Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days fifteen years.

ISAIAH 38:5KJV
Know the Bible

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.

Where else these words appear

“tears” Hebrew H1832 · used in 22 verses

  • 2 Kings 20:5 Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the LORD.
  • Psalms 126:5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
  • Jeremiah 14:17 Therefore thou shalt say this word unto them; Let mine eyes run down with tears night and day, and let them not cease: for the virgin daughter of my people is broken with a great breach, with a very grievous blow.

“prayer” Hebrew H8605 · used in 70 verses

  • 2 Samuel 7:27 For thou, O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, hast revealed to thy servant, saying, I will build thee an house: therefore hath thy servant found in his heart to pray this prayer unto thee.
  • Nehemiah 11:17 And Mattaniah the son of Micha, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, was the principal to begin the thanksgiving in prayer: and Bakbukiah the second among his brethren, and Abda the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun.
  • Psalms 102:1 A Prayer of the afflicted, when he is overwhelmed, and poureth out his complaint before the LORD. Hear my prayer, O LORD, and let my cry come unto thee.

“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.