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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Isaiah 38:14 I chirp like a swallow or crane; I moan like a dove. My eyes grow weak as I look upward. O Lord, I am oppressed; be my security."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/isaiah/38-14.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/23_Isa_38_14.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Isaiah 38:14 - Hezekiah's Song of Thanksgiving" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="I chirp like a swallow or crane; I moan like a dove. My eyes grow weak as I look upward. 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My eyes grew weak as I looked to the heavens. I am being threatened; Lord, come to my aid!&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/isaiah/38.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Delirious, I chattered like a swallow or a crane, and then I moaned like a mourning dove. My eyes grew tired of looking to heaven for help. I am in trouble, Lord. Help me!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/isaiah/38.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Like a swallow or a crane I chirp; I moan like a dove. My eyes are weary with looking upward. O Lord, I am oppressed; be my pledge of safety!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/isaiah/38.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />I chirp like a swallow or crane; I moan like a dove. My eyes grow weak as I look upward. O Lord, I am oppressed; be my security.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/isaiah/38.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Like a crane <i>or</i> a swallow, so did I chatter: I did mourn as a dove: mine eyes fail <i>with looking</i> upward: O LORD, I am oppressed; undertake for me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/isaiah/38.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Like a crane <i>or</i> a swallow, so I chattered; I mourned like a dove; My eyes fail <i>from looking</i> upward. O LORD, I am oppressed; Undertake for me!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/isaiah/38.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Like a swallow, <i>like</i> a crane, so I twitter; I moan like a dove; My eyes look wistfully to the heights; Lord, I am oppressed, be my security.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/isaiah/38.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Like a swallow, like a crane, so I twitter; I moan like a dove; My eyes look wistfully to the heights; O Lord, I am oppressed, be my security.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/isaiah/38.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Like a swallow, <i>like</i> a crane, so I twitter; I moan like a dove; My eyes look wistfully to the heights; O Lord, I am oppressed, be my security.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/isaiah/38.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Like a swallow, <i>like</i> a crane, so I chirped; I moan like a dove; My eyes look wistfully to the heights; O Lord, I am oppressed, be my security.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/isaiah/38.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“Like a swallow, like a crane, so I chirp; I coo like a dove. My eyes look wistfully upward; O Lord, I am oppressed, take my side <i>and</i> be my security.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/isaiah/38.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I chirp like a swallow or a crane; I moan like a dove. My eyes grow weak looking upward. Lord, I am oppressed; support me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/isaiah/38.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I chirp like a swallow or a crane; I moan like a dove. My eyes grow weak looking upward. Lord, I am oppressed; support me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/isaiah/38.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Like a swallow or a crane, so did I chatter; I did moan as a dove; mine eyes fail with looking upward: O Lord, I am oppressed, be thou my surety.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/isaiah/38.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I cry like a swallow; I mourn like a dove. My eyes are red from looking to you, LORD. I am in terrible trouble. Please come and help me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/isaiah/38.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Like a swallow or a crane, so did I chatter; I did mourn as a dove: mine eyes fail with looking upward; O LORD, I am oppressed, be thou my surety.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/isaiah/38.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />I chirped like swallows and cranes. I cooed like doves. My eyes were tired from looking up to heaven. I've suffered miserably, O Lord! Please help me!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/isaiah/38.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />My voice was thin and weak, And I moaned like a dove. My eyes grew tired from looking to heaven. LORD, rescue me from all this trouble. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/isaiah/38.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Like a swallow or a crane I chirp, I moan like a dove. My eyes look weakly upward. O Lord, I am oppressed, so stand up for me!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/isaiah/38.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />I chirp like a swallow or crane; I moan like a dove. My eyes grow weak as I look upward. O Lord, I am oppressed; be my security.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/isaiah/38.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Like a swallow or a thrush I chirp, I coo like a dove; my eyes grow tired from looking up to the sky. O sovereign master, I am oppressed; help me! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/isaiah/38.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />I chip like a swallow or a thrush. I moan like a dove. My eyes weaken looking upward.LORD, I am oppressed. Be my security."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/isaiah/38.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Like a crane or a swallow, so I chattered: I mourned as a dove: my eyes fail with looking upward: O LORD, I am oppressed; undertake for me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/isaiah/38.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />I chattered like a swallow or a crane. I moaned like a dove. My eyes weaken looking upward. Lord, I am oppressed. Be my security.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/isaiah/38.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />As a crane—a swallow—so I chatter, "" I mourn as a dove, "" My eyes have been drawn up on high, "" O YHWH, oppression [is] on me, be my guarantor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/isaiah/38.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> As a crane -- a swallow -- so I chatter, I mourn as a dove, Drawn up have been mine eyes on high, O Jehovah, oppression is on me, be my surety.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/isaiah/38.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />As the twittering swallow so shall I chirp: I shall murmur as the dove: mine eyes languished for height: O Jehovah, oppression is to me; be surety for me.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/isaiah/38.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />I will cry like a young swallow, I will meditate like a dove: my eyes are weakened looking upward: Lord, I suffer violence, answer thou for me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/isaiah/38.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />I will cry out, like a young swallow. I will meditate, like a dove. My eyes have been weakened by gazing upward. O Lord, I suffer violence! Answer in my favor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/isaiah/38.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Like a swallow I chirp; I moan like a dove. My eyes grow weary looking heavenward: Lord, I am overwhelmed; go security for me! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/isaiah/38.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Like a swallow or a crane I clamor, I moan like a dove. My eyes are weary with looking upward. O Lord, I am oppressed; be my security!<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/isaiah/38.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />What shall I say? He has both spoken to me, and himself has done it, and has caused my sleep to flee because of the bitterness of my soul;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/isaiah/38.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Like a swallow that chirps, I chirped, and like a dove I mourned. I have lifted my eyes on high. LORD JEHOVAH, save me and cheer me up!<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/isaiah/38.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Like a swallow or a crane, so do I chatter, I do moan as a dove; Mine eyes fail with looking upward. O LORD, I am oppressed, be Thou my surety.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/isaiah/38.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />As a swallow, so will I cry, and as a dove, so do I mourn: for mine eyes have failed with looking to the height of heaven to the Lord, who has delivered me,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/isaiah/38-14.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xv9bHT-nr9s?start=8237" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/isaiah/38.htm">Hezekiah's Song of Thanksgiving</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">13</span>I composed myself until the morning. Like a lion He breaks all my bones; from day until night You make an end of me. <span class="reftext">14</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6850.htm" title="6850: ’ă·ṣap̄·ṣêp̄ (V-Piel-Imperf-1cs) -- To chirp, peep. A primitive root; to coo or chirp.">I chirp</a> <a href="/hebrew/5483.htm" title="5483: kə·sūs (Prep-k:: N-msc) -- A swallow, swift (type of bird). Or cuc; from an unused root meaning to skip; a horse; also a swallow.">like a swallow</a> <a href="/hebrew/5693.htm" title="5693: ‘ā·ḡūr (N-ms) -- (a kind of bird) perhaps a crane. Passive part of an unused root meaning to twitter: probably the swallow.">or crane;</a> <a href="/hebrew/3651.htm" title="3651: kên (Adv) -- So, thus. From kuwn; properly, set upright; hence just; but usually rightly or so."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1897.htm" title="1897: ’eh·geh (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To moan, growl, utter, speak, muse. A primitive root; to murmur; by implication, to ponder.">I moan</a> <a href="/hebrew/3123.htm" title="3123: kay·yō·w·nāh (Prep-k, Art:: N-fs) -- Dove. Probably from the same as yayin; a dove.">like a dove.</a> <a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: ‘ê·nay (N-cdc:: 1cs) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain.">My eyes</a> <a href="/hebrew/1809.htm" title="1809: dal·lū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To hang, be low, languish. A primitive root; to slacken or be feeble; figuratively, to be oppressed.">grow weak</a> <a href="/hebrew/4791.htm" title="4791: lam·mā·rō·wm (Prep-l, Art:: N-ms) -- Height. From ruwm; altitude, i.e. Concretely, abstractly (elation), or adverbially (aloft).">as I look upward.</a> <a href="/hebrew/136.htm" title="136: ’ă·ḏō·nāy (N-proper-ms) -- Lord. Am emphatic form of 'adown; the Lord.">O Lord,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6234.htm" title="6234: ‘ā·šə·qāh- (N-fs) -- Oppression, distress. Feminine of osheq; anguish.">I am oppressed;</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/6148.htm" title="6148: ‘ā·rə·ḇê·nî (V-Qal-Imp-ms:: 1cs) -- A primitive root; to braid, i.e. Intermix; technically, to traffic; also or give to be security.">be my security.”</a> </span><span class="reftext">15</span>What can I say? He has spoken to me, and He Himself has done this. I will walk slowly all my years because of the anguish of my soul.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/102-6.htm">Psalm 102:6-7</a></span><br />I am like a desert owl, like an owl among the ruins. / I lie awake; I am like a lone bird on a housetop.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/77-4.htm">Psalm 77:4</a></span><br />You have kept my eyes from closing; I am too troubled to speak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/7-7.htm">Job 7:7</a></span><br />Remember that my life is but a breath. My eyes will never again see happiness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/7-11.htm">Job 7:11</a></span><br />Therefore I will not restrain my mouth; I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/30-29.htm">Job 30:29</a></span><br />I have become a brother of jackals, a companion of ostriches.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/lamentations/3-29.htm">Lamentations 3:29</a></span><br />Let him bury his face in the dust—perhaps there is still hope.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/39-12.htm">Psalm 39:12-13</a></span><br />Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear to my cry for help; do not be deaf to my weeping. For I am a foreigner dwelling with You, a stranger like all my fathers. / Turn Your gaze away from me, that I may again be cheered before I depart and am no more.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/55-2.htm">Psalm 55:2</a></span><br />Attend to me and answer me. I am restless in my complaint, and distraught<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/142-2.htm">Psalm 142:2</a></span><br />I pour out my complaint before Him; I reveal my trouble to Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/31-9.htm">Psalm 31:9-10</a></span><br />Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eyes fail from sorrow, my soul and body as well. / For my life is consumed with grief and my years with groaning; my iniquity has drained my strength, and my bones are wasting away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-38.htm">Matthew 26:38-39</a></span><br />Then He said to them, “My soul is consumed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with Me.” / Going a little farther, He fell facedown and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/22-44.htm">Luke 22:44</a></span><br />And in His anguish, He prayed more earnestly, and His sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/1-8.htm">2 Corinthians 1:8-9</a></span><br />We do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the hardships we encountered in the province of Asia. We were under a burden far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. / Indeed, we felt we were under the sentence of death, in order that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God, who raises the dead.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/12-9.htm">2 Corinthians 12:9-10</a></span><br />But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. / That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/5-7.htm">Hebrews 5:7</a></span><br />During the days of Jesus’ earthly life, He offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the One who could save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverence.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Like a crane or a swallow, so did I chatter: I did mourn as a dove: my eyes fail with looking upward: O LORD, I am oppressed; undertake for me.</p><p class="hdg">a crane</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/30-29.htm">Job 30:29</a></b></br> I am a brother to dragons, and a companion to owls.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/102-4.htm">Psalm 102:4-7</a></b></br> My heart is smitten, and withered like grass; so that I forget to eat my bread… </p><p class="hdg">I did mourn</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/59-11.htm">Isaiah 59:11</a></b></br> We roar all like bears, and mourn sore like doves: we look for judgment, but <i>there is</i> none; for salvation, <i>but</i> it is far off from us.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/7-16.htm">Ezekiel 7:16</a></b></br> But they that escape of them shall escape, and shall be on the mountains like doves of the valleys, all of them mourning, every one for his iniquity.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/nahum/2-7.htm">Nahum 2:7</a></b></br> And Huzzab shall be led away captive, she shall be brought up, and her maids shall lead <i>her</i> as with the voice of doves, tabering upon their breasts.</p><p class="hdg">mine eyes</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/69-3.htm">Psalm 69:3</a></b></br> I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/119-82.htm">Psalm 119:82,123</a></b></br> Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/123-1.htm">Psalm 123:1-4</a></b></br> A Song of degrees. Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens… </p><p class="hdg">I am</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/119-122.htm">Psalm 119:122</a></b></br> Be surety for thy servant for good: let not the proud oppress me.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/143-7.htm">Psalm 143:7</a></b></br> Hear me speedily, O LORD: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.</p><p class="hdg">undertake for me.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/108-12.htm">Aid</a> <a href="/isaiah/16-2.htm">Bird</a> <a href="/isaiah/38-8.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/isaiah/8-19.htm">Chatter</a> <a href="/psalms/74-23.htm">Clamor</a> <a href="/jeremiah/8-7.htm">Crane</a> <a href="/isaiah/36-13.htm">Cried</a> <a href="/isaiah/29-2.htm">Cries</a> <a href="/isaiah/28-28.htm">Crushed</a> <a href="/isaiah/32-12.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/songs/6-9.htm">Dove</a> <a href="/isaiah/28-9.htm">Drawn</a> <a href="/isaiah/38-3.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/isaiah/34-16.htm">Fail</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-5.htm">Failed</a> <a href="/psalms/107-30.htm">Grew</a> <a href="/isaiah/36-22.htm">Grief</a> <a href="/isaiah/37-16.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/isaiah/33-16.htm">Heights</a> <a href="/isaiah/16-7.htm">Moan</a> <a href="/psalms/77-3.htm">Moaned</a> <a href="/isaiah/32-13.htm">Mourn</a> <a href="/isaiah/33-9.htm">Mourned</a> <a href="/isaiah/29-2.htm">Mourning</a> <a href="/isaiah/26-6.htm">Oppressed</a> <a href="/isaiah/26-1.htm">Security</a> <a href="/isaiah/35-10.htm">Sounds</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-13.htm">Surety</a> <a href="/isaiah/25-8.htm">Swallow</a> <a href="/isaiah/30-16.htm">Swift</a> <a href="/psalms/119-154.htm">Undertake</a> <a href="/isaiah/37-31.htm">Upward</a> <a href="/isaiah/35-3.htm">Weak</a> <a href="/isaiah/14-12.htm">Weaken</a> <a href="/isaiah/33-1.htm">Weary</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ezekiel/16-49.htm">Aid</a> <a href="/isaiah/46-11.htm">Bird</a> <a href="/isaiah/38-16.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-35.htm">Chatter</a> <a href="/jeremiah/25-31.htm">Clamor</a> <a href="/jeremiah/8-7.htm">Crane</a> <a href="/isaiah/62-4.htm">Cried</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-3.htm">Cries</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-17.htm">Crushed</a> <a href="/isaiah/44-9.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/jeremiah/8-7.htm">Dove</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-5.htm">Drawn</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-26.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-4.htm">Fail</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-17.htm">Failed</a> <a href="/isaiah/53-2.htm">Grew</a> <a href="/isaiah/51-11.htm">Grief</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-12.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-18.htm">Heights</a> <a href="/isaiah/59-11.htm">Moan</a> <a href="/psalms/77-3.htm">Moaned</a> <a href="/isaiah/51-19.htm">Mourn</a> <a href="/jeremiah/12-11.htm">Mourned</a> <a href="/isaiah/51-11.htm">Mourning</a> <a href="/isaiah/52-4.htm">Oppressed</a> <a href="/isaiah/39-8.htm">Security</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-14.htm">Sounds</a> <a href="/acts/12-11.htm">Surety</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-14.htm">Swallow</a> <a href="/isaiah/59-7.htm">Swift</a> <a href="/isaiah/43-13.htm">Undertake</a> <a href="/ezekiel/1-11.htm">Upward</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-29.htm">Weak</a> <a href="/jeremiah/5-3.htm">Weaken</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-28.htm">Weary</a><div class="vheading2">Isaiah 38</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/38-1.htm">Hezekiah, having received a message of death, by prayer has his life lengthened</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/38-8.htm">The sun goes ten degrees backward, for a sign of that promise</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/38-9.htm">His song of thanksgiving.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/isaiah/38.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/isaiah/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/isaiah/38.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>I chirp like a swallow or crane;</b><br>This phrase captures the lament of Hezekiah, the king of Judah, during his illness. The imagery of a swallow or crane suggests a sense of restlessness and anxiety. Birds like swallows and cranes are known for their constant movement and distinctive calls, symbolizing Hezekiah's distress and the urgency of his plea. In the ancient Near Eastern context, birds were often seen as messengers or omens, which may imply Hezekiah's desire for divine intervention. The use of animal imagery is common in Hebrew poetry, emphasizing the depth of human emotion.<p><b>I moan like a dove.</b><br>The dove is often associated with mourning and lamentation in biblical literature. This simile highlights Hezekiah's sorrow and vulnerability. Doves are gentle creatures, and their mournful cooing is a fitting metaphor for the king's state of despair. In the broader biblical narrative, doves also symbolize peace and the Holy Spirit, which may suggest Hezekiah's longing for comfort and divine presence. The cultural context of the time would recognize the dove's lament as a poignant expression of grief.<p><b>My eyes grow weak as I look upward.</b><br>This phrase indicates Hezekiah's physical and spiritual exhaustion. The act of looking upward signifies prayer and seeking God's help, a common posture in biblical times. The weakening of the eyes can symbolize a loss of hope or vitality, reflecting Hezekiah's dire situation. In the historical context, Hezekiah's illness was a critical moment for Judah, and his reliance on God was crucial for his recovery and the nation's future. This imagery connects to other scriptures where looking upward is associated with seeking divine intervention (e.g., <a href="/psalms/121.htm">Psalm 121:1-2</a>).<p><b>O Lord, I am oppressed;</b><br>Hezekiah's cry of oppression underscores his feeling of being overwhelmed by his circumstances. The term "oppressed" conveys a sense of being burdened or afflicted, which in this context refers to his illness and the threat it posed to his life and reign. This plea for relief is consistent with the biblical theme of God as a deliverer of the oppressed, seen throughout the Psalms and the prophetic writings. It reflects the covenant relationship between God and His people, where God is expected to respond to their cries for help.<p><b>be my security.”</b><br>This final plea is a request for God's protection and assurance. The term "security" implies a refuge or safe haven, which Hezekiah seeks in the face of his mortality. In the biblical narrative, God is often portrayed as a fortress or shield for those who trust in Him (e.g., <a href="/psalms/18-2.htm">Psalm 18:2</a>). This request for security is not just physical but also spiritual, as Hezekiah seeks assurance of God's continued presence and favor. Theologically, this can be seen as a type of Christ, who is the ultimate source of security and salvation for believers.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/h/hezekiah.htm">Hezekiah</a></b><br>The king of Judah who is the speaker in this verse. He is experiencing a time of illness and distress, seeking God's intervention.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The city where Hezekiah reigned and where these events took place.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/i/isaiah.htm">Isaiah</a></b><br>The prophet who delivered God's message to Hezekiah, including the promise of healing and an extension of his life.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The one whom Hezekiah addresses in his prayer, seeking deliverance and security.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_illness_of_hezekiah.htm">The Illness of Hezekiah</a></b><br>A significant event where Hezekiah was near death, prompting his heartfelt prayer and God's subsequent intervention.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_prayer_in_distress.htm">The Power of Prayer in Distress</a></b><br>Hezekiah's prayer demonstrates the importance of turning to God in times of trouble. His honest expression of fear and need for security is a model for believers to follow.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god_as_our_security.htm">God as Our Security</a></b><br>The plea for God to be his security highlights the biblical truth that true safety and peace come from God alone, not from human efforts or circumstances.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_imagery_of_weakness_and_dependence.htm">The Imagery of Weakness and Dependence</a></b><br>The use of bird imagery (swallow, crane, dove) symbolizes vulnerability and dependence on God. Believers are reminded of their need to rely on God's strength in their weakness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_faith_in_healing.htm">The Role of Faith in Healing</a></b><br>Hezekiah's experience underscores the role of faith and God's sovereignty in healing, both physically and spiritually. Trusting God's timing and will is crucial.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_looking_upward.htm">The Importance of Looking Upward</a></b><br>Hezekiah's eyes growing weak as he looks upward signifies a spiritual posture of seeking God. In times of distress, believers are encouraged to fix their eyes on God rather than their circumstances.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_isaiah_38.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 38</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_bethlehem's_biblical_role.htm">What was the purpose of Jesus being anointed?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_modalistic_monarchianism.htm">What is Modalistic Monarchianism?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/isaiah_65_19__why_weeping_in_jerusalem.htm">Isaiah 65:19: How do we reconcile the promise of no more weeping in Jerusalem with its violent and sorrowful history?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_the_bible's_view_on_snakes.htm">What is the biblical perspective on snakes?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/isaiah/38.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(14) <span class= "bld">Like a crane . . .</span>--The three birds--strictly, the "swift," the "crane," the "dove"--each with its special note of lamentation, represent, as it were, the cries of pain and the low suppressed wail of the sufferer. The three appear again together in <a href="/jeremiah/8-7.htm" title="Yes, the stork in the heaven knows her appointed times; and the turtle and the crane and the swallow observe the time of their coming; but my people know not the judgment of the LORD.">Jeremiah 8:7</a>.<p><span class= "bld">Undertake for me</span>--<span class= "ital">i.e.,</span> as in <a href="/genesis/43-9.htm" title="I will be surety for him; of my hand shall you require him: if I bring him not to you, and set him before you, then let me bear the blame for ever:">Genesis 43:9</a>; <a href="/genesis/44-32.htm" title="For your servant became surety for the lad to my father, saying, If I bring him not to you, then I shall bear the blame to my father for ever.">Genesis 44:32</a>; <a href="/job/17-3.htm" title="Lay down now, put me in a surety with you; who is he that will strike hands with me?">Job 17:3</a>, <span class= "ital">Be surety for me. </span>The idea is that of Death, who, yet in another sense, is but the minister of Jehovah, as being the creditor pressing for immediate payment. The words involve (as Cheyne points out) something like an appeal to the judge, who is also the accuser, to be bail for the accused.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/isaiah/38.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 14.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Like a crane or a swallow</span>. The <span class="accented">sus</span>, here translated "crane," is probably "the swift," which has a loud, shrill note. The, <span class="accented">agur</span> is, perhaps, "the crane;" but this is very uncertain. The two words occur as the names of birds only here and in <a href="/jeremiah/8-7.htm">Jeremiah 8:7</a>. <span class="cmt_word">So did I chatter</span>; rather, <span class="accented">so did I scream</span> (Cheyne). <span class="cmt_word">I did mourn</span>; rather, <span class="accented">I did moan. <span class="cmt_word"></span>Mine eyes fail with looking upward;</span> rather, <span class="accented">mine eyes are weak to look upward</span>; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> I have scarcely the courage or the strength to look to Jehovah; yet still I do look to him falteringly, and make my appeal: <span class="cmt_word">O Lord, I am oppressed; undertake for me</span> (comp. <a href="/job/17-3.htm">Job 17:3</a>); literally, be <span class="accented">Surety for me.</span> "The image," as Mr. Cheyne says, "is that of a debtor, who is being dragged to prison" at the suit of an exacting creditor, and for whom there is but one hope of relief; viz. if he can obtain a sufficient surety. Hezekiah calls on God to be the Surety; but God is the Creditor! Still, there is an appeal from God's justice to God's mercy - from Jehovah who punishes to Jehovah who forgives sin; and this appeal Hezekiah seems to intend to make when he beseeches God to "undertake for him." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/isaiah/38-14.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">I chirp</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲצַפְצֵ֔ף</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ṣap̄·ṣêp̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6850.htm">Strong's 6850: </a> </span><span class="str2">To chirp, peep</span><br /><br /><span class="word">like a swallow</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּס֤וּס</span> <span class="translit">(kə·sūs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5483.htm">Strong's 5483: </a> </span><span class="str2">A swallow, swift (type of bird)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">or crane;</span><br /><span class="heb">עָגוּר֙</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·ḡūr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5693.htm">Strong's 5693: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a kind of bird) perhaps a crane</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I moan</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶהְגֶּ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(’eh·geh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1897.htm">Strong's 1897: </a> </span><span class="str2">To moan, growl, utter, speak, muse</span><br /><br /><span class="word">like a dove.</span><br /><span class="heb">כַּיּוֹנָ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(kay·yō·w·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k, Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3123.htm">Strong's 3123: </a> </span><span class="str2">A dove</span><br /><br /><span class="word">My eyes</span><br /><span class="heb">עֵינַי֙</span> <span class="translit">(‘ê·nay)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - cdc | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5869.htm">Strong's 5869: </a> </span><span class="str2">An eye, a fountain</span><br /><br /><span class="word">grow weak</span><br /><span class="heb">דַּלּ֤וּ</span> <span class="translit">(dal·lū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1809.htm">Strong's 1809: </a> </span><span class="str2">To slacken, be feeble, to be oppressed</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[as I look] upward.</span><br /><span class="heb">לַמָּר֔וֹם</span> <span class="translit">(lam·mā·rō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4791.htm">Strong's 4791: </a> </span><span class="str2">Altitude</span><br /><br /><span class="word">O Lord,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲדֹנָ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḏō·nāy)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_136.htm">Strong's 136: </a> </span><span class="str2">The Lord</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I am oppressed;</span><br /><span class="heb">עָֽשְׁקָה־</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·šə·qāh-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6234.htm">Strong's 6234: </a> </span><span class="str2">Oppression, distress</span><br /><br /><span class="word">be my security.</span><br /><span class="heb">עָרְבֵֽנִי׃</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·rə·ḇê·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6148.htm">Strong's 6148: </a> </span><span class="str2">To braid, intermix, technically, to traffic, give to be security</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/isaiah/38-14.htm">Isaiah 38:14 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/isaiah/38-14.htm">Isaiah 38:14 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/isaiah/38-14.htm">Isaiah 38:14 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/isaiah/38-14.htm">Isaiah 38:14 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/isaiah/38-14.htm">Isaiah 38:14 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/isaiah/38-14.htm">Isaiah 38:14 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/isaiah/38-14.htm">Isaiah 38:14 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/isaiah/38-14.htm">Isaiah 38:14 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/isaiah/38-14.htm">Isaiah 38:14 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/isaiah/38-14.htm">Isaiah 38:14 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/isaiah/38-14.htm">OT Prophets: Isaiah 38:14 I chattered like a swallow (Isa Isi Is)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/isaiah/38-13.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Isaiah 38:13"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Isaiah 38:13" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/isaiah/38-15.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Isaiah 38:15"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Isaiah 38:15" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>