Behold, I will bring again the shadow of the degrees, which is gone down in the sun dial of Ahaz, ten degrees backward. So the sun returned ten degrees, by which degrees it was gone down.

ISAIAH 38:8KJV
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Isaiah 38:8 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 38:8 mean?

Isaiah 38:8 describes a miraculous sign from God in which the shadow on the sun dial of Ahaz moves backward ten degrees, reversing its normal course. This event is presented as a visible confirmation to King Hezekiah that God will heal him and extend his life.

In this verse, the prophet Isaiah is speaking to King Hezekiah, who is seriously ill and has prayed for healing. God promises Hezekiah recovery and offers this extraordinary sign involving the sun dial—a device used to tell time by the position of the sun’s shadow. The reversal of the shadow is meant to show God’s direct intervention in response to Hezekiah’s prayer.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 38:8

  • "Shadow" (צֵל, tsel): This word refers to the literal shadow cast by the sun, which would be visible on the steps or degrees of the sun dial. The movement of the shadow is what makes the sign so striking.
  • "Degrees" (מַעֲלָה, ma'alah): This word can mean "steps" or "degrees," likely referring to the steps or markings on the sun dial that measured the passage of time. The backward movement across ten degrees emphasizes the miraculous nature of the event.
  • "Dial" (מַעֲלָה, ma'alah): The same word as "degrees," suggesting the sun dial was a stepped structure or marked in increments. This highlights the physical, observable nature of the sign.
  • "Backward" (אָחוֹר, achor): This word means "backward" or "in reverse," stressing that the shadow moved in the opposite direction from what would naturally occur, making it clear that this was not a normal event.

Why Isaiah 38:8 matters

  • Isaiah 38:8 clears up any idea that the sign was symbolic or internal; the language points to a real, observable event involving the sun dial, meant to be seen by others.
  • The verse emphasizes God’s power over nature and time, showing that nothing is outside His control when He chooses to act.
  • This sign connects directly to Hezekiah’s personal crisis, reinforcing the theme of God responding to sincere prayer with both compassion and unmistakable confirmation.

Where else these words appear

“backward” Hebrew H322 · used in 6 verses

  • Genesis 9:23 And Shem and Japheth took a garment, and laid it upon both their shoulders, and went backward, and covered the nakedness of their father; and their faces were backward, and they saw not their father's nakedness.
  • 1 Samuel 4:18 And it came to pass, when he made mention of the ark of God, that he fell from off the seat backward by the side of the gate, and his neck brake, and he died: for he was an old man, and heavy. And he had judged Israel forty years.
  • 2 Kings 20:10 And Hezekiah answered, It is a light thing for the shadow to go down ten degrees: nay, but let the shadow return backward ten degrees.

“degrees” Hebrew H4609 · used in 39 verses

  • Exodus 20:26 Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon.
  • Nehemiah 12:37 And at the fountain gate, which was over against them, they went up by the stairs of the city of David, at the going up of the wall, above the house of David, even unto the water gate eastward.
  • Psalms 132:1 A Song of degrees. LORD, remember David, and all his afflictions:

“Ahaz” Hebrew H271 · used in 39 verses

  • 2 Kings 15:38 And Jotham slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father: and Ahaz his son reigned in his stead.
  • 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 Chronicles 28:21 For Ahaz took away a portion out of the house of the LORD, and out of the house of the king, and of the princes, and gave it unto the king of Assyria: but he helped him not.

“shadow” Hebrew H6738 · used in 47 verses

  • Genesis 19:8 Behold now, I have two daughters which have not known man; let me, I pray you, bring them out unto you, and do ye to them as is good in your eyes: only unto these men do nothing; for therefore came they under the shadow of my roof.
  • Psalms 63:7 Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.
  • Isaiah 30:2 That walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt!