Isaiah 38:1

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Isaiah 38:1 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

In those days Hezekiah became mortally ill. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz came to him and said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Put your house in order, for you are about to die; you will not recover.’”

King James Version KJV

In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came unto him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live.

American Standard Version ASV

In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith Jehovah, Set thy house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live.

Bible in Basic English BBE

In those days Hezekiah was ill and near death. And Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, came to him, and said to him, The Lord says, Put your house in order; for your death is near.

Free Bible Version FBV

About this time Hezekiah fell very sick and was about to die. The prophet Isaiah, son of Amoz, went to him and said, “This is what the Lord says: Put your affairs in order, because you are going to die. You won't recover.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

About that time was Hezekiah sicke vnto the death, and the Prophet Isaiah sonne of Amoz came vnto him, and sayd vnto him, Thus sayth the Lord, Put thine house in an order, for thou shalt dye, and not liue.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

In those days hath Hezekiah been sick unto death, and come in unto him doth Isaiah son of Amoz, the prophet, and saith unto him, 'Thus said Jehovah: Give a charge to thy house, for thou [art] dying, and dost not live.'

World English Bible WEB

In those days Hezekiah was sick and near death. Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, came to him, and said to him, “The LORD says, ‘Set your house in order, for you will die, and not live.’”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

In those days was Hezekiah sick with a mortal disease. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came to him, and said to him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thy house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

In those days Ezechias was sick even to death, and Isaias the son of Amos the prophet came unto him, and said to him: Thus saith the Lord: Take order with thy house, for thou shalt die, and not live.

Translation for Translators T4T

About that time, Hezekiah became very ill and was close to dying. So I went to see him. And I gave him this message: “This is what Yahweh says: ‘You should tell the people in your palace what you want them to do after you die, because you will not recover from this illness. You are going to die’ ”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 38:1

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Isaiah 38:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB בַּ/יָּמִ֣ים הָ/הֵ֔ם חָלָ֥ה חִזְקִיָּ֖הוּ לָ/מ֑וּת וַ/יָּב֣וֹא אֵ֠לָי/ו יְשַׁעְיָ֨הוּ בֶן אָמ֜וֹץ הַ/נָּבִ֗יא וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר אֵלָ֜י/ו כֹּֽה אָמַ֤ר יְהוָה֙ צַ֣ו לְ/בֵיתֶ֔/ךָ כִּ֛י מֵ֥ת אַתָּ֖ה וְ/לֹ֥א תִֽחְיֶֽה

בַּ/יָּמִ֣ים yôwm H3117 day Prep | N-mp

הָ/הֵ֔ם hêm H1992 they(masc.) Art | Pron

חָלָ֥ה châlâh H2470 be weak V-Qal-Perf-3ms

חִזְקִיָּ֖הוּ Chizqîyâh H2396 Hezekiah N-proper

לָ/מ֑וּת mûwth H4191 to die Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

וַ/יָּב֣וֹא bôwʼ H935 Lebo Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

אֵ֠לָי/ו ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

יְשַׁעְיָ֨הוּ Yᵉshaʻyâh H3470 Jeshaiah N-proper

בֶן bên H1121 son N-ms

אָמ֜וֹץ ʼÂmôwts H531 Amoz N-proper

הַ/נָּבִ֗יא nâbîyʼ H5030 prophet Art | N-ms

וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

אֵלָ֜י/ו ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

כֹּֽה kôh H3541 thus Adv

אָמַ֤ר ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Perf-3ms

יְהוָה֙ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

צַ֣ו tsâvâh H6680 to command V-Piel-Impv-2ms

לְ/בֵיתֶ֔/ךָ bayith H1004 place Prep | N-ms | Suff

כִּ֛י kîy H3588 for Conj

מֵ֥ת mûwth H4191 to die V-Qal

אַתָּ֖ה ʼattâh H859 you(m.s.) Pron

וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

תִֽחְיֶֽה châyâh H2421 to live V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 38:1

בַּ/יָּמִ֣ים yôwm H3117 "day" Prep | N-mp

The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow

Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.

הָ/הֵ֔ם hêm H1992 "they(masc.)" Art | Pron

This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.

Definition: they, these, the same, who

Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.

חָלָ֥ה châlâh H2470 "be weak" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

To beg or entreat means to ask or pray for something, often with a sense of weakness or sickness, like when someone is grieving or in pain.

Definition: : weak/disabled 1) to be or become weak, be or become sick, be or become diseased, be or become grieved, be or become sorry 1a) (Qal) to be weak, be sick 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to be or become weak, feel weak 1b2) to become sick, become ill 1c) (Niphal) 1c1) to make oneself sick 1c2) to be made sick 1c3) to be tired 1d) (Pual) to be made weak, become weak 1e) (Hithpael) to make oneself sick 1f) (Hiphil) 1f1) to make sore 1f2) to make sick 1f3) to show signs of sickness, become sick 1f4) to grieve 1g) (Hophal) 1g1) to be made sick 1g2) to be wounded

Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: beseech, (be) diseased, (put to) grief, be grieved, (be) grievous, infirmity, intreat, lay to, put to pain, [idiom] pray, make prayer, be (fall, make) sick, sore, be sorry, make suit ([idiom] supplication), woman in travail, be (become) weak, be wounded. See also: Genesis 48:1; Psalms 119:58; Psalms 35:13.

חִזְקִיָּ֖הוּ Chizqîyâh H2396 "Hezekiah" N-proper

Hezekiah was a king of Judah who served Jehovah and removed idolatrous practices. He was the son of Ahaz and Abijah, and a great-great-grandfather of Zephaniah the prophet. His name means Jehovah is my strength.

Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at Zep.1.1; father of: Amariah (H0568O) § Hezekiah or Hizkiah or Hizkijah = "Jehovah is my strength" 1) 12th king of Judah, son of Ahaz and Abijah; a good king in that he served Jehovah and did away with idolatrous practices 2) great-great-grandfather of Zephaniah the prophet 3) son of Neariah, a descendant of David 4) head of a family of returning exiles in the time of Nehemiah

Usage: Occurs in 119 OT verses. KJV: Hezekiah, Hizkiah, Hizkijah. Compare H3169 (יְחִזְקִיָּה). See also: 2 Kings 16:20; 2 Chronicles 31:20; Proverbs 25:1.

לָ/מ֑וּת mûwth H4191 "to die" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.

Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely

Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.

וַ/יָּב֣וֹא bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.

אֵ֠לָי/ו ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

יְשַׁעְיָ֨הוּ Yᵉshaʻyâh H3470 "Jeshaiah" N-proper

Jeshaiah means 'Jehovah has saved' and is the name of several Israelites, including a son of Hananiah and a chief of the house of Elam, as mentioned in Nehemiah.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.25.3; son of: Jeduthun (H3038); brother of: Obed-edom (H5654), Mattithiah (H4993H), Gedaliah (H1436I), Zeri (H6874), Hashabiah (H2811I) § Isaiah or Jesaiah or Jeshaiah = "Jehovah has saved" 1) son of Hananiah, brother of Pelatiah, and grandson of Zerubbabel 2) a Benjamite 3) son of Athaliah and chief of the house of Elam who returned with Ezra 4) a chief of the descendants of Merari who returned with Ezra

Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: Isaiah, Jesaiah, Jeshaiah. See also: 2 Kings 19:2; 2 Chronicles 32:32; Isaiah 1:1.

בֶן bên H1121 "son" N-ms

In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.

Definition: : child/son

Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

אָמ֜וֹץ ʼÂmôwts H531 "Amoz" N-proper

Amoz was a man in the Bible who lived during the time of the Divided Monarchy, and he was the father of the prophet Isaiah. Isaiah wrote about God's love and judgment in his book.

Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.19.2; father of: Isaiah (H3470A) § Amoz = "strong" father of Isaiah

Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: Amoz. See also: 2 Kings 19:2; Isaiah 1:1; Isaiah 2:1.

הַ/נָּבִ֗יא nâbîyʼ H5030 "prophet" Art | N-ms

A prophet is someone who speaks for God, like a spokesperson. This word is used in the Bible to describe true and false prophets, like those in 1 and 2 Kings.

Definition: 1) spokesman, speaker, prophet 1a) prophet 1b) false prophet 1c) heathen prophet Aramaic equivalent: ne.vi (נְבִיא "prophet" H5029)

Usage: Occurs in 288 OT verses. KJV: prophecy, that prophesy, prophet. See also: Genesis 20:7; 2 Kings 24:2; Psalms 51:2.

וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

אֵלָ֜י/ו ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff

כֹּֽה kôh H3541 "thus" Adv

This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.

Definition: 1) thus, here, in this manner 1a) thus, so 1b) here, here and there 1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)

Usage: Occurs in 541 OT verses. KJV: also, here, + hitherto, like, on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on) this (manner, side, way, way and that way), + mean while, yonder. See also: Genesis 15:5; 1 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 7:7.

אָמַ֤ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

יְהוָה֙ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

צַ֣ו tsâvâh H6680 "to command" V-Piel-Impv-2ms

To command or give orders, as seen in the Bible when God gives charge to his people. It can also mean to appoint or ordain someone for a task. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: 1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order 1a)(Piel) 1a1) to lay charge upon 1a2) to give charge to, give command to 1a3) to give charge unto 1a4) to give charge over, appoint 1a5) to give charge, command 1a6) to charge, command 1a7) to charge, commission 1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act) 1b) (Pual) to be commanded

Usage: Occurs in 475 OT verses. KJV: appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 10:13; Deuteronomy 12:11.

לְ/בֵיתֶ֔/ךָ bayith H1004 "place" Prep | N-ms | Suff

The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.

Definition: nm place, origin, between

Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.

כִּ֛י kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

מֵ֥ת mûwth H4191 "to die" V-Qal

אַתָּ֖ה ʼattâh H859 "you(m.s.)" Pron

You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.

Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)

Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.

וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

תִֽחְיֶֽה châyâh H2421 "to live" V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

To live or have life is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to revive or be quickened. It is used in the Bible to describe God's power to sustain life and restore people to health, as seen in the stories of the prophets and Jesus' miracles.

Definition: 1) to live, have life, remain alive, sustain life, live prosperously, live for ever, be quickened, be alive, be restored to life or health 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to live 1a1a) to have life 1a1b) to continue in life, remain alive 1a1c) to sustain life, to live on or upon 1a1d) to live (prosperously) 1a2) to revive, be quickened 1a2a) from sickness 1a2b) from discouragement 1a2c) from faintness 1a2d) from death 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to preserve alive, let live 1b2) to give life 1b3) to quicken, revive, refresh 1b3a) to restore to life 1b3b) to cause to grow 1b3c) to restore 1b3d) to revive 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to preserve alive, let live 1c2) to quicken, revive 1c2a) to restore (to health) 1c2b) to revive 1c2c) to restore to life

Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: keep (leave, make) alive, [idiom] certainly, give (promise) life, (let, suffer to) live, nourish up, preserve (alive), quicken, recover, repair, restore (to life), revive, ([idiom] God) save (alive, life, lives), [idiom] surely, be whole. See also: Genesis 5:3; 2 Samuel 16:16; Psalms 22:27.

Study Notes — Isaiah 38:1

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Context
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Isaiah 38:1 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 38:1
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 38:1
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 38:1
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 38:1
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 38:1
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 38:1
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 38:1
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 38:1
Sermons on Isaiah 38:1

Context — Hezekiah’s Illness and Recovery

1In those days Hezekiah became mortally ill. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz came to him and said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Put your house in order, for you are about to die; you will not recover.’”

2Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD, 3saying, “Please, O LORD, remember how I have walked before You faithfully and with wholehearted devotion; I have done what is good in Your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Isaiah 38:1–8	In those days Hezekiah became mortally ill. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz came to him and said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Put your house in order, for you are about to die; you will not recover.’” Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD, saying, “Please, O LORD, remember how I have walked before You faithfully and with wholehearted devotion; I have done what was good in Your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly. And the word of the LORD came to Isaiah, saying, “Go and tell Hezekiah that this is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: ‘I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will add fifteen years to your life. And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria. I will defend this city. This will be a sign to you from the LORD that He will do what He has promised: I will make the sun’s shadow that falls on the stairway of Ahaz go back ten steps.’” So the sunlight went back the ten steps it had descended.
2	2 Chronicles 32:24	In those days Hezekiah became mortally ill. So he prayed to the LORD, who spoke to him and gave him a sign.
3	2 Kings 20:1–11	In those days Hezekiah became mortally ill. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz came to him and said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Put your house in order, for you are about to die; you will not recover.’” Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD, saying, “Please, O LORD, remember how I have walked before You faithfully and with wholehearted devotion; I have done what was good in Your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly. Before Isaiah had left the middle courtyard, the word of the LORD came to him, saying, “Go back and tell Hezekiah the leader of My people that this is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: ‘I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. I will surely heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the house of the LORD. I will add fifteen years to your life. And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria. I will defend this city for My sake and for the sake of My servant David.’” Then Isaiah said, “Prepare a poultice of figs.” So they brought it and applied it to the boil, and Hezekiah recovered. Now Hezekiah had asked Isaiah, “What will be the sign that the LORD will heal me and that I will go up to the house of the LORD on the third day?” And Isaiah had replied, “This will be a sign to you from the LORD that He will do what He has promised: Would you like the shadow to go forward ten steps, or back ten steps?” “It is easy for the shadow to lengthen ten steps,” answered Hezekiah, “but not for it to go back ten steps.” So Isaiah the prophet called out to the LORD, and He brought the shadow back the ten steps it had descended on the stairway of Ahaz.
4	2 Samuel 17:23	When Ahithophel saw that his advice had not been followed, he saddled his donkey and set out for his house in his hometown. He put his affairs in order and hanged himself. So he died and was buried in his father’s tomb.
5	Jonah 3:10	When God saw their actions—that they had turned from their evil ways—He relented from the disaster He had threatened to bring upon them.
6	Acts 9:37	At that time, however, she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upper room.
7	Philippians 2:27–30	He was sick indeed, nearly unto death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less anxious. Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him, because he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for your deficit of service to me.
8	Isaiah 37:21	Then Isaiah son of Amoz sent a message to Hezekiah: “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: Because you have prayed to Me concerning Sennacherib king of Assyria,
9	Jonah 3:4	On the first day of his journey, Jonah set out into the city and proclaimed, “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned!”
10	Isaiah 1:1	This is the vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem that Isaiah son of Amoz saw during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.

Isaiah 38:1 Summary

[This verse is about King Hezekiah, who became very sick and was told by the prophet Isaiah that he would not recover, as stated in Isaiah 38:1. God told Hezekiah to get his affairs in order because his time on earth was coming to an end. This is a reminder that our time on earth is limited, as stated in Psalm 90:12, and we should strive to live each day with purpose and intention, as seen in Colossians 4:5. By trusting in God's sovereignty, as stated in Romans 8:28, we can face uncertain circumstances with faith and confidence.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did God tell Hezekiah to put his house in order if He already knew Hezekiah's heart?

God's command to Hezekiah was not a test, but a call to prepare for the inevitable, as seen in Isaiah 38:1, and to trust in His sovereignty, as stated in Psalm 139:16.

What does it mean to 'put your house in order' in a biblical sense?

To put one's house in order means to prepare for death by ensuring that one's spiritual and earthly affairs are in order, as seen in Isaiah 38:1, and to trust in God's plan, as stated in Proverbs 19:21.

Is this verse suggesting that Hezekiah's actions had no impact on his fate?

No, this verse is not suggesting that Hezekiah's actions had no impact, but rather that God's decree was clear, as stated in Isaiah 38:1, and Hezekiah's response would be a testament to his faith, as seen in Isaiah 38:2-3 and Hebrews 11:6.

How can we apply this verse to our own lives, especially when faced with uncertainty?

We can apply this verse by recognizing that our time on earth is limited, as stated in Psalm 90:12, and that we should strive to live each day with purpose and intention, as seen in Colossians 4:5, and to trust in God's sovereignty, as stated in Romans 8:28.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I need to 'put my house in order' and prepare for the unexpected?
How do I respond to difficult news or uncertain circumstances, and what can I learn from Hezekiah's example in Isaiah 38:1-3?
In what ways can I demonstrate my faith and trust in God's sovereignty, even when faced with challenging situations, as seen in Isaiah 38:1 and Romans 8:28?
What does it mean to 'walk before God faithfully and with wholehearted devotion', as Hezekiah claimed to have done, and how can I apply this to my own life, as stated in Micah 6:8?

Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 38:1

In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death,.... This was about the time that Sennacherib invaded Judea, threatened Jerusalem with a siege, and his army was destroyed by an angel from heaven; but,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 38:1

In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came unto him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live.

Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 38:1

Isaiah 38:1 In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came unto him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live.Ver. 1. In those days was Hezekiah sick.] See 2 Kings 20:1-2 2 Chronicles 32:24

Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 38:1

XXXVIII. (1) In those days.—On any supposition, the narrative of Hezekiah’s illness throws us back to a time fifteen years before his death, and therefore to an earlier date than the destruction of the Assyrian army, which it here follows. So in Isaiah 38:6, the deliverance of the city is spoken of as still future. Assuming the rectified chronology given above, we are carried to a time ten or eleven years before the invasion, which was probably in part caused by the ambitious schemes indicated in Isaiah 39. It follows from either view that we have no ground for assuming, as some commentators have done, (1) that the illness was an attack of the plague that destroyed the Assyrian army, or (2) that the treasures which Hezekiah showed to the Babylonian ambassadors were in part the spoil of that army. Set thine house in order.—Literally, Give orders to thy house, euphemistic for “make thy will.” The words are a striking illustration, like Jonah’s announcement that Nineveh should be destroyed in three days (Jonah 3:4), of the conditional character of prophecy. It would seem as if Isaiah had been consulted half as prophet and half as physician as to the nature of the disease. It seemed to him fatal; it was necessary to prepare for death. The words may possibly imply a certain sense of disappointment at the result of Hezekiah’s reign. In the midst of the king’s magnificence and prosperity there was that in the inner house of the soul, as well as in that of the outer life, which required ordering.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 38:1

CHAPTER XXXVIII Account of Hezekiah's dangerous sickness and miraculous recovery, 1-9. Tender and beautiful song of thanksgiving, in which this pious king breathed out the sentiments of a grateful heart, when his life was, as it were, restored. This ode may be adapted to other cases; and will always afford profit and pleasure to those who are not void of feeling and piety, 10-22. NOTES ON CHAP. XXXVIII Verse 1. In those days] The reader is requested to consult the notes on 2Kg 20:1-21. in reference to the principal parts of this chapter.

Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 38:1

1. In those days] The incident must have preceded by some months the embassy of Merodach-Baladan, the probable date of which will be considered in the Introduction to ch. 39. The order of the chapters cannot be chronological, and the vague expression “in those days” need not perhaps mean more than “in the time of Hezekiah.” If, as Delitzsch and others have supposed, ch. 38 f. stood before 36 f. in the original document, the note of time would naturally refer to some other events in Isaiah’s biography which had been previously narrated. The best justification of this hypothesis is the solution it furnishes of the chronological difficulties presented by this group of chapters. Set thine house in order] Lit. “Give commandment to thy house,” the last duty of a dying man (2 Samuel 17:23). An example of what is meant may be found in David’s elaborate death-bed charge to Solomon (1 Kings 2:1-9).

Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 38:1

In those days - That is, his sickness commenced about the period in which the army of Sennacherib was destroyed. It has been made a question whether the sickness of Hezekiah was before or after the invasion of Sennacherib.

Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 38:1

’S ILLNESS.1. In those days — Probably about the time Sennacherib and his host were providentially routed from out of the land: but see Isaiah 38:6. Sick unto death — With a sickness to all appearances fatal.

Sermons on Isaiah 38:1

	Sermon	Description
	The Lump of Figs (Isaiah 38) by Dick Hussey	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of a young king who is given a message from God through the prophet Isaiah. The king is told to set his house in order because he w
	Hezekiah—the Man Who Beat a Death Rap! by David Wilkerson	David Wilkerson discusses the story of King Hezekiah, who faced death but prayed for and received an extension of life from God. Despite his miraculous recovery, Hezekiah fell into
	The Quality of Our Life Is More Important Than the Length of Our Life by Zac Poonen	Zac Poonen emphasizes that the quality of our life, defined by fulfilling God's will, is far more important than its length. He illustrates that some can accomplish God's tasks in
	Ending Well by Erlo Stegen	Erlo Stegen emphasizes the importance of finishing well in his sermon 'Ending Well', using the life of King Hezekiah as a cautionary tale. Hezekiah started his reign with great zea
	Worship Beyond Prayer and Praise by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his personal journey of preparing a sermon on the theme of worship. He shares that he began preparing this sermon in 1951 while lying in a h
	(Through the Bible) 2 Kings by Zac Poonen	This sermon delves into the stories and lessons from the 2nd book of Kings, highlighting the different kings who ruled Israel and Judah, the consequences of their actions, the impo
	Anatomy of a Prophetic Word by David Ravenhill	David Ravenhill discusses the importance of understanding the prophetic word, emphasizing the need for a balance between the Word of God and the Spirit of God. He highlights the co