Text -- Isaiah 55:2 (NET)

55:2 Why pay money for something that will not nourish you? Why spend your hard-earned money on something that will not satisfy? Listen carefully to me and eat what is nourishing! Enjoy fine food!

Commentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

NET Notes: Isa 55:2

¹ tn Heb “for what is not food.”

² tn The interrogative particle and the verb “spend” are understood here by ellipsis (note the preceding line).

³ tn Heb “your labor,” which stands by metonymy for that which one earns.

⁴ tn The infinitive absolute follows the imperative and lends emphasis to the exhortation.

⁵ tn Heb “good” (so NASB, NIV, NRSV).

⁶ tn Heb “Let your appetite delight in fine food.”

sn Nourishing, fine food here represents the blessings God freely offers. These include forgiveness, a new covenantal relationship with God, and national prominence (see vv. 3-6).