Isaiah 38:15
What shall I say? he hath both spoken unto me, and himself hath done it: I shall go softly all my years in the bitterness of my soul.
Original Language Analysis
מָֽה
H4100
מָֽה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
1 of 12
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
אֲדַבֵּ֥ר
What shall I say
H1696
אֲדַבֵּ֥ר
What shall I say
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
2 of 12
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
וְה֣וּא
H1931
וְה֣וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
5 of 12
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
עָשָׂ֑ה
unto me and himself hath done
H6213
עָשָׂ֑ה
unto me and himself hath done
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
6 of 12
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כָל
H3605
כָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
8 of 12
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
10 of 12
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
Job 7:11Therefore I will not refrain my mouth; I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.1 Kings 21:27And it came to pass, when Ahab heard those words, that he rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his flesh, and fasted, and lay in sackcloth, and went softly.Job 10:1My soul is weary of my life; I will leave my complaint upon myself; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul.
Historical Context
Near-death experiences often produced lasting changes in perspective and behavior. Hezekiah's suffering taught lessons that would shape his remaining years.
Questions for Reflection
- How does experiencing God's deliverance produce ongoing humility and reverence?
- What does it mean to "go softly" through life after dramatic intervention?
- How can suffering's "bitterness" become a teacher that improves our walk with God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The question "What shall I say?" acknowledges inability to adequately respond to God's intervention. "He hath both spoken unto me, and himself hath done it" recognizes God's promise and its fulfillment—word and deed align perfectly. The resolution "I shall go softly all my years in the bitterness of my soul" describes humble, chastened living. "Go softly" (Hebrew dadah) suggests careful, reverent walking. This demonstrates that deliverance produces ongoing humility, not presumption. The phrase "bitterness of my soul" suggests the suffering left a permanent mark.