Isaiah 38:8
Behold, I will bring again the shadow of the degrees, which is gone down in the sun dial of Ahaz, ten degrees backward. So the sun returned ten degrees, by which degrees it was gone down.
Original Language Analysis
וַתָּ֤שָׁב
Behold I will bring again
H7725
וַתָּ֤שָׁב
Behold I will bring again
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
2 of 20
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בַּֽמַּעֲל֖וֹת
by which degrees
H4609
בַּֽמַּעֲל֖וֹת
by which degrees
Strong's:
H4609
Word #:
5 of 20
elevation, i.e., the act (literally, a journey to a higher place, figuratively, a thought arising), or (concretely) the condition (literally, a step o
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 20
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יָרָֽדָה׃
it was gone down
H3381
יָרָֽדָה׃
it was gone down
Strong's:
H3381
Word #:
7 of 20
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
בַּֽמַּעֲל֖וֹת
by which degrees
H4609
בַּֽמַּעֲל֖וֹת
by which degrees
Strong's:
H4609
Word #:
8 of 20
elevation, i.e., the act (literally, a journey to a higher place, figuratively, a thought arising), or (concretely) the condition (literally, a step o
הַשֶּׁ֙מֶשׁ֙
So the sun
H8121
הַשֶּׁ֙מֶשׁ֙
So the sun
Strong's:
H8121
Word #:
10 of 20
the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement
בַּֽמַּעֲל֖וֹת
by which degrees
H4609
בַּֽמַּעֲל֖וֹת
by which degrees
Strong's:
H4609
Word #:
13 of 20
elevation, i.e., the act (literally, a journey to a higher place, figuratively, a thought arising), or (concretely) the condition (literally, a step o
וַתָּ֤שָׁב
Behold I will bring again
H7725
וַתָּ֤שָׁב
Behold I will bring again
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
14 of 20
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
הַשֶּׁ֙מֶשׁ֙
So the sun
H8121
הַשֶּׁ֙מֶשׁ֙
So the sun
Strong's:
H8121
Word #:
15 of 20
the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement
בַּֽמַּעֲל֖וֹת
by which degrees
H4609
בַּֽמַּעֲל֖וֹת
by which degrees
Strong's:
H4609
Word #:
17 of 20
elevation, i.e., the act (literally, a journey to a higher place, figuratively, a thought arising), or (concretely) the condition (literally, a step o
בַּֽמַּעֲל֖וֹת
by which degrees
H4609
בַּֽמַּעֲל֖וֹת
by which degrees
Strong's:
H4609
Word #:
18 of 20
elevation, i.e., the act (literally, a journey to a higher place, figuratively, a thought arising), or (concretely) the condition (literally, a step o
Historical Context
The mechanism of this miracle is debated—whether earth's rotation temporarily reversed or light refracted unusually. Whatever the means, the result was observable reversal of the shadow.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God sometimes provide extraordinary signs to confirm His promises?
- What does God's willingness to alter natural processes teach about His power and care?
- How should observable miracles strengthen faith in God's invisible spiritual work?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The miraculous sign "I will bring again the shadow of the degrees, which is gone down in the sun dial of Ahaz, ten degrees backward" demonstrates God's power over creation. Reversing the sun's shadow defies natural law, proving God's supernatural intervention. The specificity "ten degrees" and reference to "Ahaz's sun dial" provide measurable verification. This cosmic sign for one man's healing demonstrates God's personal care—He will rearrange celestial mechanics to assure His servant. The miracle validates the promise of healing.