Then said he, What have they seen in thine house? And Hezekiah answered, All that is in mine house have they seen: there is nothing among my treasures that I have not shewed them.

ISAIAH 39:4KJV
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Isaiah 39:4 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 39:4 mean?

Isaiah 39:4 describes a moment when King Hezekiah admits to the prophet Isaiah that he has shown all his possessions and treasures to visitors from Babylon, holding nothing back. Hezekiah openly confesses that there is nothing in his house or among his wealth that he has not revealed to these foreign envoys.

In this verse, Isaiah is questioning Hezekiah after envoys from Babylon have visited Jerusalem. Isaiah wants to know exactly what the visitors have seen. Hezekiah responds honestly, saying that he has shown them everything, including all his treasures. This exchange sets the stage for Isaiah’s warning about the consequences of this openness in the following verses.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 39:4

  • The word for "house" is בַּיִת (bayit), which in this context refers not just to Hezekiah’s residence but also to his royal household and everything he possesses. This highlights the extent of what was revealed.
  • The word for "treasures" is אוֹצָר (otzar), meaning storehouse or treasury. Hezekiah is saying he has shown all his valuable possessions, not just ordinary belongings.
  • The verb "seen" is רָאָה (ra’ah), which can mean to look at or inspect. The sense here is that the Babylonians were given full access to observe everything, not just a casual glance.

Why Isaiah 39:4 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Hezekiah’s openness was complete—he did not hide anything from the Babylonian visitors, which helps explain why Isaiah’s warning in the next verses is so severe.
  • The detail about showing "all" his treasures connects to the theme of pride and trust in material wealth, which is a concern in the surrounding chapters.
  • Understanding the full extent of Hezekiah’s actions here helps the reader see why this event is a turning point, leading to a prophecy about future loss and exile.

Where else these words appear

“treasures” Hebrew H214 · used in 70 verses

  • Deuteronomy 28:12 The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.
  • 1 Chronicles 29:8 And they with whom precious stones were found gave them to the treasure of the house of the LORD, by the hand of Jehiel the Gershonite.
  • Proverbs 21:20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.

“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.