Isaiah 38:18 asv — For Sheol cannot praise thee, death cannot celebrate thee: They that go down into the pit cannot hope for thy truth.

American Standard Version

"For Sheol cannot praise thee, death cannot celebrate thee: They that go down into the pit cannot hope for thy truth. "

— Isaiah 38:18, American Standard Version

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Isaiah 38:18 in Other Translations

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Isaiah 38 — Context

15

What shall I say? he hath both spoken unto me, and himself hath done it: I shall go softly all my years because of the bitterness of my soul.

16

O Lord, by these things men live; And wholly therein is the life of my spirit: Wherefore recover thou me, and make me to live.

17

Behold, it wasformypeacethatI had great bitterness: But thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption; For thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back.

18

For Sheol cannot praise thee, death cannot celebrate thee: They that go down into the pit cannot hope for thy truth.

19

The living, the living, he shall praise thee, as I do this day: The father to the children shall make known thy truth.

20

Jehovah isreadyto save me: Therefore we will sing my songs with stringed instruments All the days of our life in the house of Jehovah.

21

Now Isaiah had said, Let them take a cake of figs, and lay it for a plaster upon the boil, and he shall recover.

Isaiah 38:18 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Isaiah 38:18 say?
Isaiah 38:18 in the American Standard Version reads: “For Sheol cannot praise thee, death cannot celebrate thee: They that go down into the pit cannot hope for thy truth. ”
Where is Isaiah 38:18 in the Bible?
Isaiah 38:18 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Isaiah, chapter 38, verse 18.
Who wrote Isaiah?
Isaiah is traditionally attributed to Isaiah son of Amoz. Many critical scholars propose multiple authors ("Deutero-" and "Trito-Isaiah") for chapters 40–66; conservative scholarship holds to single Isaianic authorship. It was written c. 740–680 BC.
What is the book of Isaiah about?
Isaiah is the most quoted prophet in the New Testament — a sweeping vision of God's holiness, Judah's sin, coming judgment, and a promised Servant who would bear the iniquity of many. From "Holy, holy, holy" to "by his stripes we are healed," Isaiah speaks the gospel before the gospel.
What are the major themes of Isaiah?
Isaiah explores themes including Holiness, Judgment, Servant of the LORD, Hope, Salvation, Restoration. These themes shape the meaning and context of Isaiah 38:18.
What translation should I read Isaiah 38:18 in?
Isaiah 38:18 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Isaiah 38:18?
Isaiah 38:18 reads (ASV): “For Sheol cannot praise thee, death cannot celebrate thee: They that go down into the pit cannot hope for thy truth. ” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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