Isaiah 38:16
Isaiah 38:16 in Multiple Translations
O 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.
O Lord, by these things men live, and in all these things is the life of my spirit: so wilt thou recover me, and make me to live.
O Lord, by these things men live; And wholly therein is the life of my spirit: Wherefore recover thou me, and make me to live.
O Lord, for this cause I am waiting for you, give rest to my spirit: make me well again, and let me come back to life.
Lord, we live by what you say and do, and I find life in all of this. You have given me back my health and allowed me to live.
O Lord, to them that ouerliue them, and to all that are in them, the life of my spirite shalbe knowen, that thou causedst me to sleepe and hast giuen life to me.
Lord, by these do [men] live, And by all in them [is] the life of my spirit, And Thou savest me, make me also to live,
Lord, men live by these things; and my spirit finds life in all of them. You restore me, and cause me to live.
O LORD, by these things men live, and in all these things is the life of my spirit: so wilt thou recover me, and make me to live.
O Lord, if man’s life be such, and the life of my spirit be in such things as these, thou shalt correct me, and make me to live.
Yahweh, the sufferings (OR, the promises) that you give are good, because what you do and what you say bring new life and health to us. And you restore/heal me and allow me to continue to live!
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 38:16
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 38:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֲדֹנָ֖/י
עֲלֵי/הֶ֣ם
יִֽחְי֑וּ
וּ/לְ/כָל
בָּ/הֶן֙
חַיֵּ֣י
רוּחִ֔/י
וְ/תַחֲלִימֵ֖/נִי
וְ/הַחֲיֵֽ/נִי
אֲדֹנָ֖/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
Lord
N-mp | Suff
עֲלֵי/הֶ֣ם
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
יִֽחְי֑וּ
châyâh
H2421
to live
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
וּ/לְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | Prep | N-ms
בָּ/הֶן֙
Prep | Suff
חַיֵּ֣י
chay
H2416
alive
N-mp
רוּחִ֔/י
rûwach
H7307
spirit
N-cs | Suff
וְ/תַחֲלִימֵ֖/נִי
châlam
H2492
be healthy
Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms | Suff
וְ/הַחֲיֵֽ/נִי
châyâh
H2421
to live
Conj | V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 38:16
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.
עֲלֵי/הֶ֣ם
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
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.
יִֽחְי֑וּ
châyâh
H2421
"to live"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To live or have life is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to revive or be quickened. It is used in the Bible to describe God's power to sustain life and restore people to health, as seen in the stories of the prophets and Jesus' miracles.
Definition: 1) to live, have life, remain alive, sustain life, live prosperously, live for ever, be quickened, be alive, be restored to life or health 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to live 1a1a) to have life 1a1b) to continue in life, remain alive 1a1c) to sustain life, to live on or upon 1a1d) to live (prosperously) 1a2) to revive, be quickened 1a2a) from sickness 1a2b) from discouragement 1a2c) from faintness 1a2d) from death 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to preserve alive, let live 1b2) to give life 1b3) to quicken, revive, refresh 1b3a) to restore to life 1b3b) to cause to grow 1b3c) to restore 1b3d) to revive 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to preserve alive, let live 1c2) to quicken, revive 1c2a) to restore (to health) 1c2b) to revive 1c2c) to restore to life
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: keep (leave, make) alive, [idiom] certainly, give (promise) life, (let, suffer to) live, nourish up, preserve (alive), quicken, recover, repair, restore (to life), revive, ([idiom] God) save (alive, life, lives), [idiom] surely, be whole. See also: Genesis 5:3; 2 Samuel 16:16; Psalms 22:27.
וּ/לְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
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.
בָּ/הֶן֙
""
Prep | Suff
חַיֵּ֣י
chay
H2416
"alive"
N-mp
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.
רוּחִ֔/י
rûwach
H7307
"spirit"
N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.
וְ/תַחֲלִימֵ֖/נִי
châlam
H2492
"be healthy"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms | Suff
This verb means to dream, like in Genesis 37:5-10 where Joseph dreams about his future. It can also mean to recover or be in good health, as in Psalm 73:4.
Definition: 1) to be healthy, be strong 1a) (Qal) to be healthy 1b) (Hiphil) to restore to health
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) dream(-er), be in good liking, recover. See also: Genesis 28:12; Deuteronomy 13:2; Psalms 126:1.
וְ/הַחֲיֵֽ/נִי
châyâh
H2421
"to live"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
To live or have life is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to revive or be quickened. It is used in the Bible to describe God's power to sustain life and restore people to health, as seen in the stories of the prophets and Jesus' miracles.
Definition: 1) to live, have life, remain alive, sustain life, live prosperously, live for ever, be quickened, be alive, be restored to life or health 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to live 1a1a) to have life 1a1b) to continue in life, remain alive 1a1c) to sustain life, to live on or upon 1a1d) to live (prosperously) 1a2) to revive, be quickened 1a2a) from sickness 1a2b) from discouragement 1a2c) from faintness 1a2d) from death 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to preserve alive, let live 1b2) to give life 1b3) to quicken, revive, refresh 1b3a) to restore to life 1b3b) to cause to grow 1b3c) to restore 1b3d) to revive 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to preserve alive, let live 1c2) to quicken, revive 1c2a) to restore (to health) 1c2b) to revive 1c2c) to restore to life
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: keep (leave, make) alive, [idiom] certainly, give (promise) life, (let, suffer to) live, nourish up, preserve (alive), quicken, recover, repair, restore (to life), revive, ([idiom] God) save (alive, life, lives), [idiom] surely, be whole. See also: Genesis 5:3; 2 Samuel 16:16; Psalms 22:27.
Study Notes — Isaiah 38:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 38:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 38:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 38:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 38:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 38:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 38:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 38:16
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 38:16
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 38:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 38:16
- Sermons on Isaiah 38:16
Context — Hezekiah’s Song of Thanksgiving
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.
17Surely for my own welfare I had such great anguish; but Your love has delivered me from the pit of oblivion, for You have cast all my sins behind Your back. 18For Sheol cannot thank You; Death cannot praise You. Those who descend to the Pit cannot hope for Your faithfulness.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hebrews 12:10–11 | Our fathers disciplined us for a short time as they thought best, but God disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a harvest of righteousness and peace to those who have been trained by it. |
| 2 | 1 Corinthians 11:32 | But when we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world. |
| 3 | Psalms 119:25 | My soul cleaves to the dust; revive me according to Your word. |
| 4 | Matthew 4:4 | But Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ” |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 8:3 | He humbled you, and in your hunger He gave you manna to eat, which neither you nor your fathers had known, so that you might understand that man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD. |
| 6 | Isaiah 64:5 | You welcome those who gladly do right, who remember Your ways. Surely You were angry, for we sinned. How can we be saved if we remain in our sins? |
| 7 | Job 33:19–28 | A man is also chastened on his bed with pain and constant distress in his bones, so that he detests his bread, and his soul loathes his favorite food. His flesh wastes away from sight, and his hidden bones protrude. He draws near to the Pit, and his life to the messengers of death. Yet if there is a messenger on his side, one mediator in a thousand, to tell a man what is right for him, to be gracious to him and say, ‘Spare him from going down to the Pit; I have found his ransom,’ then his flesh is refreshed like a child’s; he returns to the days of his youth. He prays to God and finds favor; he sees God’s face and shouts for joy, and God restores His righteousness to that man. Then he sings before men with these words: ‘I have sinned and perverted what was right; yet I did not get what I deserved. He redeemed my soul from going down to the Pit, and I will live to see the light.’ |
| 8 | Psalms 71:20 | Though You have shown me many troubles and misfortunes, You will revive me once again. Even from the depths of the earth You will bring me back up. |
| 9 | 2 Corinthians 4:17 | For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that is far beyond comparison. |
Isaiah 38:16 Summary
Isaiah 38:16 tells us that our lives and spirits are revived when we trust in God's plan and remember His restoration. Just like how God restored the writer's health, He can heal and revive us too, as seen in verses like Psalm 30:2-3. This verse reminds us that even in hard times, God is with us and wants to give us life and hope, similar to His promise in Jeremiah 29:11. By trusting in God's love and care, we can find life and strength, just like the writer of this verse.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that men live by such things as mentioned in this verse?
The phrase 'such things' refers to the trials and experiences of life, including suffering and restoration, through which God teaches us to trust and depend on Him, as seen in Psalm 119:71 and Romans 5:3-5.
How can my spirit find life in the midst of struggles?
According to Isaiah 38:16, our spirits can find life when we acknowledge God's sovereignty and restoration, similar to how David found comfort in God's presence in Psalm 23:4 and how Jesus promised the Holy Spirit would give us life in John 6:63.
What role does restoration play in this verse?
Restoration, as mentioned in Isaiah 38:16, is a direct act of God, where He heals and revives us, much like how He restored Job's health and fortunes in Job 42:10-17, demonstrating His love and care for those who trust in Him.
How does this verse relate to the concept of faith and trust?
This verse highlights the importance of trusting in God's goodness and love, even in the midst of suffering, as expressed in Isaiah 38:16 and supported by other scriptures like Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28, which assure us of God's plan to prosper and give us hope.
Reflection Questions
- What are the 'such things' in my life that I can trust God to use for my good and the growth of my spirit?
- How can I, like the writer of this verse, find life and restoration in the midst of my current struggles and challenges?
- What does it mean for my spirit to 'find life' in God, and how can I cultivate this kind of spiritual vitality in my daily walk with God?
- In what ways can I acknowledge and express gratitude for God's restoration and healing in my life, as the writer does in this verse?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 38:16
O Lord, by these things men live,.... Not by bread only, but by the word of God: by the promise of God, and by his power performing it; and by his favour and goodness continually bestowed; it is in
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 38:16
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 38:16
By these things; by virtue of thy gracious word or promise, and powerful work; by thy promises, and thy performances of them, mentioned in the foregoing verse. This place may be explained by comparing it with , Man doth not live by bread, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord. The sense is, Not I only, but all men, do receive and recover, and hold their lives by thy favour, and the word of thy power; and therefore it is not strange that one word of God hath brought me back from the very jaws of death. In all these things is the life of my spirit; and as it is with other men, so hath it been with me in a special manner; for in these above all other things is the life of my spirit or soul, i.e. either the comfort (which is sometimes called life) of my spirit; or rather, that life which is in my body, from my spirit or soul united to it. So wilt thou recover me, and make me to live; or, and or for thou hast recovered me, &c., to wit, by these things.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 38:16
Isaiah 38:16 O Lord, by these [things men] live, and in all these [things is] the life of my spirit: so wilt thou recover me, and make me to live.Ver. 16. O Lord, by these things men live.] By thy promises so performed "the just do live by faith," and live long in a little while; for life consisteth in action, and some live more in a day than others do in a year. An elephant liveth two hundred years, saith Aristotle; three hundred and fifty, saith Philostratus; and yet man, though of much shorter a continuance, is not inferior to an elephant. For this is not the best thing in nature, saith Scaliger, to live longest, but to live to best purpose. Now, man’ s life is a way to life eternal. Other creatures have what they live for: not so man, while here. And in all these things is the life of my spirit.] The godly esteem of life by that stirring they find in their souls; else they lament as over a dead soul. So wilt thou recover me.] Or, Hast thou recovered me?
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 38:16
(16) By these things . . .—i.e., by the word of God and the performance which fulfils it. For “in all these things,” read wholly through them. The words remind us of Deu 8:3, “Man doth not live by bread alone . . .”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 38:16
Verse 16. By these things men live - "For this cause shall it be declared"] Περιαυτηςγαρανηγγελησοι, καιεξηγειραςμουτηνπνοην, Sept. They read in their copies עליה יחוו לך ותחיי רוחי not very different from the present text, from which all the ancient Versions vary. They entirely omit two words, ולכל בהן ulecol bahen; as to which there is some variation in the MSS. One MS. has ובכל ubechol, and in all; two others וכל vechol, and all, and ten MSS. have בהם bahem, in them, in the masculine gender. Taking this as in the common Version, we may observe, it is not an unfrequent case, that afflictions, and especially such as tend to a speedy death, become the means, not only of saving the soul, but also of lengthening the life. Make me to live - "Hast prolonged my life."] A MSS. and the Babylonish Talmud read ותחיני vetachayeni, and so the ancient Versions. It must necessarily be in the second person.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 38:16
16. The thought expressed by E.V. is somewhat as follows: “By such Divine words and deeds (Isaiah 38:15) men are preserved in life; and by such things my spirit is revived.” No one will say that this is either good Hebrew or a natural sense; and the text is almost certainly corrupt. The verb “live” closely resembles an Aramaic verb (ḥ ?ivvβh occurring several times in the O.T.) meaning “to declare”; and this was evidently read by LXX.: περὶαὐτῆςγὰρἀνηγγέλησοι. Starting with this, Duhm makes the verse read: “Lord, of this doth my heart make mention to Thee, Give rest to my spirit and recover me, &c.” His emendations however are somewhat sweeping. so wilt thou … live] The first verb is impf. (fut.), the second imperat. recover me is literally “give me health.”
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 38:16
O Lord, by these things men live - The design of this and the following verses is evidently to set forth the goodness of God, and to celebrate his praise for what he had done.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 38:16
16. By these… men live — God’s virtual promise in the preceding verse is referred to. In consequence of this, “men live,” and in them shall my life be. Thou hast ordained to recover me, and cause me still to live.
Sermons on Isaiah 38:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Falling Rain and the Budding Earth by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches on the powerful analogy between the rain and snow from heaven and the word of God, emphasizing that just as the rain and snow water the earth and make it brin |
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The Death of the Flesh the Life of the Spirit by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches about the spiritual journey of King Hezekiah, emphasizing the deep work of God in the heart to bring believers to a true understanding of their own sinfulness |
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Wilderness Grace by John Nelson Darby | John Nelson Darby emphasizes the concept of 'Wilderness Grace,' illustrating how God's grace was evident in Israel's journey from Egypt to Sinai, despite their constant murmuring a |
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The Christian's Preservative by James Smith | James Smith preaches about the importance of the fear of God as a preservative against apostasy, highlighting how believers throughout history have found it to be a preventative to |
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Trials and Afflictions by Bakht Singh | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of rejoicing in faithfulness during trials and afflictions. He refers to 1 Peter chapter 4 verses 12-14, which encourages bel |
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The Tenth Commandment by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal journey of seeking reality in his faith and how God has led him in India. He emphasizes the importance of honesty and transparency i |
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(Pdf Book) Fullness of God by Bakht Singh | Bakht Singh emphasizes that God's ultimate purpose in saving humanity is to fill us with His fullness, as stated in Ephesians 3:19. He explains that despite our sinful nature, thro |