Isaiah 38:20 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 38:20 mean?

Isaiah 38:20 describes how the LORD was ready to save the speaker, leading to a promise of singing songs with stringed instruments in the house of the LORD for the rest of their lives. The verse expresses gratitude for God’s deliverance and a commitment to ongoing worship as a response.

In this passage, King Hezekiah is speaking after recovering from a life-threatening illness. Hezekiah is reflecting on his experience of being saved by God and is declaring that, because of this rescue, he and others will continue to praise God publicly in the temple. The verse captures a moment of relief and renewed devotion, set in the context of Hezekiah’s personal story.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 38:20

• LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God, emphasizing a direct and covenant relationship. Hezekiah’s gratitude is not generic but directed to Israel’s specific God.
• save (יָשַׁע, yasha‘): This word means to deliver or rescue, often from danger or distress. Here, it highlights that Hezekiah’s recovery is seen as an act of divine intervention.
• songs (נְגִינָה, neginah) and instruments (נֶגֶן, negen): Both words are related to music, with "neginah" often meaning a song accompanied by instruments and "negen" referring specifically to stringed instruments. The emphasis is on joyful, musical praise, not just spoken words.
• house (בַּיִת, bayith): Refers to the temple, the central place of worship for Israel. Hezekiah’s promise to praise God is tied to public worship in the temple, not just private gratitude.

Why Isaiah 38:20 matters

• Isaiah 38:20 clarifies that Hezekiah’s response to healing is not just personal thankfulness but a public act of worship involving the community and the temple.
• The verse highlights the importance of music and song in expressing gratitude to God, showing that worship was meant to be joyful and communal.
• Isaiah 38:20 connects Hezekiah’s personal story to the larger theme of God’s faithfulness to His people, reinforcing the idea that deliverance leads to ongoing praise and remembrance in Israel’s worship life.