Isaiah 58:3-5

58:3 They lament, ¹  ‘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, ² 

you oppress your workers. ³ 

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

and fistfights. ⁵ 

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? ⁶ 

Do I want a day when people merely humble themselves, ⁷ 

bowing their heads like a reed

and stretching out ⁸  on sackcloth and ashes?

Is this really what you call a fast,

a day that is pleasing to the Lord?

[58:3]  ¹ tn The words “they lament” are supplied in the translation for clarification.

[58:3]  ² tn Heb “you find pleasure”; NASB “you find your desire.”

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

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

[58:4]  ⁵ tn Heb “and for striking with a sinful fist.”

[58:5]  ⁶ tn Heb “choose” (so NASB, NRSV); NAB “wish.”

[58:5]  ⁷ tn Heb “a day when man humbles himself.” The words “Do I want” are supplied in the translation for stylistic reasons.

[58:5]  ⁸ tn Or “making [their] bed.”