Isaiah 37:3
And they said unto him, Thus saith Hezekiah, This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and of blasphemy: for the children are come to the birth, and there is not strength to bring forth.
Original Language Analysis
כֹּ֚ה
H3541
כֹּ֚ה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
3 of 19
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
חִזְקִיָּ֔הוּ
Hezekiah
H2396
חִזְקִיָּ֔הוּ
Hezekiah
Strong's:
H2396
Word #:
5 of 19
chizkijah, a king of judah, also the name of two other israelites
הַיּ֣וֹם
This day
H3117
הַיּ֣וֹם
This day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
6 of 19
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
וְתוֹכֵחָ֛ה
and of rebuke
H8433
וְתוֹכֵחָ֛ה
and of rebuke
Strong's:
H8433
Word #:
8 of 19
chastisement; figuratively (by words) correction, refutation, proof (even in defense)
הַיּ֣וֹם
This day
H3117
הַיּ֣וֹם
This day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
10 of 19
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
הַזֶּ֑ה
H2088
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
12 of 19
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
בָנִים֙
for the children
H1121
בָנִים֙
for the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
14 of 19
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
15 of 19
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
מַשְׁבֵּ֔ר
to the birth
H4866
מַשְׁבֵּ֔ר
to the birth
Strong's:
H4866
Word #:
16 of 19
the orifice of the womb (from which the fetus breaks forth)
וְכֹ֥חַ
and there is not strength
H3581
וְכֹ֥חַ
and there is not strength
Strong's:
H3581
Word #:
17 of 19
vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)
אַ֖יִן
H369
Cross References
Isaiah 66:9Shall I bring to the birth, and not cause to bring forth? saith the LORD: shall I cause to bring forth, and shut the womb? saith thy God.Hosea 13:13The sorrows of a travailing woman shall come upon him: he is an unwise son; for he should not stay long in the place of the breaking forth of children.Psalms 50:15And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.2 Kings 19:3And they said unto him, Thus saith Hezekiah, This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and blasphemy: for the children are come to the birth, and there is not strength to bring forth.Isaiah 33:2O LORD, be gracious unto us; we have waited for thee: be thou their arm every morning, our salvation also in the time of trouble.
Historical Context
Childbirth without strength to deliver meant certain death in the ancient world. This metaphor communicated desperate extremity to Isaiah.
Questions for Reflection
- How does admitting complete helplessness position us to receive God's intervention?
- Why is recognizing our inability essential before experiencing God's power?
- What situations in your life feel like being unable to bring forth what is needed?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The message "This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and of blasphemy" accurately diagnoses the situation's spiritual dimension. The metaphor "children are come to the birth, and there is not strength to bring forth" depicts hopeless desperation—life is near but impossible to achieve without intervention. This vivid imagery shows Hezekiah recognizes Judah's complete inability to save themselves. Acknowledging utter helplessness is prerequisite for receiving God's miraculous deliverance. The admission of weakness demonstrates mature faith.