Isaiah 39:4
Then said he, What have they seen in thine house? And Hezekiah answered, All that is in mine house have they seen: there is nothing among my treasures that I have not shewed them.
Original Language Analysis
מָ֥ה
H4100
מָ֥ה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
2 of 18
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
הִרְאִיתִ֖ים
have they seen
H7200
הִרְאִיתִ֖ים
have they seen
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
3 of 18
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
בְּבֵיתִי֙
All that is in mine house
H1004
בְּבֵיתִי֙
All that is in mine house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
4 of 18
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
חִזְקִיָּ֗הוּ
And Hezekiah
H2396
חִזְקִיָּ֗הוּ
And Hezekiah
Strong's:
H2396
Word #:
6 of 18
chizkijah, a king of judah, also the name of two other israelites
אֵ֣ת
H853
אֵ֣ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
8 of 18
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 18
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
בְּבֵיתִי֙
All that is in mine house
H1004
בְּבֵיתִי֙
All that is in mine house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
10 of 18
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
הִרְאִיתִ֖ים
have they seen
H7200
הִרְאִיתִ֖ים
have they seen
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
11 of 18
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
12 of 18
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הָיָ֥ה
H1961
הָיָ֥ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
13 of 18
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
דָבָ֛ר
there is nothing
H1697
דָבָ֛ר
there is nothing
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
14 of 18
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
15 of 18
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
16 of 18
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Historical Context
Complete disclosure of national wealth and military resources to foreign powers was extraordinary breach of security. Hezekiah's pride overrode basic prudence.
Questions for Reflection
- How does pride make us blind to obvious dangers and consequences of our actions?
- What safeguards can we establish to prevent foolish decisions made in prideful moments?
- How can we invite godly counsel to help us see what pride obscures?
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Analysis & Commentary
Isaiah's direct question "What have they seen in thine house?" and Hezekiah's comprehensive answer "All that is in mine house have they seen: there is nothing among my treasures that I have not shewed them" exposes the full extent of the folly. The repetition "nothing...not shewed" emphasizes total disclosure. Hezekiah seems almost proud of his openness, not recognizing the security risk. This demonstrates how pride blinds us to consequences—the king didn't consider that displaying all resources to potential enemies was dangerous.