Old Testament
Isaiah 37:17
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Turn your ear toward me, LORD, and listen. Open your eyes, LORD, and see. Hear every word Sennacherib has sent to mock the living God.
Compare translations
Incline thine ear, O LORD, and hear; open thine eyes, O LORD, and see: and hear all the words of Sennacherib, which hath sent to reproach the living God.
What Isaiah 37:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Isaiah 37:17, the speaker is urgently calling on God to pay attention to their plight. They are asking God to listen and see the threats made by Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, who is mocking God and His people. This verse reflects a deep sense of desperation and faith, as the speaker believes that God can intervene in their situation. The plea emphasizes the importance of divine attention in times of crisis, highlighting the relationship between God and His people. The speaker is not just asking for help; they are also reminding God of the seriousness of the situation and the blasphemy being directed at Him. This moment captures the tension between human fear and divine sovereignty, illustrating the need for believers to seek God earnestly in their struggles, trusting that He hears and sees their circumstances.
How to apply Isaiah 37:17 to your life
When facing challenges or mockery for your faith, remember to turn to God in prayer. Like the speaker in Isaiah, express your concerns and trust that God hears you. This encourages a deeper relationship with Him during difficult times.
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 37:17
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 37:17
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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 37:17 mean?
Isaiah 37:17 expresses a plea to God for attention and intervention in the face of threats from Sennacherib, the king of Assyria. The speaker is asking God to listen and see the mockery directed at Him, highlighting a deep sense of desperation and faith.
What is the significance of the phrase 'mock the living God' in Isaiah 37:17?
The phrase 'mock the living God' signifies the serious nature of Sennacherib's threats, as they not only challenge God's power but also insult His character. This highlights the urgency of the speaker's plea for God to respond to such blasphemy.
How can I apply Isaiah 37:17 to my life?
You can apply Isaiah 37:17 by turning to God in prayer when facing challenges or mockery for your faith. Like the speaker, express your concerns and trust that God hears you, which can strengthen your relationship with Him.
What themes are present in Isaiah 37:17?
Key themes in Isaiah 37:17 include prayer, divine attention, faith in crisis, and the mockery of God. The verse captures the urgency of seeking God's help and the tension between human fear and divine sovereignty.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.