Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: but thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption: for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back.
ISAIAH 38:17KJVWhat does Isaiah 38:17 mean?
Isaiah 38:17 describes someone who has gone through deep suffering but recognizes that God, out of love, has rescued them from destruction and has completely removed their sins. The verse expresses gratitude for God’s mercy in saving the speaker’s life and forgiving their wrongdoing.
King Hezekiah is speaking these words after recovering from a life-threatening illness. Hezekiah reflects on how his suffering (“great bitterness”) was turned into peace because God cared for him and saved him from death (“the pit of corruption”). Hezekiah is amazed that God has not only preserved his life but also chosen to forget his sins entirely.
The Hebrew behind Isaiah 38:17
- “Peace” (שָׁלוֹם, shalom): This word means more than just the absence of trouble; it often refers to wholeness, well-being, or restored relationship, which helps explain why Hezekiah contrasts it with his earlier “bitterness.”
- “Bitterness” (מַר, mar and מָרַר, marar): These words point to a deep, painful experience, not just mild disappointment. Hezekiah’s suffering was intense and personal.
- “Love” (חָשַׁק, chashaq): This word carries the sense of deep attachment or devotion, highlighting that God’s rescue comes from a place of genuine care.
- “Pit” (שַׁחַת, shachat): This refers to a grave or a place of decay, emphasizing how close Hezekiah felt to death.
- “Cast” (שָׁלַךְ, shalak): The idea is of throwing something far away, so when God “casts” sins behind His back, it means they are completely out of sight and no longer held against the person.
Why Isaiah 38:17 matters
- Isaiah 38:17 helps clear up the idea that forgiveness is partial or temporary; the language shows that God’s forgiveness is total, with sins thrown out of sight.
- The verse highlights that God’s rescue is motivated by love, not obligation, which deepens the sense of personal relationship in the passage.
- This verse connects to the wider story of Hezekiah’s illness and recovery, showing that his physical healing is tied to spiritual restoration and forgiveness.