The writing of Hezekiah king of Judah, when he had been sick, and was recovered of his sickness:

ISAIAH 38:9KJV
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Isaiah 38:9 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 38:9 mean?

Isaiah 38:9 introduces a written account by Hezekiah, the king of Judah, describing his experience after recovering from a serious illness. This verse serves as a heading, letting the reader know that what follows is Hezekiah’s own reflection or song about his sickness and recovery.

Hezekiah, who ruled Judah, had been gravely ill and then miraculously healed, as described in the previous verses of Isaiah 38. The verse marks a shift from narrative to a personal writing by Hezekiah himself, offering a first-person perspective on his ordeal and gratitude for recovery. This sets the stage for the poetic prayer or song that follows in the next verses.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 38:9

  • "writing" (מִכְתָּב, miktav): This word means a written document or inscription. Its use here highlights that what follows is not just spoken words but something Hezekiah intentionally wrote down, giving it a sense of permanence and personal importance.
  • "sick" (חָלָה, chalah) and "sickness" (חֳלִי, choli): Both words relate to illness, but "chalah" refers to the state of being sick, while "choli" refers to the condition or disease itself. The distinction emphasizes both Hezekiah's personal experience and the seriousness of his condition.
  • "recovered" (חָיָה, chayah): This word means "to live" or "to be restored to life." Its use here underlines that Hezekiah’s recovery was not just improvement but a return to life, reinforcing the dramatic nature of his healing.

Why Isaiah 38:9 matters

  • Isaiah 38:9 clarifies that the following verses are Hezekiah’s own words, not Isaiah’s, which helps the reader understand the shift in style and perspective.
  • The verse emphasizes the significance of Hezekiah’s recovery, framing it as an event important enough to be recorded in writing for others to read.
  • By introducing Hezekiah’s personal reflection, this verse connects the historical narrative to a more intimate, emotional response, deepening the reader’s understanding of the impact of his illness and recovery.

Where else these words appear

“writing” Hebrew H4385 · used in 8 verses

  • Exodus 32:16 And the tables were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God, graven upon the tables.
  • Deuteronomy 10:4 And he wrote on the tables, according to the first writing, the ten commandments, which the LORD spake unto you in the mount out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly: and the LORD gave them unto me.
  • 2 Chronicles 35:4 And prepare yourselves by the houses of your fathers, after your courses, according to the writing of David king of Israel, and according to the writing of Solomon his son.

“sickness” Hebrew H2483 · used in 22 verses

  • Deuteronomy 7:15 And the LORD will take away from thee all sickness, and will put none of the evil diseases of Egypt, which thou knowest, upon thee; but will lay them upon all them that hate thee.
  • 2 Kings 13:14 Now Elisha was fallen sick of his sickness whereof he died. And Joash the king of Israel came down unto him, and wept over his face, and said, O my father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof.
  • Ecclesiastes 6:2 A man to whom God hath given riches, wealth, and honour, so that he wanteth nothing for his soul of all that he desireth, yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof, but a stranger eateth it: this is vanity, and it is an evil disease.

“sick” Hebrew H2470 · used in 73 verses

  • Genesis 48:1 And it came to pass after these things, that one told Joseph, Behold, thy father is sick: and he took with him his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim.
  • 2 Kings 20:1 In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live.
  • Isaiah 39:1 At that time Merodachbaladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah: for he had heard that he had been sick, and was recovered.

“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.