Old Testament
Isaiah 37:13
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Where is the king of Hamath now? Or the king of Arphad? Or the king of Sepharvaim, Hena, or Ivah?'"
Compare translations
Where is the king of Hamath, and the king of Arphad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivah?
What Isaiah 37:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the speaker is questioning the whereabouts of several kings from different cities, specifically Hamath, Arphad, Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivah. This rhetorical question serves to highlight the futility of relying on these kings for help or support in times of crisis. The context suggests that these kings, once powerful and significant, are now absent or powerless against the impending threat. The mention of these specific locations emphasizes the broader theme of the decline of regional powers in the face of a greater force. The speaker is likely trying to instill a sense of hopelessness in the audience regarding their alliances and the strength of their enemies. This verse serves as a reminder that human alliances and powers can be unreliable and that true strength comes from a higher source.
How to apply Isaiah 37:13 to your life
This verse encourages us to evaluate where we place our trust. In times of trouble, we may look to people or systems for help, but this passage reminds us that true security comes from faith in God. We should seek divine guidance rather than solely relying on human support.
Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Isaiah's story: The LORD Defends Jerusalem (Isaiah 37:1–38)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Isaiah
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Isaiah 37:13
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Isaiah 37:13
Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Isaiah
- Author
- Isaiah the prophet
- Written
- Around 700 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah and the surrounding nations
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Isaiah 37:13 mean?
Isaiah 37:13 questions the whereabouts of several kings from cities like Hamath and Arphad, highlighting their absence and powerlessness. This rhetorical question emphasizes the futility of relying on these regional powers for support during a crisis.
What is the significance of the kings mentioned in Isaiah 37:13?
The kings of Hamath, Arphad, Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivah represent regional powers that are now ineffective. Their mention serves to illustrate the decline of these alliances and the unreliability of human support in the face of greater threats.
How does Isaiah 37:13 relate to trusting God?
This verse reminds us that human alliances can fail, as seen with the absent kings. It encourages believers to place their trust in God for true strength and support in challenging situations.
What themes are present in Isaiah 37:13?
Key themes in Isaiah 37:13 include the futility of alliances, the powerlessness of kings, and the importance of trusting in God over human leaders. The verse highlights the decline of regional powers in the face of greater threats.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.