Isaiah 38:16

Modern

O Lord, by such things men live, and in all of them my spirit finds life. You have restored me to health and have let me live.

Traditional

O Lord, by these things men live, and in all these things is the life of my spirit: so wilt thou recover me, and make me to live.

Literal

O Lord, upon these they live; and in all of them is the life of my spirit; and You have restored me and have let me live.

Latin

Domine, si sic vivitur, et in talibus vita spiritus mei, corripies me, et vivificabis me.

Hebrew

English

O Lord, by such things men live, and in all of them my spirit finds life. You have restored me to health and have let me live.

God’s restoration of Hezekiah’s health also symbolized the restoration from exile that Judah would experience in the future.

Hezekiah’s poem includes both lament (Isaiah 38:9–14) and praise (38:15–20). The praise remains restrained until the final verse.

Theme notes and profiles

Matthew 4:4
But Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Hebrews 12:10–11
Our fathers disciplined us for a short time as they thought best, but God disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness.
Psalm 119:25
My soul cleaves to the dust; revive me according to Your word.
1 Corinthians 11:32
But when we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world.
Isaiah 64:5
You welcome those who gladly do right, who remember Your ways. Surely You were angry, for we sinned. How can we be saved if we remain in our sins?
Job 33:19–28
A man is also chastened on his bed with pain and constant distress in his bones,
Deuteronomy 8:3
He humbled you, and in your hunger He gave you manna to eat, which neither you nor your fathers had known, so that you might understand that man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.
Psalm 71:20
Though You have shown me many troubles and misfortunes, You will revive me once again. Even from the depths of the earth You will bring me back up.
2 Corinthians 4:17
For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory that is far beyond comparison.

LORD: Names or title used to refer to God