Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 38:15
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
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.
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.
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
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.
To walk gently or go slowly, often with a sense of care or caution. This word is used to describe a deliberate and thoughtful pace, like a parent guiding a child. It's about moving with intention and attention.
Definition: 1) to move slowly 1a) (Hithpael) to walk deliberately
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: go (softly, with). See also: Psalms 42:5; Isaiah 38:15.
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
Mar means bitter, describing something that tastes bad or is unpleasant. It can also describe emotional pain or discontent, like being angry or chafed.
Definition: adj 1) bitter, bitterness 1a) of water or food 1b) of harlot's end, end of wickedness, cry (fig.) 1c) of pain (subst) adv 2) bitterly
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] angry, bitter(-ly, -ness), chafed, discontented, [idiom] great, heavy. See also: Genesis 27:34; Psalms 64:4; Proverbs 5:4.
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
Context — Hezekiah’s Song of Thanksgiving
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
1 Kings 21:27 |
When Ahab heard these words, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and fasted. He lay down in sackcloth and walked around meekly. |
| 2 |
Job 7:11 |
Therefore I will not restrain my mouth; I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul. |
| 3 |
Job 10:1 |
“I loathe my own life; I will express my complaint and speak in the bitterness of my soul. |
| 4 |
2 Kings 4:27 |
When she reached the man of God at the mountain, she clung to his feet. Gehazi came over to push her away, but the man of God said, “Leave her alone, for her soul is in deep distress, and the LORD has hidden it from me and has not told me.” |
| 5 |
Job 21:25 |
Yet another man dies in the bitterness of his soul, having never tasted prosperity. |
| 6 |
John 12:27 |
Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? No, it is for this purpose that I have come to this hour. |
| 7 |
Joshua 7:8 |
O Lord, what can I say, now that Israel has turned its back and run from its enemies? |
| 8 |
Psalms 39:9–10 |
I have become mute; I do not open my mouth because of what You have done. Remove Your scourge from me; I am perishing by the force of Your hand. |
| 9 |
Ezra 9:10 |
And now, our God, what can we say after this? For we have forsaken the commandments |
| 10 |
1 Samuel 1:10 |
In her bitter distress, Hannah prayed to the LORD and wept with many tears. |
Isaiah 38:15 Summary
[Isaiah 38:15 is a verse about trusting in God's plan, even when we don't understand what's happening in our lives. The speaker is saying that they will trust in God and move forward slowly, because they know that God is in control, as we see in Jeremiah 29:11, where God says 'I know the plans I have for you'. This means that we can have peace and confidence, even in difficult times, because we know that God is working everything out for our good, as promised in Romans 8:28.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the speaker expressing in Isaiah 38:15?
The speaker is expressing a sense of resignation and acceptance of God's will, acknowledging that God has spoken and acted in their life, as seen in Isaiah 38:15, and this is similar to the trust expressed in Psalm 37:7, where it says to 'be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him'
What does the phrase 'I will walk slowly all my years' mean?
This phrase suggests that the speaker has come to a place of humility and surrender, recognizing that their life is in God's hands, and they will proceed with caution and dependence on God, much like the Psalmist in Psalm 119:133, who asks God to 'direct my steps'
How does this verse relate to the concept of suffering and trust in God?
This verse shows that even in the midst of anguish and suffering, the speaker trusts in God's goodness and sovereignty, echoing the sentiment in Romans 8:28, which says that 'God works all things together for good'
What can we learn from the speaker's response to God's actions in their life?
We can learn the importance of trusting in God's plan and purposes, even when we do not understand, and acknowledging His sovereignty over our lives, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, where it says to 'trust in the Lord with all your heart'
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to surrender to God's will and walk slowly, trusting in His goodness?
- How can I, like the speaker, come to a place of acceptance and trust in God's sovereignty, even in the midst of suffering or uncertainty?
- What does it mean for me to 'walk slowly' in my relationship with God, and how can I cultivate this kind of humility and dependence on Him?
- In what ways can I, like the speaker, acknowledge God's presence and action in my life, and express my trust in His love and care for me?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 38:15
What shall I say?.... In a way of praise and thankfulness, for the mercies promised and received; I know not what to say; I want words to express the gratitude of my heart for the kindness bestowed.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 38:15
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 38:15
What shall I say I want words sufficient to express my deep sense of God’ s dealings with me. He hath both spoken unto me, and himself hath done it; he did foretell it by his word, and effect it by his hand. This clause and verse is either, 1. A continuance of his complaint hitherto described: God hath passed this sentence upon me, and hath also put it in execution, and to him I must submit myself. Or, 2. A transition or entrance into the thanksgiving, which is undoubtedly contained in the following verses. So the sense is, God hath sent a gracious message to me by his prophet, concerning the prolongation of my life; and he, I doubt not, will make good his word therein. And this sense seems the more probable, 1. Because here is mention of his years to come, whereas in his sickness he expected not to live to the end of a day. 2. Because the Chaldee paraphrast, and the LXX., and Syriac, and Arabic interpreters expound it so in their versions. 3.
Because this suits best with the context and coherence of this verse, both with the former and with the following verse. For as he endeth the foregoing verse with a prayer to God for longer life, so in this verse he relates God’ s gracious answer to his prayer. And if this verse be thus understood, the next verse hath a very convenient connexion with this; whereas it seems to be very abrupt and incoherent, if the thanksgiving begin there. I shall go softly; I shall walk in the course of my life, either, 1. Humbly, with all humble thankfulness to God for conferring so great a favour upon so unworthy a person; or, 2. Easily and peaceably, with leisure, not like one affrighted, or running away from his enemy; or, 3. By slow and gentle paces, as men commonly spin out their days by degrees unto a just length, which is not unfitly opposed to his former state and time of sickness, wherein his days were swifter than a weaver’ s shuttle, and than a post, as Job complained upon the same occasion, 9:25, and were cut off like a weaver’ s web, as he complained, . In the bitterness of my soul; arising from the remembrance of that desperate condition from which God had delivered me; for great dangers, though past, are ofttimes very terrible to those that reflect upon them. But the words may be rendered, upon or after the bitterness of my soul; after the deliverance from this bitter and dangerous disease; which may be compared with , where he saith, for or after peace I had great bitterness, as here he presageth and assureth himself of the contrary, that he should have peace after his great bitterness.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 38:15
Isaiah 38:15 What shall I say? he hath both spoken unto me, and himself hath done [it]: I shall go softly all my years in the bitterness of my soul.Ver. 15. What shall I say?] This he seemeth to speak in a way of wondering at God’ s goodness in delivering him from so great a death. The like doth the apostle in Romans 8:31, "What shall we then say to these things?" He hath both spoken unto me, and himself hath done it.] He no sooner bade me be well, but he made me so. Thus he attributeth his recovery to the most faithful promise of God, and not to the lump of figs, &c. I shall go softly all my years in the bitterness of my soul.] Or, I shall go quietly and cheerfully all my years after my soul’ s bitternsss - sc., When it is past and gone. Dixit et fecit. Scultet.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 38:15
(15) What shall I say?—With the same force as in 2 Samuel 7:20; Hebrews 11:32. Words fail to express the wonder and the gratitude of the sufferer who has thus been rescued for the fulfilment which followed so immediately on the promise. I shall go softly . . .—Better, That I should walk at ease upon (i.e., because of, or, as others take it, in spite of) the trouble of my soul. The verb is used in Psalms 42:4 of a festal procession to the Temple, but here refers simply to the journey of life, and implies that it is to be carried on to the end as with calm and considerate steps. The Authorised Version suggests wrongly the thought of a life-long bitterness.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 38:15
Verse 15. I shall go softly all my years in the bitterness of my soul - "Through the rest of my years will I reflect on this bitterness of my soul"] אדדה eddaddeh; recogitabo, Vulg., reputabo, Hieron. in loc.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 38:15
9–20. Hezekiah’s thanksgiving for his recovery. This poem, which is not given in the parallel narrative in 2 Kings, must have been inserted here from an independent source. An external mark of the insertion is found in the displacement of Isa 38:21-22 from their proper context. The superscription (Isaiah 38:9) resembles several of those in the book of Psalms, and was no doubt found in the document from which the poem was transcribed. The song, therefore, was in all probability traditionally ascribed to Hezekiah, but whether this judgment rests on historical authority, or merely on its inherent suitability to his circumstances, it is impossible to say. The linguistic evidence seems to point to a late date. The poem, like many of the Psalms, is a record of individual experience, but adapted for use in the Temple worship (Isaiah 38:20). The experience is that of a man who has been brought face to face with death, who has prayed for life, and has been “heard in that he feared”; but with the reticence which characterises the Psalmists all details of merely personal interest are suppressed with a view to the liturgical use of the poem. The psalm may be divided into two parts (both indicated in the superscription, Isaiah 38:9):— i.
Isaiah 38:10-14. A description of the writer’s anguish and despair in the near prospect of death. ii. Isaiah 38:15-20. His joy and gratitude when assured of his recovery.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 38:15
What shall I say? - This language seems to denote surprise and gratitude at unexpected deliverance. It is the language of a heart that is overflowing, and that wants words to express its deep emotions.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 38:15
15. And hope grew with each hour. What shall I say — Perhaps the second announcement of Isaiah comes in here. Despair leaves Hezekiah entirely. He turns to praise.
Sermons on Isaiah 38:15
| Sermon | Description |
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Slippery When
by Jack Hyles
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In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal experience of going door-to-door to evangelize. He encounters a man who is initially resistant but eventually sits down to listen. Th |
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Change for Fresh Beginning
by E.A. Adeboye
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E.A. Adeboye preaches about the opportunity for a fresh start with God, emphasizing the need for humility, repentance, and a turning away from sinful ways. He uses the example of K |
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John 21:15-25
by St. John Chrysostom
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John Chrysostom preaches on the interaction between Jesus and Peter after His resurrection, emphasizing the importance of love for God and care for others. Jesus questions Peter's |
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(Through the Bible) 2 Kings 1-4
by Chuck Smith
|
In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of a king who sought the Lord's guidance through a minstrel's music. The Lord instructed the king to make a valley full of trenches, |
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(John) 17 - the Light Shinning
by Alan Redpath
|
In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the verse "While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light." The sermon is divided into three main points: |
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(Exodus) Exodus 25:29-30
by J. Vernon McGee
|
In this sermon, the preacher discusses the significance of the showbread in the Bible. The showbread was made of grain and symbolized Christ. The preacher draws parallels between t |
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(Basics) 56. Praying About God's Interests
by Zac Poonen
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In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of immediately obeying God's commands. He contrasts the delay and reluctance of humans to obey with the promptness and joyful |