2 Kings 20:9
2 Kings 20:9 in Multiple Translations
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?”
And Isaiah said, This sign shalt thou have of the LORD, that the LORD will do the thing that he hath spoken: shall the shadow go forward ten degrees, or go back ten degrees?
And Isaiah said, This shall be the sign unto thee from Jehovah, that Jehovah will do the thing that he hath spoken: shall the shadow go forward ten steps, or go back ten steps?
And Isaiah said, This is the sign the Lord will give you, that he will do what he has said; will the shade go forward ten degrees or back?
Isaiah replied, “This is the sign from the Lord to you that the Lord will do what he promised: Do you want the shadow to go forward ten steps, or back ten steps?”
And Isaiah answered, This signe shalt thou haue of the Lord, that the Lord will doe that he hath spoken, Wilt thou that the shadowe goe forwarde ten degrees, or go backe ten degrees?
And Isaiah saith, 'This [is] to thee the sign from Jehovah, that Jehovah doth the thing that He hath spoken — The shadow hath gone on ten degrees, or it doth turn back ten degrees?'
Isaiah said, “This will be the sign to you from the LORD, that the LORD will do the thing that he has spoken: should the shadow go forward ten steps, or go back ten steps?”
And Isaiah said, This sign shalt thou have of the LORD, that the LORD will do the thing that he hath spoken: shall the shadow go forward ten degrees, or go back ten degrees?
And Isaias said to him: This shall be the sign from the Lord, that the Lord will do the word which he hath spoken: Wilt thou that the shadow go forward ten lines, or that it go back so many degrees?
Isaiah replied, “Yahweh will do something that will prove to you that he will do what he promised. Do you want him to cause the shadow on the stairway/sundial to go back ten steps/degrees, or to go forward ten steps/degrees?”
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 20:9
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.
2 Kings 20:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
יְשַׁעְיָ֗הוּ
זֶה
לְּ/ךָ֤
הָ/אוֹת֙
מֵ/אֵ֣ת
יְהוָ֔ה
כִּ֚י
יַעֲשֶׂ֣ה
יְהוָ֔ה
אֶת
הַ/דָּבָ֖ר
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
דִּבֵּ֑ר
הָלַ֤ךְ
הַ/צֵּל֙
עֶ֣שֶׂר
מַֽעֲל֔וֹת
אִם
יָשׁ֖וּב
עֶ֥שֶׂר
מַעֲלֽוֹת
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְשַׁעְיָ֗הוּ
Yᵉshaʻyâh
H3470
Jeshaiah
N-proper
זֶה
zeh
H2088
this
Pron
לְּ/ךָ֤
Prep | Suff
הָ/אוֹת֙
ʼôwth
H226
sign
Art | N-cs
מֵ/אֵ֣ת
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Prep
יְהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
כִּ֚י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יַעֲשֶׂ֣ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
יְהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/דָּבָ֖ר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
דִּבֵּ֑ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
הָלַ֤ךְ
hâlak
H1980
to go
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
הַ/צֵּל֙
tsêl
H6738
shadow
Art | N-ms
עֶ֣שֶׂר
ʻeser
H6235
ten
Adj
מַֽעֲל֔וֹת
maʻălâh
H4609
thought
N-fp
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
יָשׁ֖וּב
shûwb
H7725
to return
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
עֶ֥שֶׂר
ʻeser
H6235
ten
Adj
מַעֲלֽוֹת
maʻălâh
H4609
thought
N-fp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 20:9
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
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.
יְשַׁעְיָ֗הוּ
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.
זֶה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
לְּ/ךָ֤
""
Prep | Suff
הָ/אוֹת֙
ʼôwth
H226
"sign"
Art | N-cs
A miraculous sign or wonder, like a beacon or monument. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. It means a signal or token of God's power.
Definition: : miraculous 1) sign, signal 1a) a distinguishing mark 1b) banner 1c) remembrance 1d) miraculous sign 1e) omen 1f) warning 2) token, ensign, standard, miracle, proof
Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: mark, miracle, (en-) sign, token. See also: Genesis 1:14; Joshua 2:12; Psalms 65:9.
מֵ/אֵ֣ת
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep | Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
יְהוָ֔ה
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.
כִּ֚י
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.
יַעֲשֶׂ֣ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
יְהוָ֔ה
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.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/דָּבָ֖ר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Art | N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
דִּבֵּ֑ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
הָלַ֤ךְ
hâlak
H1980
"to go"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
הַ/צֵּל֙
tsêl
H6738
"shadow"
Art | N-ms
A shadow refers to a dark area, often providing shade or protection, like the shadow of a tree in Isaiah 4:6. It can also symbolize the fleeting nature of life, as mentioned in Psalm 102:11.
Definition: 1) shadow, shade 1a) shadow (on dial) 1b) shadow, shade (as protection) 1c) shadow (symbolic of transitoriness of life) Also means: tse.lel (צֵלֶל "shadow" H6752)
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: defence, shade(-ow). See also: Genesis 19:8; Ecclesiastes 7:12; Psalms 17:8.
עֶ֣שֶׂר
ʻeser
H6235
"ten"
Adj
This Hebrew word means the number ten, often used in combination with other numbers to describe larger quantities, such as in the story of the ten commandments in Exodus 20. It is commonly translated as 'ten' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) ten 1a) ten 1b) with other numbers Aramaic equivalent: a.sar (עֲשַׂר "ten" H6236)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ten, (fif-, seven-) teen. See also: Genesis 5:14; 1 Kings 6:3; Isaiah 5:10.
מַֽעֲל֔וֹת
maʻălâh
H4609
"thought"
N-fp
Represents a step or journey upward, like the steps of a stair or a song of ascent, as in Psalm 120-134, which are songs the Israelites sang while traveling to Jerusalem for festivals. It symbolizes spiritual ascent.
Definition: what comes up, thoughts
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: things that come up, (high) degree, deal, go up, stair, step, story. See also: Exodus 20:26; Psalms 126:1; Psalms 120:1.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
יָשׁ֖וּב
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
עֶ֥שֶׂר
ʻeser
H6235
"ten"
Adj
This Hebrew word means the number ten, often used in combination with other numbers to describe larger quantities, such as in the story of the ten commandments in Exodus 20. It is commonly translated as 'ten' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) ten 1a) ten 1b) with other numbers Aramaic equivalent: a.sar (עֲשַׂר "ten" H6236)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ten, (fif-, seven-) teen. See also: Genesis 5:14; 1 Kings 6:3; Isaiah 5:10.
מַעֲלֽוֹת
maʻălâh
H4609
"thought"
N-fp
Represents a step or journey upward, like the steps of a stair or a song of ascent, as in Psalm 120-134, which are songs the Israelites sang while traveling to Jerusalem for festivals. It symbolizes spiritual ascent.
Definition: what comes up, thoughts
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: things that come up, (high) degree, deal, go up, stair, step, story. See also: Exodus 20:26; Psalms 126:1; Psalms 120:1.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 20:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Kings 20:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 20:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 20:9
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 20:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 20:9
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 20:9
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 20:9
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 20:9
- Sermons on 2 Kings 20:9
Context — Hezekiah’s Illness and Recovery
7Then Isaiah said, “Prepare a poultice of figs.” So they brought it and applied it to the boil, and Hezekiah recovered.
8Now 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?”
9And 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?”
10“It is easy for the shadow to lengthen ten steps,” answered Hezekiah, “but not for it to go back ten steps.” 11So 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 38:7–8 | 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 | Mark 8:11–12 | Then the Pharisees came and began to argue with Jesus, testing Him by demanding from Him a sign from heaven. Jesus sighed deeply in His spirit and said, “Why does this generation demand a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to this generation.” |
| 3 | Matthew 16:1–4 | Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came and tested Jesus by asking Him to show them a sign from heaven. But He replied, “When evening comes, you say, ‘The weather will be fair, for the sky is red,’ and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but not the signs of the times. A wicked and adulterous generation demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.” Then He left them and went away. |
| 4 | Luke 11:29–30 | As the crowds were increasing, Jesus said, “This is a wicked generation. It demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah. For as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so the Son of Man will be a sign to this generation. |
2 Kings 20:9 Summary
In 2 Kings 20:9, Isaiah gives Hezekiah a choice as a sign that God will do what He has promised. This sign is a reminder that God is in control and can do the impossible, as we see in Jeremiah 32:17 where nothing is too hard for God. Hezekiah's response, as seen in 2 Kings 20:10, shows that he understands the miracle that is required and is humbling himself before God. This verse encourages us to trust in God's promises and wait for His sign, just like Hezekiah, and to remember that God is always faithful to His word, as seen in Numbers 23:19.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the shadow going forward or backward ten steps in 2 Kings 20:9?
The movement of the shadow serves as a sign from the LORD that He will fulfill His promises, as indicated in 2 Kings 20:9. This sign is a demonstration of God's power and control over creation, similar to what we see in the book of Joshua 10:12-14 where God stops the sun and moon.
Why did Isaiah give Hezekiah a choice in the sign he would receive?
By giving Hezekiah a choice, Isaiah allowed him to participate in the process and exercise his faith, as we see in 2 Kings 20:8 where Hezekiah asks for a sign. This choice also highlights the personal nature of God's interaction with His people, as seen in Deuteronomy 30:19 where God sets before us life and death, blessing and curse.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of faith and trust in God?
This verse illustrates the importance of faith and trust in God's promises, as Hezekiah is asked to trust in God's word and wait for the sign to be fulfilled, similar to what we see in Hebrews 11:1 where faith is defined as the assurance of things hoped for. This theme is echoed throughout the Bible, including in Proverbs 3:5-6 where we are called to trust in the LORD with all our heart.
What can we learn from Hezekiah's response to Isaiah's question in 2 Kings 20:10?
Hezekiah's response reveals his understanding of the natural world and the miracle that would be required for the shadow to go back ten steps, as seen in 2 Kings 20:10. This response also highlights his humility and recognition of God's power, as seen in 2 Chronicles 32:26 where Hezekiah humbles himself before God.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's promises and wait for His sign?
- How can I, like Hezekiah, exercise my faith and participate in the process of God's work in my life?
- What are some ways I can demonstrate my trust in God's power and control over creation, as seen in 2 Kings 20:9?
- How can I, like Isaiah, be a vessel for God's message and a source of encouragement for others?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 20:9
And Isaiah said, this sign shalt thou have of the Lord, that the Lord will do the thing that he hath spoken,.... Cure him of his disorder, so that he should be able to go to the temple on the third
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 20:9
And Isaiah said, This sign shalt thou have of the LORD, that the LORD will do the thing that he hath spoken: shall the shadow go forward ten degrees, or go back ten degrees? No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 20:9
2 Kings 20:9 And Isaiah said, This sign shalt thou have of the LORD, that the LORD will do the thing that he hath spoken: shall the shadow go forward ten degrees, or go back ten degrees?Ver. 9. Shall the shadow go forward ten degrees?] This was in God Almighty stupenda dignatio, a wonderful condescension, thus to gratify a mortal man - stooping so low to his meanness. If Hezekiah were - as the Rabbis say he was - studious of the mathematics, how suitable was this sign! These degrees were half-hours, or quarters, or haply less. The shadow was that of the style of a sundial. Neither did the shadow only go backward, but the sun itself ran retrograde, whereof the Rabbis give this foolish reason, that when wicked Ahaz was buried, the sun hastened faster than ordinary to his setting, that there might be no time for funeral rites, to recompense which loss of time then, the day was thus prolonged now. Those ancients do better, who, allegorising the text, tell us that sick Hezekiah signifieth all mankind as sick of sin; but this is an infallible sign of the saint’ s recovery, that the sun hath gone ten degrees back in the dial. The Sun of righteousness Jesus Christ, hath for our sakes made himself lower by many degrees in the earth. "My Father is greater than I": there he is gone back ten degrees below his Father. "Thou hast made him lower than the angels": there he is gone back ten degrees below the angels.
"I am a worm, and no man": there he has gone back ten degrees below men. "A live dog is better than a dead lion": there he has gone back ten degrees below worms: for he was not counted so good as a live worm, but was buried in the earth, as a dead lion, to be meat for the worms, if it had been possible for "his holy One to see corruption."
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 20:9
(9) Shall the shadow go forward ten degrees, or go back ten degrees?—Rather, the shadow hath marched (or travelled) ten steps; shall it return ten steps? This is what the Hebrew text seems to say at a first glance. But Hezekiah’s answer apparently implies an alternative; and we might render: “the shadow shall have travelled ten steps; or shall it return ten steps?” (Comp. the LXX. πορεύσεται.) The Targum has: “shall the shadow march ten hours or return ten hours?” The Vulgate also makes it a double question. The Syriac is: “the shadow shall march ten steps, or return ten steps.” It is very probable that the Hebrew text is corrupt. We might read the first word as an infinitive instead of a perfect, after the analogy of 2 Kings 19:29 (“ye shall eat”). Or we might read “shall it march?” as a question (hγ-yηlηk); or better still, “shall it go up” (hγ-yηlηk), after the hint afforded by the Vulgate: “Vis ut ascendat umbra . . . Et ait Ezeehias, Facile est umbram crescere,” &c. It is obvious that a kind of sun-dial is meant, though what kind is not so clear. The word “degrees” (ma‘γlτth) means “steps” or “stairs” wherever it occurs. (See Exodus 20:26; Ezekiel 40:6; Ezekiel 40:22; Ezekiel 40:26; Ezekiel 40:31, &c; 1 Kings 10:20; Nehemiah 3:15.) There is probability, therefore, in Knobel’s conjecture that “the dial of Ahaz” consisted of a column rising from a circular flight of steps, so as to throw the shadow of its top on the top step at noon, and morning and evening on the bottom step.
This, or some similar device, was set up in the palace court, and was probably visible to Hezekiah lying on his sick bed and facing the window. Herodotus (ii. 9) ascribes the invention of the gnomon to the Babylonians. From the inscriptions we know that they divided time into periods of two hours, each called in Sumerian kasbumi, and in Assyrian asli. Each kasbu or aslu was subdivided into sixty equal parts.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 20:9
9. shall the shadow go forward ten degrees [R.V. steps], or go back ten degrees] R.V. steps. In the Hebrew there is no sign of interrogation in the first clause. But instances are not rare in which the interrogative sign is left out (cf. 1 Samuel 16:4; 2 Samuel 18:29). A greater difficulty is in the tense of the first verb. The clause, if it stood alone, would be translated, ‘The shadow hath gone forward ten steps, (what) if it shall go back ten steps? But Hezekiah’s answer implies that an alternative question was asked. Thus both A.V. and R.V. have translated it, but how the grammar is to be made to yield a double question is not easy to see. For if the omitted interrogation be supplied, we have still only, ‘Hath the shadow gone forward ten steps?’
Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 20:9
Ten degrees - literally, “ten steps.” It is not, perhaps, altogether certain whether the “dial of Ahaz” 2 Kings 20:11 was really a dial with a gnomon in the center, and “degrees” marked round it, or
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 20:9
9. Shall the shadow go forward — A more accurate rendering of the Hebrew is that of Keil: The shadow has advanced ten degrees; if it should return ten degrees.
Sermons on 2 Kings 20:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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John Wesley's Explanatory Notes - Matthew 16 by John Wesley | John Wesley expounds on Matthew 16, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the signs of the times and the true nature of Christ's mission. He warns against the leaven of false d |
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The Grounds of Our Faith by J.H. Newman | J.H. Newman discusses the dangers inherent in every system of theology, including the tendency towards evil that arises from human corruption and external influences. He highlights |
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Faith by Les Wheeldon | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the presence of Jesus and the wonders that happen wherever he goes. He highlights the belief that even as a child, Jesus brought joy and wond |
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God's Signs by Reuben Walter | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the great privilege and responsibility of being a child of God. He urges believers to walk humbly and obediently before God, so that they can |
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(Matthew) ch.14:22-16:12 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the miracle of Peter walking on water towards Jesus as a parable for our lives. He emphasizes that just as Jesus overcame the law of gravity |
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Jonah - Part 3 by Dai Patterson | In this sermon, the speaker discusses how Jesus Christ was portrayed as crucified among the Galatians, even though he never physically went to Galatia. The speaker emphasizes the i |
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A Wicked Generation Seeks After a Sign by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing the signs of a wicked and adulterous heart, focusing on the Pharisees and Sadducees seeking a sign from Jesus. It delves into t |