Old Testament
Isaiah 38:19
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The living, the living, they shall praise you, as I do today; the father will make your truth known to the children.
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The living, the living, he shall praise thee, as I do this day: the father to the children shall make known thy truth.
What Isaiah 38:19 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Isaiah 38:19, the speaker emphasizes the importance of praising God while alive. The repetition of "the living, the living" highlights the urgency and significance of worship in the present moment. The verse also suggests a generational aspect of faith, where a father shares God's truth with his children. This reflects the idea that the experiences and praises of one generation should be passed down to the next, ensuring that the knowledge of God's faithfulness and truth continues. The act of praising God is not just a personal endeavor but a communal one, where the living acknowledge God's goodness and share it with future generations. This verse serves as a reminder that our lives should be filled with gratitude and recognition of God's work, encouraging us to actively participate in worship and to teach others about His truth.
How to apply Isaiah 38:19 to your life
We should actively praise God in our daily lives, recognizing His goodness and sharing our experiences with others, especially our children. This encourages a culture of faith and gratitude, ensuring that God's truth is passed down through generations.
Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary
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Illustrated scene from Isaiah's story: Hezekiah's Illness (Isaiah 38:1–22)
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Isaiah
Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
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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 38:19 mean?
Isaiah 38:19 emphasizes the importance of praising God while alive, highlighting that the living should actively worship and acknowledge God's goodness. It also suggests that a father's role is to pass on God's truth to his children, ensuring that faith is shared across generations.
What is the meaning of 'the living, the living' in Isaiah 38:19?
The phrase 'the living, the living' in Isaiah 38:19 underscores the urgency of worshiping God in the present moment. It serves as a reminder that those who are alive have the opportunity to praise God and should do so actively.
How does Isaiah 38:19 relate to generational faith?
Isaiah 38:19 relates to generational faith by highlighting the father's duty to make God's truth known to his children. This illustrates the importance of passing down faith and experiences of God's goodness to ensure that future generations continue to worship Him.
What themes are present in Isaiah 38:19?
The themes present in Isaiah 38:19 include praise, generational faith, worship, God's truth, and the significance of life and legacy. These themes emphasize the importance of acknowledging God's goodness and sharing that knowledge with others.
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