Isaiah 37:1

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass, when king Hezekiah heard it, that he rent his clothes, and covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְהִ֗י

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כִּשְׁמֹ֙עַ֙

H8085

heard

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ

H4428

And it came to pass when king

a king

חִזְקִיָּ֔הוּ

H2396

Hezekiah

chizkijah, a king of judah, also the name of two other israelites

וַיִּקְרַ֖ע

H7167

it that he rent

to rend, literally or figuratively (revile, paint the eyes, as if enlarging them)

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בְּגָדָ֑יו

H899

his clothes

a covering, i.e., clothing

וַיִּתְכַּ֣ס

H3680

and covered

properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)

בַּשָּׂ֔ק

H8242

himself with sackcloth

properly, a mesh (as allowing a liquid to run through), i.e., coarse loose cloth or sacking (used in mourning and for bagging); hence, a bag (for grai

#10

וַיָּבֹ֖א

H935

and went

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#11

בֵּ֥ית

H1004

into the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#12

יְהוָֽה׃

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by introducing key themes that will be developed throughout Isaiah.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Isaiah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Isaiah