Isaiah 38:15 Meaning and Explanation
“What shall I say? he hath both spoken unto me, and himself hath done it: I shall go softly all my years in the bitterness of my soul.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Hezekiah, at the end of his prayer, acknowledges God's faithfulness and resolves to walk humbly, mindful of the grace that saved him.
The Context of Isaiah 38:15
This concluding verse shows Hezekiah's transformation from despair to acceptance and gratitude.
What Does Isaiah 38:15 Mean?
What shall I say? The question is rhetorical. There is nothing Hezekiah needs to say. God has already spoken, and God has acted. The word was fulfilled. The deliverance came. All that remains is for Hezekiah to walk forward in light of what he now knows. He will go softly all his years, meaning he will tread quietly, humbly, with an awareness of the fragility of life and the grace that sustains it.
The bitterness of his soul will remain. This is not a promise that the suffering will be erased from memory or that Hezekiah will not carry scars. Rather, it is the knowledge that henceforth, all his years are lived in the shadow of that illness and that grace. He will never forget how close he came to death. He will never forget the love that called him back. That remembrance will soften his step and humble his heart.
Isaiah 38:15 in the Original Language
raka (רכה), 'softly' -- gently, humbly, with quiet restraint.
How to Apply Isaiah 38:15 Today
After meeting God in our deepest need, we are called to walk humbly through the remainder of our lives, grateful for the grace that saved us and mindful always of our dependence on Him.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 38:15
What does Isaiah 38:15 mean?
Hezekiah, at the end of his prayer, acknowledges God's faithfulness and resolves to walk humbly, mindful of the grace that saved him.
What is the context of Isaiah 38:15?
This concluding verse shows Hezekiah's transformation from despair to acceptance and gratitude.
How can I apply Isaiah 38:15 today?
After meeting God in our deepest need, we are called to walk humbly through the remainder of our lives, grateful for the grace that saved us and mindful always of our dependence on Him.