Isaiah 38:10
I said in the cutting off of my days, I shall go to the gates of the grave: I am deprived of the residue of my years.
Original Language Analysis
יָמַ֛י
of my days
H3117
יָמַ֛י
of my days
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
4 of 10
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
אֵלֵ֖כָה
H1980
אֵלֵ֖כָה
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
5 of 10
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
שְׁא֑וֹל
of the grave
H7585
שְׁא֑וֹל
of the grave
Strong's:
H7585
Word #:
7 of 10
hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates
פֻּקַּ֖דְתִּי
I am deprived
H6485
פֻּקַּ֖דְתִּי
I am deprived
Strong's:
H6485
Word #:
8 of 10
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
Cross References
Psalms 102:24I said, O my God, take me not away in the midst of my days: thy years are throughout all generations.2 Corinthians 1:9But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:Psalms 107:18Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat; and they draw near unto the gates of death.Job 7:7O remember that my life is wind: mine eye shall no more see good.
Historical Context
Sheol in Old Testament thought was the shadowy realm of the dead, separated from the living and from vibrant relationship with God (Psalm 6:5).
Questions for Reflection
- How can we honestly express grief and disappointment to God while maintaining faith?
- What does premature death represent as loss, particularly in Old Testament perspective?
- How do we process the pain of apparently unfulfilled potential and shortened life?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Hezekiah's lament "I said in the cutting off of my days" uses "cutting off" (Hebrew damah) suggesting premature death. The phrase "gates of the grave" (sheol) personifies death as a walled city with entrance gates—once entered, no exit exists. "I am deprived of the residue of my years" expresses grief over unfulfilled life expectancy. This honest expression of distress models that believers can voice disappointment to God about apparent injustice while still trusting Him.