Isaiah 38:2
Isaiah 38:2 in Multiple Translations
Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD,
Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the LORD,
Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto Jehovah,
And Hezekiah, turning his face to the wall, made his prayer to the Lord, saying,
When Hezekiah heard this, he went to pray privately to the Lord, saying
Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall, and prayed to the Lord,
And Hezekiah turneth round his face unto the wall, and prayeth unto Jehovah,
Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD,
Then Hezekiah turned his face towards the wall, and prayed to the LORD,
And Ezechias turned his face toward the wall, and prayed to the Lord,
Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed this:
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 38:2
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 38:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּסֵּ֧ב
חִזְקִיָּ֛הוּ
פָּנָ֖י/ו
אֶל
הַ/קִּ֑יר
וַ/יִּתְפַּלֵּ֖ל
אֶל
יְהוָֽה
וַ/יַּסֵּ֧ב
çâbab
H5437
to turn
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
חִזְקִיָּ֛הוּ
Chizqîyâh
H2396
Hezekiah
N-proper
פָּנָ֖י/ו
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הַ/קִּ֑יר
qîyr
H7023
wall
Art | N-ms
וַ/יִּתְפַּלֵּ֖ל
pâlal
H6419
to pray
Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 38:2
וַ/יַּסֵּ֧ב
çâbab
H5437
"to turn"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
To turn or surround is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can be used literally or figuratively. It appears in the Bible to describe changing direction or surrounding something.
Definition: : turn/bring_around 1) to turn, turn about or around or aside or back or towards, go about or around, surround, encircle, change direction 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn, turn about, be brought round, change 1a2) to march or walk around, go partly around, circle about, skirt, make a round, make a circuit, go about to, surround, encompass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to turn oneself, close round, turn round 1b2) to be turned over to 1c) (Piel) to turn about, change, transform 1d) (Poel) 1d1) to encompass, surround 1d2) to come about, assemble round 1d3) to march, go about 1d4) to enclose, envelop 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to turn, cause to turn, turn back, reverse, bring over, turn into, bring round 1e2) to cause to go around, surround, encompass 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be turned 1f2) to be surrounded
Usage: Occurs in 148 OT verses. KJV: bring, cast, fetch, lead, make, walk, [idiom] whirl, [idiom] round about, be about on every side, apply, avoid, beset (about), besiege, bring again, carry (about), change, cause to come about, [idiom] circuit, (fetch a) compass (about, round), drive, environ, [idiom] on every side, beset (close, come, compass, go, stand) round about, inclose, remove, return, set, sit down, turn (self) (about, aside, away, back). See also: Genesis 2:11; 1 Chronicles 16:43; Psalms 7:8.
חִזְקִיָּ֛הוּ
Chizqîyâh
H2396
"Hezekiah"
N-proper
Hezekiah was a king of Judah who served Jehovah and removed idolatrous practices. He was the son of Ahaz and Abijah, and a great-great-grandfather of Zephaniah the prophet. His name means Jehovah is my strength.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at Zep.1.1; father of: Amariah (H0568O) § Hezekiah or Hizkiah or Hizkijah = "Jehovah is my strength" 1) 12th king of Judah, son of Ahaz and Abijah; a good king in that he served Jehovah and did away with idolatrous practices 2) great-great-grandfather of Zephaniah the prophet 3) son of Neariah, a descendant of David 4) head of a family of returning exiles in the time of Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 119 OT verses. KJV: Hezekiah, Hizkiah, Hizkijah. Compare H3169 (יְחִזְקִיָּה). See also: 2 Kings 16:20; 2 Chronicles 31:20; Proverbs 25:1.
פָּנָ֖י/ו
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הַ/קִּ֑יר
qîyr
H7023
"wall"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a wall, often referring to the walls of houses, chambers, or even the altar. It is used to describe structures built for protection or division. The KJV translates it as wall or side.
Definition: 1) wall, side 1a) wall (of house or chamber) 1b) the sides (of the altar)
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] mason, side, town, [idiom] very, wall. See also: Exodus 30:3; 2 Chronicles 3:11; Psalms 62:4.
וַ/יִּתְפַּלֵּ֖ל
pâlal
H6419
"to pray"
Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3ms
To pray or intercede, as seen in the Bible when people like Moses and David prayed to God for guidance and help, often using this Hebrew word to describe their actions.
Definition: 1) to intervene, interpose, pray 1a) (Piel) to mediate, judge 1b)(Hithpael) 1b1) to intercede 1b2) to pray
Usage: Occurs in 82 OT verses. KJV: intreat, judge(-ment), (make) pray(-er, -ing), make supplication. See also: Genesis 20:7; 2 Chronicles 6:34; Psalms 5:3.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
יְהוָֽה
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.
Study Notes — Isaiah 38:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 38:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 38:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 38:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 38:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 38:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 38:2
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 38:2
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 38:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 38:2
- Sermons on Isaiah 38:2
Context — Hezekiah’s Illness and Recovery
1In those days Hezekiah became mortally ill. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz came to him and said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Put your house in order, for you are about to die; you will not recover.’”
2Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD,
3saying, “Please, O LORD, remember how I have walked before You faithfully and with wholehearted devotion; I have done what is good in Your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly. 4And the word of the LORD came to Isaiah, saying,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 6:6 | But when you pray, go into your inner room, shut your door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. |
| 2 | Psalms 91:15 | When he calls out to Me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him and honor him. |
| 3 | 1 Kings 8:30 | Hear the plea of Your servant and of Your people Israel when they pray toward this place. May You hear from heaven, Your dwelling place. May You hear and forgive. |
| 4 | Psalms 50:15 | Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me.” |
Isaiah 38:2 Summary
This verse shows Hezekiah, the king of Judah, praying to God in a time of great need. He turns his face to the wall, which might have been a way of showing humility and respect for God. It's like when we might bow our heads or kneel to pray, as seen in Ephesians 3:14. Hezekiah is seeking God's help and mercy, and his prayer is an example of how we can turn to God in times of trouble, just like the Psalmist did in Psalms 34:17-18.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Hezekiah turn his face to the wall to pray?
Hezekiah turned his face to the wall to pray, possibly as a sign of humility and reverence towards God, similar to how Elijah prayed with his face between his knees in 1 Kings 18:42.
What can we learn from Hezekiah's prayer posture?
Hezekiah's actions demonstrate a willingness to submit to God's will, as seen in Isaiah 38:2, and to seek His mercy, much like the publican who prayed with a humble heart in Luke 18:13.
How does this verse relate to other prayers in the Bible?
This verse shows Hezekiah's dependence on God, similar to how King David prayed to God in times of distress, as seen in Psalms 51:1-2, and how the prophet Daniel prayed with his windows open towards Jerusalem in Daniel 6:10.
What does Hezekiah's prayer reveal about his relationship with God?
Hezekiah's prayer, as seen in Isaiah 38:2 and the following verses, reveals a deep trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, much like the relationship between God and Abraham, as described in Genesis 17:1-2.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate humility and reverence in my own prayer life, like Hezekiah did in this verse?
- How can I, like Hezekiah, turn to God in times of distress and uncertainty, and what scriptures can I use to guide my prayers?
- In what ways can I show my dependence on God, as Hezekiah did by turning his face to the wall and praying to the Lord?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to seek God's mercy and forgiveness, and how can I pray about those things like Hezekiah did?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 38:2
Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall,.... Not figuratively to the wall of his heart, as Jerom; but literally, either to the wall of his bedchamber where he lay sick, that his tears might not be
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 38:2
Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall. The couches in the East ran along the walls of houses.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 38:2
Isaiah 38:2 Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, Ver. 2. See 2 Kings 20:2
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 38:2
(2) Turned his face toward the wall . . .—The royal couch was in the corner, as the Eastern place of honour, the face turned to it, as seeking privacy and avoiding the gaze of men. (Comp. Ahab in 1 Kings 21:4.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 38:2
Verse 2. Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall] The furniture of an eastern divan or chamber, either for the reception of company or for private use, consists chiefly of carpets spread on the floor in the middle; and of sofas, or couches ranged on one or more sides of the room, on a part raised somewhat above the floor. On these they repose themselves in the day, and sleep at night. It is to be observed that the corner of the room is the place of honour. Dr. Pococke, when he was introduced to the Sheikh of Furshout, found him sitting in the corner of his room. He describes another Arab Sheikh "as sitting in the corner of a large green tent, pitched in the middle of an encampment of Arabs; and the Bey of Girge as placed on a sofa in a corner to the right as one entered the room." - Harmer's Observ. ii. p. 60. Lady Mary Montague, giving an account of a visit which she made to the Kahya's lady at Adrianople, says, "She ordered cushions to be given me; and took care to place me in the corner, which is the place of honour." - Letter xxxiii. The reason of this seems to be, that the person so placed is distinguished, and in a manner separated, from the rest of the company, and as it were guarded by the wall on each side. We are to suppose Hezekiah's couch placed in the same situation; in which turning on either side, he must turn his face to the wall; by which he would withdraw himself from those who were attending upon him in his apartment, in order to address his private prayer to God.
Isaiah 38:3. And he said, I beseech thee, O JEHOVAH, remember now how I have endeavoured to walk before thee in truth, and with a perfect heart; and have done that which is good in thine eyes. And Hezekiah wept, and lamented grievously. - L. Isaiah 38:4. Now [before Isaiah was gone out into the middle court] the word of JEHOVAH came unto him, saying, Go [back,] and say unto Hezekiah, Thus saith JEHOVAH the God of David thy father, I have heard thy supplication; I have seen thy tears. Behold [I will heal thee; and on the third day thou shalt go up into the house of JEHOVAH. Isaiah 38:5. And] I will add unto thy days fifteen years. And I will deliver thee, and this city, from the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will protect this city. And [Hezekiah said, By what sign shall I know that I shall go up into the house of JEHOVAH?
Isaiah 38:7. And Isaiah said,] This shall be the sign unto thee from JEHOVAH, that JEHOVAH still bring to effect this word which he hath spoken. The words in the translation included within crotchets are supplied from the parallel place, 2Kg 20:4-5, to make the narration more perfect.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 38:2
2. turned his face toward the wall] (cf. 1 Kings 21:4) an instinctive expression of the feeling that he was alone with God in this bitter moment.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 38:2
Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall - The wall of the room in which he was lying He was probably lying on a couch next the wall of his room.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 38:2
2. Turned his face toward the wall — Upon his divan, his bed; and gave himself up to reflection and prayer.
Sermons on Isaiah 38:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Hezekiah's Prayer by C.I. Scofield | C.I. Scofield delves into the story of Hezekiah's prayer for healing and God's response in Isaiah 38:1-8. The passage reflects the Old Testament view on life, death, and blessings, |
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(Australia) a Cry Without a Voice by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the internal struggles and cries of a young person who is feeling overwhelmed and confused. The preacher emphasizes the importance of having |
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The Burdens of Ravenhill - Part 3 (Compilation) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon transcript, the speaker, Brother Ravenhill, engages in a conversation with a man named Brother Singh about the procedure in his church service. Brother Singh describ |
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Intercessory Prayer - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being zealous and passionate in spreading the word of God. He criticizes those who claim to have the best thing in the worl |
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(2008 Usa Tour) Singles Table Talk by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher describes a journey up a cableway to a beautiful mountain, followed by a visit to a tea place and a boat ride around Seal Island. The preacher then men |
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Prayer by Manley Beasley | In this sermon, Dr. James Stewart emphasizes the importance of having both a vision and a strategy from God. He believes that God not only gives us a vision but also provides a str |
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When You Call Down Heaven by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the importance of prayer as a powerful weapon in spiritual warfare. It highlights the need for a deeper walk with Christ through motives, positioning oneself |