Isaiah 58:2-6

Context

58:2 They seek me day after day;

they want to know my requirements,¹

like a nation that does what is right

and does not reject the law of their God.

They ask me for just decrees;

they want to be near God.

58:3 They lament,² ‘Why don’t you notice when we fast?

Why don’t you pay attention when we humble ourselves?’

Look, at the same time you fast, you satisfy your selfish desires,³

you oppress your workers.⁴

58:4 Look, your fasting is accompanied by⁵ arguments, brawls,

and fistfights.⁶

Do not fast as you do today,

trying to make your voice heard in heaven.

58:5 Is this really the kind of fasting I want?⁷

Do I want a day when people merely humble themselves,⁸

bowing their heads like a reed

and stretching out⁹ on sackcloth and ashes?

Is this really what you call a fast,

a day that is pleasing to the Lord?

58:6 No, this is the kind of fast I want.¹⁰

I want you¹¹ to remove the sinful chains,

to tear away the ropes of the burdensome yoke,

to set free the oppressed,¹²

and to break every burdensome yoke.

[58:2] ¹tn Heb “ways” (so KJV, NAB, NASB, NIV, NRSV, TEV); NLT “my laws.”

[58:3] ²tn The words “they lament” are supplied in the translation for clarification.

[58:3] ³tn Heb “you find pleasure”; NASB “you find your desire.”

[58:3] ⁴tn Or perhaps, “debtors.” See HALOT 865 s.v. * עָצֵב.

[58:4] ³tn Heb “you fast for” (so NASB); NRSV “you fast only to quarrel.”

[58:4] ⁴tn Heb “and for striking with a sinful fist.”

[58:5] ⁴tn Heb “choose” (so NASB, NRSV); NAB “wish.”

[58:5] ⁵tn Heb “a day when man humbles himself.” The words “Do I want” are supplied in the translation for stylistic reasons.

[58:5] ⁶tn Or “making [their] bed.”

[58:6] ⁵tn Heb “Is this not a fast I choose?” “No” is supplied in the translation for clarification.

[58:6] ⁶tn The words “I want you” are supplied in the translation for stylistic reasons.

[58:6] ⁷tn Heb “crushed.”