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 38:3KJV
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Isaiah 38:3 (KJV)

What 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.

Where else these words appear

“beseech” Hebrew H577 · used in 12 verses

  • Genesis 50:17 So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him.
  • Nehemiah 1:5 And said, I beseech thee, O LORD God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments:
  • Psalms 118:25 Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity.

“perfect” Hebrew H8003 · used in 26 verses

  • Genesis 15:16 But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.
  • 1 Kings 11:4 For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father.
  • 2 Chronicles 8:16 Now all the work of Solomon was prepared unto the day of the foundation of the house of the LORD, and until it was finished. So the house of the LORD was perfected.

“wept” Hebrew H1065 · used in 29 verses

  • Genesis 45:2 And he wept aloud: and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard.
  • Psalms 6:8 Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping.
  • Isaiah 65:19 And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying.

“Hezekiah” Hebrew H2396 · used in 78 verses

  • 2 Kings 16:20 And Ahaz slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David: and Hezekiah his son reigned in his stead.
  • 2 Kings 20:3 I beseech thee, O LORD, remember now 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 36:15 Neither let Hezekiah make you trust in the LORD, saying, The LORD will surely deliver us: this city shall not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria.