Isaiah 38:10

KJV

I said in the cutting off of my days, I shall go to the gates of the grave: I am deprived of the residue of my years.

KJV (with Strong's)

I said {H559} in the cutting off {H1824} of my days {H3117}, I shall go {H3212} to the gates {H8179} of the grave {H7585}: I am deprived {H6485} of the residue {H3499} of my years {H8141}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"I once said: 'In the prime of life I am going off to the gates of Sh'ol. I am being deprived of living out the full span of my life.'

Berean Standard Bible

I said, “In the prime of my life I must go through the gates of Sheol and be deprived of the remainder of my years.”

American Standard Version

I said, In the noontide of my days I shall go into the gates of Sheol: I am deprived of the residue of my years.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 38:10 captures King Hezekiah's profound despair and sense of premature death upon receiving a divine message that his illness would be fatal. His lament expresses a deep sorrow over the abrupt termination of his life, the imminent descent into the underworld, and the feeling of being unjustly robbed of his remaining years, reflecting a common human fear of mortality and the unknown beyond the grave.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of a deeply personal and poignant prayer or psalm (Isaiah 38:9-20) composed by King Hezekiah after he was miraculously healed from a life-threatening illness. The preceding verses (Isaiah 38:1-8) describe the prophet Isaiah's initial pronouncement of Hezekiah's impending death, Hezekiah's fervent prayer for mercy, and God's subsequent decision to grant him an additional fifteen years of life, marked by the sign of the sundial's shadow moving backward. Verse 10, though placed after the account of his healing in the narrative, represents Hezekiah's initial reaction and lament *before* the divine intervention, serving as a powerful expression of his raw emotion and despair at the prospect of death. It sets the stage for the miraculous reversal of his fate and highlights the depth of his gratitude later in the psalm. The structure of the chapter presents the crisis, the divine response, and then Hezekiah's reflections on the crisis from the perspective of one who has been delivered.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Hezekiah ruled Judah during a tumultuous period (c. 715-686 BC), facing the formidable Assyrian Empire. His reign was marked by significant religious reforms, purging idolatry and restoring proper worship of Yahweh. In the Old Testament worldview, a long life was often seen as a sign of divine blessing and covenant faithfulness (e.g., [Deuteronomy 5:16](/deuteronomy/5-16 "Deuteronomy 5:16 - Honor Your Parents for Long Life")). Conversely, an untimely death, especially in one's prime, was often perceived as a curse or a sign of divine displeasure, or at least a profound tragedy. The concept of "Sheol" (the grave/underworld) in ancient Israel was not a place of conscious reward or punishment in the same way as later theological developments but rather a shadowy realm where all the dead, righteous and unrighteous, descended. It was a place of silence and inactivity, cut off from the vibrant life of God's presence on earth, making the prospect of going there a source of great dread, especially for one who felt their life was incomplete.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Isaiah and the broader Old Testament. It underscores the theme of **human mortality and fragility**, reminding even kings of their ultimate vulnerability before God, a theme echoed in passages like [Psalm 90:3](/psalms/90-3 "Psalm 90:3 - Return to Dust"). It also highlights the **value of life** from an earthly perspective, as Hezekiah laments the loss of his "residue of years," emphasizing the desire for a full lifespan. The confrontation with "the gates of the grave" introduces the theme of **Sheol** as the inevitable destination for all humanity, a realm from which there is no return in this life, thereby intensifying the dread of death. Furthermore, Hezekiah's lament, though filled with despair, implicitly sets the stage for the theme of **divine sovereignty and mercy**, as God, in response to his prayer, demonstrates His power to intervene and reverse even a death sentence, as seen in [Isaiah 38:5](/isaiah/38-5 "Isaiah 38:5 - God Adds Years to Hezekiah's Life"). This episode ultimately reinforces the theme of **prayer as a powerful means of appealing to God's compassion**.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **cutting off (Hebrew, _dᵉmîy'_):** This word (H1824) denotes quietness, rest, or silence, but in this context, derived from a root meaning "to be silent" or "to cease," it strongly implies an abrupt cessation or termination. Hezekiah perceives his life as being suddenly and prematurely "cut off," not reaching its natural conclusion. It conveys a sense of being silenced or brought to an untimely end.
* **go (Hebrew, _yâlak'_):** The verb (H3212) is a primitive root meaning "to walk" or "to go," used broadly to describe movement. Here, it signifies the inevitable journey or descent into the realm of the dead. It emphasizes the forced, unidirectional movement towards the grave, highlighting the lack of control Hezekiah feels over his destiny.
* **deprived (Hebrew, _pâqad'_):** This word (H6485) has a wide range of meanings, including "to visit," "to oversee," "to muster," "to charge," or "to care for." However, in its passive or Niphal form as used here, it often carries the sense of being "missed," "lacking," or "punished." Hezekiah feels that his remaining years have been unjustly "missed" or "taken away" from him, as if he has been robbed or divested of something rightfully his. It conveys a strong sense of loss and injustice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I said in the cutting off of my days":** This clause reveals Hezekiah's internal monologue and immediate reaction to the prophecy of his death. The phrase "cutting off of my days" emphasizes the abruptness and prematurity of his impending demise, suggesting that his life was being shortened mid-course rather than concluding naturally after a full span. It speaks to a profound sense of shock and injustice.
* **"I shall go to the gates of the grave":** This declaration expresses the certainty and inevitability of his descent into Sheol, the common Old Testament term for the realm of the dead. "The gates of the grave" is a powerful metaphor, picturing Sheol as a fortified city or a dark, inescapable portal into the underworld, signifying a point of no return for the living. It underscores the finality and dread associated with death in the ancient Israelite worldview.
* **"I am deprived of the residue of my years":** This final clause articulates Hezekiah's deep sense of loss and lament. He feels robbed or stripped of the remaining years he anticipated living. The word "deprived" conveys a feeling of being unjustly treated, as if his allotted time has been unfairly taken away, highlighting his sorrow over a life unfulfilled and prematurely ended.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 38:10 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey Hezekiah's anguish. The most prominent is **metaphor**, particularly in the phrase "the gates of the grave." This vivid imagery personifies the grave (Sheol) as a formidable fortress with an entrance, emphasizing its inescapable nature and the finality of passing through its threshold. The verse also functions as a **lament**, a common poetic genre in the Psalms and prophetic literature, characterized by expressions of sorrow, complaint, and an appeal to God in times of distress. Hezekiah's words reflect the raw emotion and personal suffering typical of this genre. Furthermore, the statement "I am deprived of the residue of my years" can be seen as a form of **hyperbole**, expressing the king's intense feeling of injustice and loss, as if he is not merely dying but being actively robbed of his future. The entire verse is an example of **pathos**, designed to evoke a strong emotional response from the reader, allowing them to empathize with Hezekiah's profound despair.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hezekiah's lament in Isaiah 38:10 powerfully articulates the universal human confrontation with mortality and the dread of an untimely end. Theologically, it highlights the Old Testament understanding of Sheol as a shadowy realm of cessation, distinct from the vibrant life lived in God's presence on earth. This perspective underscores the value placed on earthly life and the sorrow associated with its termination, especially when perceived as premature. It also sets the stage for God's miraculous intervention, demonstrating His sovereign power over life and death and His responsiveness to fervent prayer. This episode serves as a testament to divine compassion, showing that even a seemingly irreversible decree can be altered by God's mercy.

* [Psalm 88:3-5](/psalms/88-3 "Psalm 88:3-5 - A Prayer from the Pit") - Reflects a similar lament from one facing imminent death and the descent into the pit (Sheol).
* [Job 10:20-22](/job/10-20 "Job 10:20-22 - Job's Plea for Respite Before Death") - Expresses a desire for a brief respite before entering the land of darkness and the shadow of death.
* [Psalm 49:15](/psalms/49-15 "Psalm 49:15 - God Will Redeem My Soul from Sheol") - Offers a glimmer of hope that God can redeem one's soul from the power of Sheol, foreshadowing a deeper understanding of life beyond death.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hezekiah's raw confession of despair in the face of death resonates deeply with the human experience. It reminds us that even those of great faith and position are not immune to the fear of mortality, the sadness of potential loss, and the feeling of a life unfulfilled. His lament acknowledges the natural human desire for a full life and the grief that accompanies the prospect of its premature end. For us today, Hezekiah's experience serves as a powerful reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of living each day with purpose and gratitude. While we may not receive an extension of years as Hezekiah did, his fervent prayer and God's response underscore the enduring power of bringing our deepest fears and desires before the Lord. It encourages us to confront our own mortality not with denial, but with an honest acknowledgment of our limitations, trusting in the God who holds our times in His hands. This perspective allows us to live fully, knowing that our ultimate hope transcends earthly years.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Hezekiah's raw expression of fear and despair challenge or affirm your own understanding of facing mortality?**
* **In what ways might the "cutting off of days" manifest in modern life (e.g., unexpected illness, loss, unfulfilled dreams), and how can faith help navigate such experiences?**
* **Considering Hezekiah's prayer and God's response, how does this narrative encourage you to bring your deepest fears and desires before God?**

### FAQ
**What was the "grave" (Sheol) understood to be in the Old Testament?**

Answer: In the Old Testament, "Sheol" (often translated as "grave," "pit," or "hell" in older versions) was understood as the common destination for all the dead, both righteous and unrighteous. It was generally conceived of as a shadowy, subterranean realm, a place of silence, inactivity, and separation from the vibrant life and presence of God on earth. It was not typically a place of conscious reward or punishment, but rather the ultimate end of earthly existence, a realm from which there was no return in this life. The prospect of going to Sheol, especially prematurely, was often a source of dread, as seen in Hezekiah's lament in [Isaiah 38:10](/isaiah/38-10 "Isaiah 38:10 - Hezekiah's Lament About the Grave").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hezekiah's lament over the "gates of the grave" and being "deprived of the residue of my years" finds its ultimate transformation and fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Hezekiah dreaded the inescapable Sheol, Christ entered its very gates, not as a victim, but as a conqueror. The New Testament declares that Jesus, through His death and resurrection, holds "the keys of Death and Hades" (Revelation 1:18), signifying His supreme authority over the realm that once held humanity captive. His resurrection from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:20-22) utterly redefines the "gates of the grave," transforming them from an inescapable prison into a passageway to eternal life for those who believe. For the Christian, physical death remains, but its sting has been removed (1 Corinthians 15:55-57), and the "residue of years" is not lost but transformed into an eternal inheritance (John 3:16; John 11:25-26). The fear of being "deprived" gives way to the glorious hope of resurrection and an unending life in God's presence, where death is swallowed up in victory (Isaiah 25:8; 1 Corinthians 15:54). Thus, Hezekiah's cry of despair becomes a powerful backdrop against which the triumph of Christ over death and the grave shines even more brightly.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 102:24

I said, O my God, take me not away in the midst of my days: thy years [are] throughout all generations.

2 Corinthians 1:9

But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:

Job 7:7

¶ O remember that my life [is] wind: mine eye shall no more see good.

Psalms 107:18

Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat; and they draw near unto the gates of death.

Job 17:11

My days are past, my purposes are broken off, [even] the thoughts of my heart.

Job 17:16

They shall go down to the bars of the pit, when [our] rest together [is] in the dust.

Job 6:11

What [is] my strength, that I should hope? and what [is] mine end, that I should prolong my life?