Bible fact · Direct biblical statement
The shadow went back ten steps
As a sign to King Hezekiah, the shadow went back ten steps on the stairway of Ahaz. 2 Kings 20:8–11
Discover why
Hezekiah was ill, and Isaiah told him God would add fifteen years to his life. Hezekiah asked for a sign; Isaiah cried to the LORD, and the shadow went back ten steps. 2 Kings 20:1–11
Isaiah 38 tells the same account. Isaiah 38:7–8
Read the passage
2 Kings 20:8–11 WEB
8Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “What will be the sign that the LORD will heal me, and that I will go up to the LORD’s house the third day?” 9Isaiah said, “This will be the sign to you from the LORD, that the LORD will do the thing that he has spoken: should the shadow go forward ten steps, or go back ten steps?” 10Hezekiah answered, “It is a light thing for the shadow to go forward ten steps. No, but let the shadow return backward ten steps.” 11Isaiah the prophet cried to the LORD; and he brought the shadow ten steps backward, by which it had gone down on the sundial of Ahaz.