Isaiah 38:5
Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days fifteen years.
Original Language Analysis
הָל֞וֹךְ
Go
H1980
הָל֞וֹךְ
Go
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
1 of 23
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
חִזְקִיָּ֗הוּ
to Hezekiah
H2396
חִזְקִיָּ֗הוּ
to Hezekiah
Strong's:
H2396
Word #:
4 of 23
chizkijah, a king of judah, also the name of two other israelites
כֹּֽה
H3541
כֹּֽה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
5 of 23
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יְהוָה֙
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
7 of 23
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֵי֙
the God
H430
אֱלֹהֵי֙
the God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
8 of 23
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
אָבִ֔יךָ
thy father
H1
אָבִ֔יךָ
thy father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
10 of 23
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
שָׁמַ֙עְתִּי֙
I have heard
H8085
שָׁמַ֙עְתִּי֙
I have heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
11 of 23
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
12 of 23
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
תְּפִלָּתֶ֔ךָ
thy prayer
H8605
תְּפִלָּתֶ֔ךָ
thy prayer
Strong's:
H8605
Word #:
13 of 23
intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn
רָאִ֖יתִי
I have seen
H7200
רָאִ֖יתִי
I have seen
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
14 of 23
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
15 of 23
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יוֹסִ֣ף
behold I will add
H3254
יוֹסִ֣ף
behold I will add
Strong's:
H3254
Word #:
18 of 23
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
19 of 23
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
יָמֶ֔יךָ
unto thy days
H3117
יָמֶ֔יךָ
unto thy days
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
20 of 23
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
Cross References
Revelation 7:17For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.Psalms 56:8Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?Psalms 116:15Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.Luke 1:13But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.Psalms 147:3He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.2 Corinthians 7:6Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus;
Historical Context
The fifteen added years (701-686 BC) allowed Hezekiah to father Manasseh (born c. 698 BC) who, despite later wickedness, continued the Davidic lineage leading to Christ. This demonstrates how God's micro-providences serve macro-purposes.
Questions for Reflection
- How do God's covenant promises to your spiritual forefathers encourage your faith today?
- When has God's 'yes' to your prayers served purposes larger than your immediate need?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God's response as 'the God of David thy father' invokes covenant promises to the Davidic line, assuring continuity of messianic hopes. The addition of fifteen years demonstrates both divine sovereignty (knowing the future) and responsiveness (hearing prayer). The 'sign' Hezekiah requests (v. 7) shows that seeking confirmation of God's promises is legitimate faith, not doubting unbelief.