Isaiah 38:18
For the grave cannot praise thee, death can not celebrate thee: they that go down into the pit cannot hope for thy truth.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
שְׁא֛וֹל
For the grave
H7585
שְׁא֛וֹל
For the grave
Strong's:
H7585
Word #:
3 of 12
hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates
תּוֹדֶ֖ךָּ
cannot praise
H3034
תּוֹדֶ֖ךָּ
cannot praise
Strong's:
H3034
Word #:
4 of 12
physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the ha
מָ֣וֶת
thee death
H4194
מָ֣וֶת
thee death
Strong's:
H4194
Word #:
5 of 12
death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin
יְהַלְלֶ֑ךָּ
can not celebrate
H1984
יְהַלְלֶ֑ךָּ
can not celebrate
Strong's:
H1984
Word #:
6 of 12
to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
7 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יְשַׂבְּר֥וּ
cannot hope
H7663
יְשַׂבְּר֥וּ
cannot hope
Strong's:
H7663
Word #:
8 of 12
to scrutinize; by implication (of watching) to expect (with hope and patience)
יֽוֹרְדֵי
thee they that go down
H3381
יֽוֹרְדֵי
thee they that go down
Strong's:
H3381
Word #:
9 of 12
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
Cross References
Psalms 6:5For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks?Ecclesiastes 9:10Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.Psalms 30:9What profit is there in my blood, when I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise thee? shall it declare thy truth?
Historical Context
This theology appears throughout Old Testament wisdom literature (Psalm 6:5; 88:10-12). Life was precious partly because it offered opportunity to praise God.
Questions for Reflection
- How does our limited time on earth make each day precious for worship and witness?
- What does the urgency of praising God while we can teach about prioritizing worship?
- How does New Testament resurrection hope transform while still affirming life's preciousness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The statement "the grave cannot praise thee, death can not celebrate thee" reflects Old Testament understanding that conscious worship belongs to earthly life. "They that go down into the pit cannot hope for thy truth" shows that death ends active faith and testimony. This perspective makes earthly life precious as opportunity for worship and witness. The theology is pre-resurrection, lacking New Testament clarity about eternal life, but rightly values present opportunity to glorify God.