Isaiah 38:14
Isaiah 38:14 in Multiple Translations
I chirp like a swallow or crane; I moan like a dove. My eyes grow weak as I look upward. O Lord, I am oppressed; be my security.”
Like a crane or a swallow, so did I chatter: I did mourn as a dove: mine eyes fail with looking upward: O LORD, I am oppressed; undertake for me.
Like a swallow or a crane, so did I chatter; I did moan as a dove; mine eyes fail with looking upward: O Lord, I am oppressed, be thou my surety.
I make cries like a bird; I give out sounds of grief like a dove: my eyes are looking up with desire; O Lord, I am crushed, take up my cause.
I scream like a swift or a songbird, I moan like a dove. My eyes grow dim as I look heavenwards. I'm being attacked, Lord, please come and support me!
Like a crane or a swallow, so did I chatter: I did mourne as a doue: mine eies were lift vp on high: O Lord, it hath oppressed me, comfort me.
As a crane — a swallow — so I chatter, I mourn as a dove, Drawn up have been mine eyes on high, O Jehovah, oppression [is] on me, be my surety.
I chattered like a swallow or a crane. I moaned like a dove. My eyes weaken looking upward. Lord, I am oppressed. Be my security.”
Like a crane or a swallow, so I chattered: I mourned as a dove: my eyes fail with looking upward: O LORD, I am oppressed; undertake for me.
I will cry like a young swallow, I will meditate like a dove: my eyes are weakened looking upward: Lord, I suffer violence, answer thou for me.
I was delirious, and I chirped like a swift or a swallow, and moaned like a dove. My eyes became tired looking up toward heaven for help. I cried out, Lord, help me, because I am distressed!’
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 38:14
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 38:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כְּ/ס֤וּס
עָגוּר֙
כֵּ֣ן
אֲצַפְצֵ֔ף
אֶהְגֶּ֖ה
כַּ/יּוֹנָ֑ה
דַּלּ֤וּ
עֵינַ/י֙
לַ/מָּר֔וֹם
אֲדֹנָ֖/י
עָֽשְׁקָה
לִּ֥/י
עָרְבֵֽ/נִי
כְּ/ס֤וּס
çûwç
H5483
swallow
Prep | N-ms
עָגוּר֙
ʻâgûwr
H5693
crane
N-ms
כֵּ֣ן
kên
H3651
right
Part
אֲצַפְצֵ֔ף
tsâphaph
H6850
to whisper
V-l-Imperf-1cs
אֶהְגֶּ֖ה
hâgâh
H1897
to mutter
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
כַּ/יּוֹנָ֑ה
yôwnâh
H3123
dove
Prep | N-fs
דַּלּ֤וּ
dâlal
H1809
to languish
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
עֵינַ/י֙
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cd | Suff
לַ/מָּר֔וֹם
mârôwm
H4791
height
Prep | N-ms
אֲדֹנָ֖/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
Lord
N-mp | Suff
עָֽשְׁקָה
ʻoshqâh
H6234
oppression
N-fs
לִּ֥/י
Prep | Suff
עָרְבֵֽ/נִי
ʻârab
H6148
to pledge
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 38:14
כְּ/ס֤וּס
çûwç
H5483
"swallow"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a horse, often referring to chariot horses. It also describes a swallow due to its swift flight, as seen in the book of Jeremiah. The word is used to describe strong and fast animals.
Definition: swallow, swift
Usage: Occurs in 130 OT verses. KJV: crane, horse (-back, -hoof). Compare H6571 (פָּרָשׁ). See also: Genesis 47:17; Psalms 76:7; Psalms 20:8.
עָגוּר֙
ʻâgûwr
H5693
"crane"
N-ms
This word likely refers to a type of bird, possibly a swallow or crane. It appears in biblical descriptions of nature and creation, highlighting God's care for all creatures. The KJV translates it as 'swallow'.
Definition: 1) name of a bird 1a) perhaps a thrush, swallow, crane
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: swallow. See also: Isaiah 38:14; Jeremiah 8:7.
כֵּ֣ן
kên
H3651
"right"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
אֲצַפְצֵ֔ף
tsâphaph
H6850
"to whisper"
V-l-Imperf-1cs
To whisper or chirp, this word describes the soft sounds of birds or even ghosts. In the Bible, it is used to describe the gentle noises of nature and the supernatural.
Definition: 1) (Pilpel) to chirp, peep 1a) of birds 1b) of ghosts
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: chatter, peep, whisper. See also: Isaiah 8:19; Isaiah 29:4; Isaiah 10:14.
אֶהְגֶּ֖ה
hâgâh
H1897
"to mutter"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
To mutter or ponder, as seen in Psalm 1:2 where it means to meditate on God's law, and also in Psalm 37:35 where it describes plotting evil.
Definition: 1) to moan, growl, utter, muse, mutter, meditate, devise, plot, speak 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to roar, growl, groan 1a2) to utter, speak 1a3) to meditate, devise, muse, imagine 1b) (Poal) to utter 1c) (Hiphil) to mutter
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: imagine, meditate, mourn, mutter, roar, [idiom] sore, speak, study, talk, utter. See also: Joshua 1:8; Proverbs 8:7; Psalms 1:2.
כַּ/יּוֹנָ֑ה
yôwnâh
H3123
"dove"
Prep | N-fs
Represents a dove, possibly due to the warmth of their mating, and is also used to describe a pigeon. This bird is often seen as a symbol of peace and gentleness in the Bible.
Definition: dove, pigeon
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: dove, pigeon. See also: Genesis 8:8; Psalms 55:7; Psalms 56:1.
דַּלּ֤וּ
dâlal
H1809
"to languish"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To languish means to feel weak or oppressed. It can describe something that is hanging low or being brought low. The word is used to convey a sense of distress or weakness.
Definition: 1) to hang, languish, hang down, be low 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hang low 1a2) to be low 1a3) of distress (fig.) 1a4) to languish, look weakly (of eyes) 1b) (Niphal) to be brought low, be laid low
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: bring low, dry up, be emptied, be not equal, fail, be impoverished, be made thin. See also: Judges 6:6; Psalms 142:7; Psalms 79:8.
עֵינַ/י֙
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
לַ/מָּר֔וֹם
mârôwm
H4791
"height"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to a high or elevated place, either physically or figuratively. It can describe a location, such as a mountain, or a state of being, like pride or haughtiness. It is used in various books of the Bible.
Definition: 1) height 1a) height, elevation, elevated place 1a1) in a high place (adv) 1b) height 1c) proudly (adv) 1d) of nobles (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: (far) above, dignity, haughty, height, (most, on) high (one, place), loftily, upward. See also: Judges 5:18; Isaiah 22:16; Psalms 7:8.
אֲדֹנָ֖/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
"Lord"
N-mp | Suff
Adonay is a title used to refer to God, spoken in place of Yahweh as a sign of reverence and respect. It is used throughout the Bible to address God or refer to Him in a formal way. Adonay is a term of worship and devotion.
Definition: Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 430 OT verses. KJV: (my) Lord. See also: Genesis 15:2; Isaiah 3:17; Psalms 2:4.
עָֽשְׁקָה
ʻoshqâh
H6234
"oppression"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means oppression or anguish, describing a state of distress or abuse, as seen in the experiences of the Israelites in Exodus. It is often translated as 'oppressed' in the KJV. This concept is important in understanding the plight of the poor and vulnerable.
Definition: oppression, abuse, distress
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: oppressed. See also: Isaiah 38:14.
לִּ֥/י
""
Prep | Suff
עָרְבֵֽ/נִי
ʻârab
H6148
"to pledge"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
This verb means to pledge or exchange something, often in the context of giving security or taking on a responsibility. It can also mean to occupy or undertake something, such as going surety for someone or giving pledges.
Definition: 1) to pledge, exchange, mortgage, engage, occupy, undertake for, give pledges, be or become surety, take on pledge, give in pledge 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take on pledge, go surety for 1a2) to give in pledge 1a3) to exchange 1a4) to pledge 1b) (Hithpael) 1b1) to exchange pledges 1b2) to have fellowship with, share
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: engage, (inter-) meddle (with), mingle (self), mortgage, occupy, give pledges, be(-come, put in) surety, undertake. See also: Genesis 43:9; Proverbs 17:18; Psalms 106:35.
Study Notes — Isaiah 38:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 38:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 38:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 38:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 38:14
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 38:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 38:14
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 38:14
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 38:14
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 38:14
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 38:14
- Sermons on Isaiah 38:14
Context — Hezekiah’s Song of Thanksgiving
12My dwelling has been picked up and removed from me like a shepherd’s tent. I have rolled up my life like a weaver; He cuts me off from the loom; from day until night You make an end of me.
13I composed myself until the morning. Like a lion He breaks all my bones; from day until night You make an end of me.
14I chirp like a swallow or crane; I moan like a dove. My eyes grow weak as I look upward. O Lord, I am oppressed; be my security.”
15What can I say? He has spoken to me, and He Himself has done this. I will walk slowly all my years because of the anguish of my soul. 16O Lord, by such things men live, and in all of them my spirit finds life. You have restored me to health and have let me live.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 59:11 | We all growl like bears and moan like doves. We hope for justice, but find none, for salvation, but it is far from us. |
| 2 | Psalms 69:3 | I am weary from my crying; my throat is parched. My eyes fail, looking for my God. |
| 3 | Psalms 123:1–4 | I lift up my eyes to You, the One enthroned in heaven. As the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maidservant look to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes are on the LORD our God until He shows us mercy. Have mercy on us, O LORD, have mercy, for we have endured much contempt. We have endured much scorn from the arrogant, much contempt from the proud. |
| 4 | Job 30:29 | I have become a brother of jackals, a companion of ostriches. |
| 5 | Psalms 119:122–123 | Ensure Your servant’s well-being; do not let the arrogant oppress me. My eyes fail, looking for Your salvation, and for Your righteous promise. |
| 6 | Nahum 2:7 | It is decreed that the city be exiled and carried away; her maidservants moan like doves, and beat upon their breasts. |
| 7 | Ezekiel 7:16 | The survivors will escape and live in the mountains, moaning like doves of the valley, each for his own iniquity. |
| 8 | Lamentations 4:17 | All the while our eyes were failing as we looked in vain for help. We watched from our towers for a nation that could not save us. |
| 9 | Psalms 143:7 | Answer me quickly, O LORD; my spirit fails. Do not hide Your face from me, or I will be like those who descend to the Pit. |
| 10 | Psalms 102:4–7 | My heart is afflicted, and withered like grass; I even forget to eat my bread. Through my loud groaning my flesh clings to my bones. I am like a desert owl, like an owl among the ruins. I lie awake; I am like a lone bird on a housetop. |
Isaiah 38:14 Summary
[Isaiah 38:14 is a heartfelt cry to God from someone who feels overwhelmed and oppressed. The speaker compares themselves to a bird making sad noises, showing how deeply distressed they are. They look up to God, trusting that He will be their security and protector, just like Psalm 23:4 says God is with us even in the darkest valleys. By crying out to God and trusting in His sovereignty, we can find comfort and strength in our own times of trouble.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of the bird sounds in Isaiah 38:14?
The bird sounds in Isaiah 38:14, such as chirping like a swallow or crane and moaning like a dove, are expressions of distress and sorrow, similar to the lamentations in the book of Psalms, like Psalm 102:7, where the psalmist compares himself to a lone sparrow.
Why does the speaker say their eyes grow weak as they look upward?
The speaker's eyes growing weak as they look upward is a sign of their physical and emotional exhaustion, as they cry out to God for help, trusting in His sovereignty, as seen in Isaiah 40:28, which says God does not grow weary.
What does it mean for God to be our security?
For God to be our security, as the speaker requests in Isaiah 38:14, means that He is our refuge, protector, and stronghold, as described in Psalm 46:1, where God is called our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
How can we apply this verse to our own lives when we feel oppressed?
When we feel oppressed, we can apply Isaiah 38:14 to our lives by crying out to God, just like the speaker, and trusting in His goodness and sovereignty, as seen in Romans 8:28, which says that God works all things together for our good.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel oppressed or overwhelmed, and how can I cry out to God for help in those situations?
- How can I, like the speaker, trust in God's sovereignty and goodness even when I don't understand what is happening in my life?
- In what ways can I look to God as my security and refuge, and how can I practically apply that to my daily life?
- What are some ways I can express my emotions and distress to God, just like the speaker does in this verse, and how can I trust that He hears and cares about my concerns?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 38:14
Like a crane, or a swallow, so did I chatter,.... Rather, "like a crane and a swallow", like both; sometimes loud and clamorous, like a crane (o), when the pain was very acute and grievous; and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 38:14
The writing of Hezekiah king of Judah, when he had been sick, and was recovered of his sickness: -The prayer and thanksgiving song of Hezekiah is only given here, not in the parallel passages of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles. Verse 9.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 38:14
Like a crane or a swallow; or, a crane and a swallow; the conjunction and being here, as it is , and elsewhere, understood, as is manifest from , where it is expressed with these very words. So did I chatter; my complaint and cry was like to the noise of a swallow, quick and frequent; and like that of a crane, loud and frightful. And this very comparison is used of mourners, not only in Scripture, but in other authors; concerning which the learned reader may consult my Latin Synopsis. I did mourn as a dove; whose mournful tone is observed , and elsewhere. Mine eyes fail with looking upward; whilst I lift up mine eyes and heart to God for relief, but in vain. I am oppressed by my disease, which like a serjeant hath seized upon me, and is haling me to the prison of the grave. Undertake for me; stop the execution, and rescue me out of his hands.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 38:14
Isaiah 38:14 Like a crane [or] a swallow, so did I chatter: I did mourn as a dove: mine eyes fail [with looking] upward: O LORD, I am oppressed; undertake for me.Ver. 14. Like a crane or a swallow, so did I chatter.] Ita pipiebam; peraptae sunt similitudines. Broken petitions coming from a broken heart are of singular avail with God. Ah Pater brevissima quidem vex est, sed omnia complectitur, saith Luther - i.e., Ah, Father, is a short prayer, but very complexive and effectual. So is the prayer here recorded. O Lord, I am oppressed; undertake for me.] Miserere mihi misero. Hezekiah, though a most holy man, begged pardon at his death, and flees to Christ, his surety. So did Augustine (he prayed over the seven penitential psalms) and Fulgentius, and Archbishop Ussher. Some render it Pertexe me, weave me out, lengthen my life to its due period. Tu tuam fldem interpone.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 38:14
(14) Like a crane . . .—The three birds—strictly, the “swift,” the “crane,” the “dove”—each with its special note of lamentation, represent, as it were, the cries of pain and the low suppressed wail of the sufferer. The three appear again together in Jeremiah 8:7. Undertake for me—i.e., as in Genesis 43:9; Genesis 44:32; Job 17:3, Be surety for me. The idea is that of Death, who, yet in another sense, is but the minister of Jehovah, as being the creditor pressing for immediate payment. The words involve (as Cheyne points out) something like an appeal to the judge, who is also the accuser, to be bail for the accused.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 38:14
Verse 14. Like-a swallow - "Like the swallow"] כסיס kesis; so read two MSS., Theodot., and Hieron. Mine eyes fail] For דלו dallu the Septuagint read כלו calu, εξελιπον. Compare Psalms 69:4; Psalms 119:82; Psalms 119:123; Lamentations 2:11; Lamentations 4:17, in the Hebrew and in the Septuagint. O LORD - "O Lord"] For יהוה Jehovah, thirty MSS. and eight editions read אדני Adonai. Undertake for me - "Contend for me"] עשקה ashekah, with ש shin, Jarchi: this sense of the word is established by Genesis 26:20: "He called the name of the well עשק esek, because they strove with him:" התעשקו hithasseku, equivalent to יריבו yaribu, at the beginning of the verse.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 38:14
14. Like a crane or a swallow] Rather, as R.V., Like a swallow or a crane. Both words occur again only in Jeremiah 8:7. The want of a copula in Heb., and the unsuitability of the verb “chirp” (E.V. “chatter”) to the note of the crane suggests that the latter may have been imported into the text from the passage in Jeremiah. It is wanting in the LXX. I did mourn as a dove] Cf. ch. Isaiah 59:11; Ezekiel 7:16; Nahum 2:7. with looking upward] lit. toward the height, where Jehovah dwells. undertake for me] become surety for me (Job 17:3). The image is that of a debtor who is being committed to prison.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 38:14
Like a crane - The word used here (סוּס sûs) usually denotes a horse.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 38:14
14. Like a crane or a swallow, so did I chatter — Mournfully twittering. So Furst, decidedly, and Gesenius with wavering views. I did mourn — I sorrowed vocally as a dove does when it has lost its mate.
Sermons on Isaiah 38:14
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Soul Trouble by Thomas Bradbury | Thomas Bradbury preaches on the spiritual instruction found in John 12:27, where Jesus expresses His soul's trouble and submission to the Father's will. Bradbury emphasizes the dee |
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The Oppressed Soul Seeking Divine Interposition. by Edward Payson | Edward Payson preaches about the need for someone to undertake for us in various aspects of life, including supporting and comforting us through trials, guiding us, assisting in ov |
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The Sick Man's Prayer and the Sinner's Cry by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches on the deep reliance of God's people on Him alone for help and deliverance, emphasizing the need for a spiritual understanding of the malady of sin, the knowl |
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Seven Words From the Cross - Obedience by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the last words of Jesus on the cross, specifically focusing on the statement "I thirst." He emphasizes that even though it may seem like a |
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A Christian on Earth, Still in Heaven by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches about the spiritual paradise found in the Scriptures, particularly in the book of Psalms, which offers both delight and usefulness to every Christian. He hig |
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Q+a Toronto Blessing by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker, Benny, emphasizes the importance of being slow to speak negatively about any child of God. He encourages speaking out against extremism without mention |
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On Eagles' Wings Pt 56 by Don Courville | In this sermon, the speaker begins by quoting Psalm 147, emphasizing the importance of praising and worshiping God. The speaker then expresses a burden for revival, both in the lan |