And Isaiah said, This sign shalt thou have of the LORD, that the LORD will do the thing that he hath spoken: shall the shadow go forward ten degrees, or go back ten degrees?

2 KINGS 20:9KJV
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2 Kings 20:9 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 20:9 mean?

2 Kings 20:9 describes the prophet Isaiah offering King Hezekiah a sign from the LORD to confirm that God will keep His promise. Isaiah asks Hezekiah whether he wants the shadow on the sundial to move forward ten degrees or go backward ten degrees as proof.

Isaiah is speaking to Hezekiah, who has just been told by God (through Isaiah) that he will recover from a serious illness. The "sign" (Hebrew: אוֹת, 'ot) is meant to reassure Hezekiah that God's promise is certain. The mention of the shadow moving either forward or backward refers to a visible miracle involving the sundial, something that would be impossible by natural means and thus unmistakably from God.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 20:9

  • אוֹת ('ot) — "sign": This word means a mark or a miracle that serves as proof or confirmation. Here, it highlights that God is willing to give a supernatural confirmation of His word.
  • צֵל (tzel) — "shadow": This refers to the shadow cast by the sun, likely on a set of steps or a sundial. The movement of the shadow was a way to measure time, so changing it would be a clear, public miracle.
  • מַעֲלוֹת (ma'alot) — "degrees": This word literally means "steps" or "stairs," and is often understood as the steps of a sundial. The shadow moving ten "steps" would be a dramatic, visible change.

Why 2 Kings 20:9 matters

  • This verse shows that God is willing to provide tangible reassurance when someone is struggling to trust His promises, highlighting God's patience and understanding.
  • The choice Isaiah gives—forward or backward—emphasizes that the sign will be unmistakably supernatural, not something that could happen by chance.
  • This moment connects to the larger story of Hezekiah's illness and recovery, underlining the importance of faith and the reality of God's intervention in the lives of His people.

Where else these words appear

“Isaiah” Hebrew H3470 · used in 39 verses

  • 2 Kings 19:2 And he sent Eliakim, which was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests, covered with sackcloth, to Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz.
  • 1 Chronicles 3:21 And the sons of Hananiah; Pelatiah, and Jesaiah: the sons of Rephaiah, the sons of Arnan, the sons of Obadiah, the sons of Shechaniah.
  • Isaiah 13:1 The burden of Babylon, which Isaiah the son of Amoz did see.

“degrees” Hebrew H4609 · used in 39 verses

  • Exodus 20:26 Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon.
  • Psalms 120:1 A Song of degrees. In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and he heard me.
  • Psalms 133:1 A Song of degrees of David. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

“shadow” Hebrew H6738 · used in 47 verses

  • Genesis 19:8 Behold now, I have two daughters which have not known man; let me, I pray you, bring them out unto you, and do ye to them as is good in your eyes: only unto these men do nothing; for therefore came they under the shadow of my roof.
  • Psalms 80:10 The hills were covered with the shadow of it, and the boughs thereof were like the goodly cedars.
  • Isaiah 30:3 Therefore shall the strength of Pharaoh be your shame, and the trust in the shadow of Egypt your confusion.

“sign” Hebrew H226 · used in 77 verses

  • Genesis 1:14 And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:
  • Numbers 17:10 And the LORD said unto Moses, Bring Aaron's rod again before the testimony, to be kept for a token against the rebels; and thou shalt quite take away their murmurings from me, that they die not.
  • Psalms 65:8 They also that dwell in the uttermost parts are afraid at thy tokens: thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice.