introduces the song of praise Hezekiah composed as he reflected on this experience.

Isaiah 38 22 Word Analysis

• וְהִנֵּה (ve-hineh): "and behold," "and lo," "and see." Introduces a statement of fact or a sudden revelation, drawing attention to what follows. It emphasizes the transition from the prior despair to the present reality of restoration.
• לִשְׁלֹם (lish-lom): "for peace," "for well-being." In this context, it refers to being restored to health and life, implying a return to a state of wholeness and favor.
• אֲנִי (ani): "I." A clear, emphatic statement of self, positioning the king as the direct recipient of God's mercy and the author of this song.
• בָּא (ba): "came," "go," "will come." The sense here is "I am going," or "I am sent." Hezekiah acknowledges his coming back from the brink of death.
• וְאֶל־ (ve-el): "and to." Connects the departure from his current state (approaching death) with the destination.
• שְׁאוֹל (Sheol): "Sheol," "the grave," "the underworld," "the realm of the dead." This is the Hebrew concept of the place where all the dead go, a shadowy existence separate from God's direct presence and activity in the land of the living.
• לֹא (lo): "not." A strong negation, emphasizing the absolute inability of those in Sheol.
• יֹודּוּ (yod-u): "thank," "praise," "give thanks." From the root yadah, meaning to give thanks, acknowledge, confess, praise. This is a key theme: praise belongs to the living who can actively glorify God.
• לָךְ (lach): "to You." Direct address to God, indicating the focus of Hezekiah's praise.
• חֶסֶד (chesed): "lovingkindness," "mercy," "steadfast love," "covenant loyalty." A profound term signifying God's active, committed, and enduring love for His people, often demonstrated in times of distress and deliverance.
• מוֹתִי (mo-ti): "my death." Hezekiah states the cessation of his praise would occur upon his death.
• כִּי (ki): "for," "because," "that." Introduces the reason for his affirmation of God's goodness.
• לֹא (lo): "not."
• בָשַׂר (ba-sar): "to praise," "to sing praise," "to confess." Another term for vocal praise, particularly of God's mighty deeds. It is directly contrasted with the silence of the grave.
• לְךָ (le-cha): "to You."
• יֹודֶה (yo-deh): "give thanks," "praise." Present participle of yadah.
• בְּכָל־ (be-chol): "all," "every." Denotes completeness.
• כַּבְדֵי־ (kav-dei): "those burdened by," "heavy." From the root kabad, meaning heavy, weighty, honored. The meaning is debated: "those who go down into the grave" or "those who are heavily afflicted." Scholars often lean towards "those who go down to the grave" as a fitting contrast.
• לִי (li): "me," "my."
• נִצַּלְתִּי (nitzalti): "I am delivered," "I have escaped." From natsal, meaning to snatch away, deliver, rescue. It emphasizes a dramatic rescue from certain death.
• הִנֵּה (hineh): "behold," "lo." Repetition that underlines the remarkable nature of his preservation.
• אֲשֶׁר (asher): "which," "that."
• תּוֹדֶה (to-deh): "will give thanks," "will praise." Future tense of yadah. This expresses Hezekiah's active commitment to praise God.
• לִי (li): "me," "for me." He will praise for his restoration.
• וְעוֹד (ve-od): "and still," "and moreover," "and yet." Indicates a continuation or additional benefit.
• יְשׂוּרְנִי (yishu-reni): "You will cause me to see," "You will sustain me," "You will grant me life." The root yashen relates to sleep, but yashah or related forms can mean to provide, grant, or see. A common interpretation relates to continuing to see God's favor or sustenance in life. Some consider it a textual variant or emendation pointing to God's active intervention to help him live.

Words-Group Analysis:

The structure "Whoever goes down to Sheol will not praise You; our family will not praise You." juxtaposes those in death with those alive. "Whoever goes down to Sheol" refers to the general state of death, while "our family will not praise You" perhaps refers to those who are perishing alongside him or those in the general population who do not offer true praise. The antithesis emphasizes that only those actively alive and restored, like Hezekiah now, can render the meaningful praise God desires. His declaration "But I will give thanks to You" highlights his personal resolve, transitioning from general observation to specific commitment, assured by God's direct intervention: "Indeed I am returning from the brink of death. I am delivered." This recovery is the direct cause for his promised "I will give thanks to You; I will still sustain You/You will sustain me." This future-oriented praise underscores his restored hope and purpose.

Isaiah 38 22 Bonus Section

Hezekiah’s psalm is recorded in both 2 Kings 20 and Isaiah 38, underscoring its importance. The extension of his life had significant implications for the nation of Judah, providing stability during a precarious political period and influencing events that led to God’s intervention against the Assyrians. The emphasis on praise in the face of death and resurrection echoes the greater work of Christ, who truly conquered death and now grants eternal life and praise to all who believe. His assurance "still praise You" can be understood as God's promise to continue His favor and protection upon Hezekiah throughout his remaining years.

Isaiah 38 22 Commentary

Hezekiah’s statement articulates a profound theological truth: life is the ultimate arena for praising God. The silent stillness of the grave offers no worship, no thanksgiving, and no testimony to God's faithfulness. God’s mercy in extending Hezekiah’s life was not merely personal deliverance but the gift of continued opportunity to glorify the Lord through his reign and worship. His experience teaches that our current life, with all its challenges, is a precious gift for active devotion and a testimony to God’s redeeming power, a contrast to the unceasing praise of the eternal state yet also a prelude to it.