As noted in the introductory comments on this section [38.1-22], Good News Translation and some other versions place verses 21-22 before this verse for a more logical order (see the comments there). This also follows the order in the parallel text of 2 Kgs 20.1-11. We recommend that translators follow the order of the Hebrew text here.

This is the sign to you from the LORD, that the LORD will do this thing that he has promised: Isaiah tells Hezekiah that Yahweh will provide a sign as proof of his promises of healing and deliverance. Good News Translation makes it clear that Isaiah is the speaker here by beginning with “Isaiah replied,” which fits well after verse 22. However, if translators keep the original order, it is better to indicate Isaiah as speaker by starting with “Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah.” For Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch Yahweh continues to speak to Hezekiah here: “I want to give you a sign….” This is a good option since it closely joins verses 6 and 7 (see the first example below). For sign see the comments on 7.11.

For the translation of this verse consider the following examples:

• This is the sign that I will give you to show that I will fulfill the promise I have made to you.

• Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah: “This is the sign Yahweh gives you to show that he will fulfill the promise he made to you:….

Quoted with permission from Ogden, Graham S. and Sterk, Jan. A Handbook on Isaiah. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2011. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .