Isaiah 38:5 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 38:5 mean?

Isaiah 38:5 records God’s message to King Hezekiah, telling him that his prayer and tears have been noticed, and that God will give him fifteen more years of life. This verse shows a direct response from God, granting Hezekiah’s request for healing and extended life.

The prophet Isaiah is sent by God to deliver this message to Hezekiah, who was seriously ill and had prayed for help. The verse highlights God’s attentiveness to personal prayer and emotion, and it marks a turning point in Hezekiah’s story, shifting from impending death to a promise of more years. The mention of “the God of David thy father” connects Hezekiah’s situation to God’s ongoing faithfulness to David’s family line.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 38:5

• “Heard” (שָׁמַע, shamaʿ): This word means more than just hearing sounds; it often carries the sense of paying attention and responding. Here, it emphasizes that God is not distant but actively listening and willing to act.
• “Tears” (דִּמְעָה, dimʿah): The mention of tears shows that God is moved by genuine emotion, not just formal requests. This word highlights the personal and heartfelt nature of Hezekiah’s plea.
• “Add” (יָסַף, yasaf): This verb means to increase or continue. God is not just restoring Hezekiah’s health but specifically extending his life by a set period—fifteen years—showing a precise and generous answer.

Why Isaiah 38:5 matters

• Isaiah 38:5 clears up the idea that God is unmoved by human emotion; the verse shows that God responds to both words and tears.
• The verse emphasizes God’s faithfulness to His promises to David’s descendants, connecting Hezekiah’s personal story to a larger covenant.
• This moment sets up the rest of the chapter, where Hezekiah’s recovery and the sign given by God become important for understanding God’s power and mercy in the life of Judah’s king.