What shall I say? he hath both spoken unto me, and himself hath done it: I shall go softly all my years in the bitterness of my soul.

ISAIAH 38:15KJV
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Isaiah 38:15 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 38:15 mean?

Isaiah 38:15 shows King Hezekiah reflecting on God’s actions in his life, expressing a sense of awe and submission after God both spoke to him and acted, leading Hezekiah to walk carefully and humbly for the rest of his days, even while feeling deep sorrow. Hezekiah is responding to a personal message and intervention from God, recognizing that he must live thoughtfully because of the profound impact these events have had on his soul.

Hezekiah is speaking after recovering from a serious illness, recounting how God told him what would happen and then brought it to pass. The verse captures Hezekiah’s humility and lingering emotional pain—he feels he must “go softly” (live cautiously or quietly) for the rest of his life, marked by the bitterness he experienced during his suffering. This is a personal reflection, not a command or teaching, but a glimpse into Hezekiah’s inner response to God’s dealings with him.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 38:15

  • “Go softly” comes from the Hebrew word אֲדַדֵּד (’adaddēd), transliterated here as “softly” (H1718), which often means to walk quietly, humbly, or with caution. This word highlights Hezekiah’s changed attitude—he intends to live with more humility and carefulness after his ordeal.
  • “Bitterness” is from the Hebrew word מַר (mar, H4751), which means bitterness or deep sorrow. Hezekiah’s experience was not just physical suffering but also emotional and spiritual distress, and this word captures the depth of his feeling.
  • “Soul” is נֶפֶשׁ (nephesh, H5315), meaning life, self, or inner being. Hezekiah’s statement about the “bitterness of my soul” points to a suffering that affected him at the deepest level, not just outwardly.

Why Isaiah 38:15 matters

  • Isaiah 38:15 clears up the idea that faith always means immediate joy or relief; Hezekiah’s faith led him to humility and ongoing sorrow, showing that spiritual experiences can leave lasting marks.
  • The verse emphasizes that God’s involvement in a person’s life can be both comforting and sobering, prompting careful living rather than pride or presumption.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by showing the human side of Hezekiah’s recovery—his gratitude is mixed with lingering pain, making his story more relatable and honest.

Where else these words appear

“softly” Hebrew H1718 · used in 2 verses

  • Psalms 42:4 When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.

“bitterness” Hebrew H4751 · used in 35 verses

  • Genesis 27:34 And when Esau heard the words of his father, he cried with a great and exceeding bitter cry, and said unto his father, Bless me, even me also, O my father.
  • 2 Samuel 2:26 Then Abner called to Joab, and said, Shall the sword devour for ever? knowest thou not that it will be bitterness in the latter end? how long shall it be then, ere thou bid the people return from following their brethren?
  • Ecclesiastes 7:26 And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart is snares and nets, and her hands as bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her.