Isaiah 38:4

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

Then came the word of the LORD to Isaiah, saying,

Complete Jewish Bible:

Then the word of ADONAI came to Yesha'yahu:

Berean Standard Bible:

And the word of the LORD came to Isaiah, saying,

American Standard Version:

Then came the word of Jehovah to Isaiah, saying,

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Then came the word^{H1697} of the LORD^{H3068} to Isaiah^{H3470}, saying^{H559},

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Isaiah 38:4

Isaiah 38:4 is part of a narrative concerning King Hezekiah of Judah, found within the larger text of the Book of Isaiah. This verse occurs during a period of Hezekiah's reign when he becomes gravely ill and is told by the prophet Isaiah that he will die. The historical context places this event around the late 8th century BCE, during a time of Assyrian dominance in the region.

In the verses leading up to Isaiah 38:4, Hezekiah pleads with God for more time, citing his faithful service to the Lord. The specific verse, Isaiah 38:4, captures a pivotal moment in this narrative: "Then came the word of the LORD to Isaiah, saying." This introduction sets the stage for a divine message that is about to be delivered to Hezekiah through the prophet. It signifies an imminent response from God to the king's heartfelt prayer.

The themes present in this verse include the sovereignty of God over life and death, the power of prayer and intercession, and the potential for divine intervention in human affairs. It also touches on the relationship between rulers and prophets, highlighting the role of prophets like Isaiah as intermediaries between God and the people, or in this case, between God and the king. The verse serves as a narrative hinge, anticipating God's mercy as Hezekiah is granted an extension of his life, which is revealed in the subsequent verses. This act of divine compassion underscores the themes of grace and the possibility of reprieve, even in the face of dire circumstances.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H1697
   There are 1290 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: דָּבָר
   Transliteration: dâbâr
   Pronunciation: daw-baw'
   Description: from דָבַר; a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause; act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work.
   
2. Strong's Number: H3068
   There are 5521 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יְהֹוָה
   Transliteration: Yᵉhôvâh
   Pronunciation: yeh-ho-vaw'
   Description: from הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord. Compare יָהּ, יְהֹוִה.
   
3. Strong's Number: H3470
   There are 39 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יְשַׁעְיָה
   Transliteration: Yᵉshaʻyâh
   Pronunciation: yesh-ah-yaw'
   Description: or יְשַׁעְיָהוּ; from יָשַׁע and יָהּ; Jah has saved; Jeshajah, the name of seven Israelites; Isaiah, Jesaiah, Jeshaiah.
   
4. Strong's Number: H559
   There are 4434 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָמַר
   Transliteration: ʼâmar
   Pronunciation: aw-mar'
   Description: a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude); answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet.