And said, Remember now, O LORD, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.
ISAIAH 38:3KJVWhat does Isaiah 38:3 mean?
Isaiah 38:3 describes King Hezekiah praying to the LORD, asking God to remember how he has lived faithfully and wholeheartedly, doing what is right, and then expressing deep sorrow by weeping bitterly. Hezekiah appeals to God’s memory of his sincere devotion and good actions as he faces a desperate situation.
In this verse, Hezekiah is speaking directly to the LORD after hearing from the prophet Isaiah that he will die from his illness. Hezekiah’s words reflect a personal plea, highlighting his integrity ("walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart") and his efforts to do what is good in God’s sight. The verse shows the emotional weight of the moment, as Hezekiah’s tears reveal his distress and earnestness.
The Hebrew behind Isaiah 38:3
- "Remember" (זָכַר, zakar): Hezekiah is not just asking God to recall facts, but to act in light of His relationship and promises, which adds a personal and covenantal tone to the prayer.
- "Truth" (אֱמֶת, emet): This word often means faithfulness or reliability, so Hezekiah is claiming he has lived with genuine loyalty and integrity before God, not just factual correctness.
- "Perfect" (שָׁלֵם, shalem): The Hebrew idea here is of being whole or undivided, suggesting Hezekiah’s heart was fully committed, not just outwardly obedient.
- "Wept sore" (בָּכָה גָּדוֹל, bakah gadol): The phrase uses a word for weeping (bakah) and a word meaning "great" or "intense" (gadol), emphasizing the depth of Hezekiah’s grief and desperation.
Why Isaiah 38:3 matters
- The verse clarifies that Hezekiah’s prayer is not a boast, but a heartfelt reminder to God of a genuine relationship and consistent faithfulness, which is especially important in a crisis.
- It highlights the emotional reality of facing death, showing that even a faithful king can be deeply troubled and honest with God about his feelings.
- Isaiah 38:3 sets the stage for God’s compassionate response in the following verses, showing how personal prayer and honest emotion are met with divine attention in the biblical narrative.