Isaiah 38:11
Isaiah 38:11 in Multiple Translations
I said, “I will never again see the LORD, even the LORD, in the land of the living; I will no longer look on mankind with those who dwell in this world.
I said, I shall not see the LORD, even the LORD, in the land of the living: I shall behold man no more with the inhabitants of the world.
I said, I shall not see Jehovah, even Jehovah in the land of the living: I shall behold man no more with the inhabitants of the world.
I said, I will not see the Lord, even the Lord in the land of the living: I will not see man again or those living in the world.
I said, “I will never again see the Lord, the Lord, in the land of the living. I won't see anyone else again, none of the inhabitants of this world.
I said, I shall not see the Lord, euen the Lord in the land of the liuing: I shall see man no more among the inhabitants of the world.
I said, I do not see Jah — Jah! In the land of the living, I do not behold man any more, With the inhabitants of the world.
I said, “I won’t see the LORD, the LORD in the land of the living. I will see man no more with the inhabitants of the world.
I said, I shall not see the LORD, even the LORD, in the land of the living: I shall behold man no more with the inhabitants of the world.
I said: I shall not see the Lord God in the land of the living. I shall behold man no more, nor the inhabitant of rest.
I said, “I will not see Yahweh again in this world where people are alive. I will not see my friends again, or be with others who now are alive in this world.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 38:11
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 38:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אָמַ֨רְתִּי֙
לֹא
אֶרְאֶ֣ה
יָ֔הּ
יָ֖הּ
בְּ/אֶ֣רֶץ
הַ/חַיִּ֑ים
לֹא
אַבִּ֥יט
אָדָ֛ם
ע֖וֹד
עִם
י֥וֹשְׁבֵי
חָֽדֶל
אָמַ֨רְתִּי֙
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
אֶרְאֶ֣ה
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
יָ֔הּ
Yâhh
H3050
LORD
N-proper
יָ֖הּ
Yâhh
H3050
LORD
N-proper
בְּ/אֶ֣רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | N-cs
הַ/חַיִּ֑ים
chay
H2416
alive
Art | Adj
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
אַבִּ֥יט
nâbaṭ
H5027
to look
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
אָדָ֛ם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
N-ms
ע֖וֹד
ʻôwd
H5750
still
Adv
עִם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep
י֥וֹשְׁבֵי
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
V-Qal
חָֽדֶל
chedel
H2309
world
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 38:11
אָמַ֨רְתִּי֙
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
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.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
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.
אֶרְאֶ֣ה
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
יָ֔הּ
Yâhh
H3050
"LORD"
N-proper
Jah is a shortened form of the name LORD, used in many compounds, such as names ending in -iah or -jah. It appears in the Bible as a way to refer to God.
Definition: A shortened form of the name ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068) used in many compounds as the letters 'Je' or 'jah'
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: Jah, the Lord, most vehement. Compare names in '-iah,' '-jah.' See also: Exodus 15:2; Psalms 118:17; Psalms 68:5.
יָ֖הּ
Yâhh
H3050
"LORD"
N-proper
Jah is a shortened form of the name LORD, used in many compounds, such as names ending in -iah or -jah. It appears in the Bible as a way to refer to God.
Definition: A shortened form of the name ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068) used in many compounds as the letters 'Je' or 'jah'
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: Jah, the Lord, most vehement. Compare names in '-iah,' '-jah.' See also: Exodus 15:2; Psalms 118:17; Psalms 68:5.
בְּ/אֶ֣רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
הַ/חַיִּ֑ים
chay
H2416
"alive"
Art | Adj
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
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.
אַבִּ֥יט
nâbaṭ
H5027
"to look"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
This verb means to look or regard something carefully. It can also mean to show favor or care for someone. In the Bible, it is used to describe how God looks at his people with favor and care, as seen in Psalm 138:6.
Definition: 1) to look, regard 1a) (Piel) to look 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) tolook 1b2) to regard, show regard to, pay attention to, consider 1b3) to look upon, regard, show regard to
Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) behold, consider, look (down), regard, have respect, see. See also: Genesis 15:5; Psalms 104:32; Psalms 10:14.
אָדָ֛ם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
ע֖וֹד
ʻôwd
H5750
"still"
Adv
The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.
Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)
Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.
עִם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
י֥וֹשְׁבֵי
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
V-Qal
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
חָֽדֶל
chedel
H2309
"world"
N-ms
This word can mean rest or the state of the dead, like the world of the dead in Isaiah 38:11. However, it is often translated as world, referring to the earthly realm. In the Bible, it is used to describe a state of being or a place.
Definition: rest, cessation
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: world. See also: Isaiah 38:11.
Study Notes — Isaiah 38:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 38:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 38:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 38:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 38:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 38:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 38:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 38:11
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 38:11
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 38:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 38:11
- Sermons on Isaiah 38:11
Context — Hezekiah’s Song of Thanksgiving
9This is a writing by Hezekiah king of Judah after his illness and recovery:
10I said, “In the prime of my life I must go through the gates of Sheol and be deprived of the remainder of my years.”
11I said, “I will never again see the LORD, even the LORD, in the land of the living; I will no longer look on mankind with those who dwell in this world.
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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 27:13 | Still I am certain to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. |
| 2 | Psalms 116:8–9 | For You have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling. I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living. |
| 3 | Psalms 31:22 | In my alarm I said, “I am cut off from Your sight!” But You heard my plea for mercy when I called to You for help. |
| 4 | Psalms 6:4–5 | Turn, O LORD, and deliver my soul; save me because of Your loving devotion. For there is no mention of You in death; who can praise You from Sheol? |
| 5 | Job 35:14–15 | How much less, then, when you say that you do not see Him, that your case is before Him and you must wait for Him, and further, that in His anger He has not punished or taken much notice of folly! |
| 6 | Ecclesiastes 9:5–6 | For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing. They have no further reward, because the memory of them is forgotten. Their love, their hate, and their envy have already vanished, and they will never again have a share in all that is done under the sun. |
Isaiah 38:11 Summary
In Isaiah 38:11, Hezekiah is saying that he thought he would never again experience God's presence or interact with people on this earth. He felt like his life was being cut short and he would be separated from the people and things he loved. This feeling of separation is a common human experience, but as Christians, we can trust that God is always with us, even in difficult times (as in Romans 8:38-39). We can cultivate a deeper sense of God's presence in our lives by trusting in His goodness and sovereignty, and by seeking to honor Him in all we do (Colossians 3:17).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of Isaiah 38:11?
This verse is part of a writing by Hezekiah king of Judah after his illness and recovery, as mentioned in Isaiah 38:9, where he reflects on his experience of facing death and being given a new lease on life, similar to what is written in Psalms 107:20.
What does it mean to 'see the LORD' in this verse?
To 'see the LORD' in Isaiah 38:11 means to experience God's presence and worship Him in the midst of His people, as seen in Psalms 27:4, where David expresses his desire to dwell in the house of the Lord and gaze upon His beauty.
Is Hezekiah expressing despair or hope in this verse?
Hezekiah is expressing a sense of loss and separation from God's presence, but in the larger context of Isaiah 38, we see that God hears his prayer and extends his life, giving him a new perspective on his mortality, as written in Isaiah 38:5.
How does this verse relate to the overall message of Isaiah?
This verse fits into the broader theme of Isaiah, which emphasizes God's sovereignty and the importance of trusting in Him, even in the face of uncertainty and death, as seen in Isaiah 40:28-31, where God's power and care for His people are highlighted.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in your life when you felt like you were separated from God's presence, and how did you respond?
- How does the reality of your own mortality shape your perspective on your relationship with God and your priorities in life?
- In what ways can you, like Hezekiah, express your trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, even when faced with uncertainty or hardship?
- What does it mean for you to 'see the LORD' in your daily life, and how can you cultivate a deeper awareness of His presence?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 38:11
I said, I shall not see the Lord, even the Lord in the land of the living,.... Not any more, in this world, though in the other, and that more clearly, even face to face: his meaning is, that he
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 38:11
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 38:11
I shall not see the Lord; I shall not enjoy him; for seeing is put for enjoying, as hath been frequently noted. In the land of the living; in this world, which is so called, 116:9 ; in his sanctuary: which limitation is prudently added, to intimate that he expected to see God in another place and manner, even in heaven, face to face. I shall behold man no more with the inhabitants of the world; I shall have no more society with men upon earth.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 38:11
Isaiah 38:11 I said, I shall not see the LORD, [even] the LORD, in the land of the living: I shall behold man no more with the inhabitants of the world.Ver. 11. I said, I shall not see the Lord.] In the glass of his ordinances, his love whereunto made Hezekiah so loath to depart; as also his delight in the communion of saints, and his desire to do more good among them on all occasions. This made good Paul "in a strait" also. I loved the man, said Theodosius concerning Ambrose, for that when he died he was more solicitous of the Church’ s welfare than of his own. Even the Lord.] Non videbo Iah Iah. I shall not see the Lord of the Lord, Deum Dei, vel Deum de Deo, - that is, Christ in the flesh, as I had well hoped to have done: so some sense it. Others say he redoubleth the word "Jah" to express his ardent affection to God’ s service, and to intimate his desire of life to that purpose. Leo Castrius.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 38:11
(11) I shall not see the Lord . . .—The words are eminently characteristic of the cheerless dimness of the Hebrew’s thoughts of death. To St. Paul and those who share his faith death is to “depart, and to be with Christ” (Philippians 1:23), to be “ever with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:17). To Hezekiah, it would seem, the outward worship of the Temple, or possibly, the consciousness of God’s presence in the full activity of brain and heart, was a joy which he could not bear to lose. The spiritual perceptions of the life after death would be spectral and shadowy, like the dead themselves. (Comp. the Greek idea of Hades in Homer (Od. xi. 12-19). It may be noted that the Hebrew for “the Lord” is the shorter, possibly the poetical, form “Jah” (as in Psalms 68:4). The LXX paraphrases “I shall not see the salvation of God.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 38:11
Verse 11. The Lord - "JEHOVAH"] יה Yah, יה Yah, seems to be יהוה Yehovah, in MS. Bodl., and it was so at first written in another. So the Syriac. See Houbigant. I believe יהוה Yehovah was the original reading. See Clarke on Isaiah 12:2.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 38:11
11. Death is the end of all communion both with God and men. To see the Lord is to enjoy the sense of His presence in the appointed acts of worship (see on ch. Isaiah 1:12), The thought that Sheol afforded no such opportunities of converse with the living God was that which made death a terror to O.T. believers (cf. Isaiah 38:18; Psalms 88:5, &c.). the inhabitants of the world] The received text has “the inhabitants of cessation” (ḥ ?edel), i.e. “of the place where life ceases,” an expression for the underworld. The reading ḥ ?eled (“the world”) is found in some Heb. MSS.; and is rightly preferred by A.V.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 38:11
I shall not see the Lord - In the original, the Hebrew which is rendered ‘Lord,’ is not Yahweh, but יה יה yâhh yâhh. On the meaning of it, see the note at Isaiah 12:2 (compare the note at Isaiah 7:14).
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 38:11
10, 11. I said — In my heart, my thought. In the cutting off of my days — Of all the opinions on these very perplexing words, that seems the best which renders them, In the meridians, in the high
Sermons on Isaiah 38:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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I Want My Portion Now! by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of backsliding and encourages the audience to examine their reasons for coming to church. He emphasizes the importance of personal |
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Avoiding Cynicism - Part 3 by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, Brother K.P. Johannett addresses the danger of becoming cynical and taking God's Word and blessings for granted. He highlights the importance of faith and belief in |
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Rejoice! by Basilea Schlink | In this sermon, Basilia Schlink delivers a message of hope and encouragement to those who are feeling sad or despairing. She emphasizes that God is the Father of goodness and that |
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Isaiah by J.B. Rowell | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the satisfaction that Jesus had in saving souls and transforming lives. He encourages the congregation to be channels of blessing and to live |
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Old Testament Survey - Part 3 by Dick Woodward | This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding the Bible as the word of God amidst modern skepticism and attacks on its credibility. It highlights the significance of knowi |
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Do Not Faint by Mack Tomlinson | This sermon focuses on the theme of spiritual weariness and fainting, drawing from Isaiah 40:28-31. It emphasizes the reality of weariness in the Christian life, the various challe |
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Old Testament Survey - Part 26 by Dick Woodward | This sermon delves into the book of Joshua as a powerful illustration of faith, contrasting it with the book of Numbers which focuses on unbelief. It highlights the perpetuation of |