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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Isaiah 56:3 Let no foreigner who has joined himself to the LORD say, "The LORD will utterly exclude me from His people." And let the eunuch not say, "I am but a dry tree."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/isaiah/56-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/23_Isa_56_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Isaiah 56:3 - Salvation for Foreigners" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Let no foreigner who has joined himself to the LORD say, The LORD will utterly exclude me from His people. 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and let not the eunuch say, “Behold, I am a dry tree.” <a href="/bsb/isaiah/56.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Let no foreigner who has joined himself to the LORD say, “The LORD will utterly exclude me from His people.” And let the eunuch not say, “I am but a dry tree.” <a href="/kjv/isaiah/56.htm">King James Bible</a> Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree. <a href="/nkjv/isaiah/56.htm">New King James Version</a> Do not let the son of the foreigner Who has joined himself to the LORD Speak, saying, “The LORD has utterly separated me from His people”; Nor let the eunuch say, “Here I am, a dry tree.” <a href="/nasb_/isaiah/56.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Let not the foreigner who has joined himself to the LORD say, “The LORD will certainly separate me from His people.” Nor let the eunuch say, “Behold, I am a dry tree.” <a href="/nasb/isaiah/56.htm">NASB 1995</a> Let not the foreigner who has joined himself to the LORD say, &#8220The LORD will surely separate me from His people.&#8221 Nor let the eunuch say, &#8220Behold, I am a dry tree.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/isaiah/56.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Let not the foreigner who has joined himself to the LORD say, “The LORD will surely separate me from His people.” Neither let the eunuch say, “Behold, I am a dry tree.” <a href="/lsb/isaiah/56.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Let not the foreigner who has joined himself to Yahweh say, “Yahweh will surely separate me from His people.” Nor let the eunuch say, “Behold, I am a dry tree.” <a href="/amp/isaiah/56.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Do not let the foreigner who has joined himself to the LORD say, “The LORD will most certainly separate me from His people.” And do not let the eunuch say, “Look, I am a dry tree.” <a href="/csb/isaiah/56.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> No foreigner who has joined himself to the LORD should say, “The LORD will exclude me from his people,” and the eunuch should not say, “Look, I am a dried-up tree.” <a href="/hcsb/isaiah/56.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> No foreigner who has joined himself to the LORD should say,&#8221 The LORD will exclude me from His people"; and the eunuch should not say,&#8221 Look, I am a dried-up tree.&#8221 <a href="/asv/isaiah/56.htm">American Standard Version</a> Neither let the foreigner, that hath joined himself to Jehovah, speak, saying, Jehovah will surely separate me from his people; neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree. <a href="/cev/isaiah/56.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Foreigners who worship me must not say, "The LORD won't let us be part of his people." Men who are unable to become fathers must no longer say, "We are dried-up trees." <a href="/erv/isaiah/56.htm">English Revised Version</a> Neither let the stranger, that hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The LORD will surely separate me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree. <a href="/gwt/isaiah/56.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Foreigners who have joined the LORD should not say, "The LORD will separate us from his people." Castrated men should not say, "We're only dead trees!" <a href="/gnt/isaiah/56.htm">Good News Translation</a> A foreigner who has joined the LORD's people should not say, "The LORD will not let me worship with his people." A man who has been castrated should never think that because he cannot have children, he can never be part of God's people. <a href="/isv/isaiah/56.htm">International Standard Version</a> "Let no foreigner who has joined himself to the LORD say: 'The LORD will surely exclude me from his people.' Furthermore, let no eunuch say, 'Look! I am just a dry tree.'" <a href="/msb/isaiah/56.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Let no foreigner who has joined himself to the LORD say, ?The LORD will utterly exclude me from His people.? And let the eunuch not say, ?I am but a dry tree.? <a href="/net/isaiah/56.htm">NET Bible</a> No foreigner who becomes a follower of the LORD should say, 'The LORD will certainly exclude me from his people.' The eunuch should not say, 'Look, I am like a dried-up tree.'" <a href="/nheb/isaiah/56.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Neither let the foreigner, who has joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, "The LORD will surely separate me from his people"; neither let the eunuch say, "Look, I am a dry tree." <a href="/wbt/isaiah/56.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree. <a href="/web/isaiah/56.htm">World English Bible</a> Let no foreigner who has joined himself to Yahweh speak, saying, “Yahweh will surely separate me from his people.” Do not let the eunuch say, “Behold, I am a dry tree.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/isaiah/56.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Do not let a son of the stranger speak, "" Who is joined to YHWH, saying, “YHWH certainly separates me from His people.” Nor let the eunuch say, “Behold, I am a dried up tree,” <a href="/ylt/isaiah/56.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Nor speak let a son of the stranger, Who is joined unto Jehovah, saying: 'Jehovah doth certainly separate me from His people.' Nor say let the eunuch, 'Lo, I am a tree dried up,' <a href="/slt/isaiah/56.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And the son of the stranger joining himself to Jehovah, shall not say, saying, Jehovah separating, will separate me from his people; and the eunuch shall not say, Behold me a dry tree.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/isaiah/56.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And let not the son of the stranger, that adhereth to the Lord, speak, saying: The Lord will divide and separate me from his people. And let not the eunuch say: Behold I am a dry tree. <a href="/cpdv/isaiah/56.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And let not the son of the new arrival, who adheres to the Lord, speak, saying, “The Lord will divide and separate me from his people.” And let not the eunuch say, “Behold, I am a dry tree.” <a href="/nabre/isaiah/56.htm">New American Bible</a> The foreigner joined to the LORD should not say, “The LORD will surely exclude me from his people”; Nor should the eunuch say, “See, I am a dry tree.” <a href="/nrsvce/isaiah/56.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Do not let the foreigner joined to the LORD say, “The LORD will surely separate me from his people”; and do not let the eunuch say, “I am just a dry tree.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/isaiah/56.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Do not let the son of the stranger who follows the LORD speak, saying, The LORD has utterly separated me from his people; neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree. <a href="/hpbt/isaiah/56.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And a son of a foreigner who follows LORD JEHOVAH will not say: "Truly, LORD JEHOVAH separated me from his people”, and a Eunuch will not say, "I am a dry tree"<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/isaiah/56.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Neither let the alien, That hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying: 'The LORD will surely separate me from His people'; Neither let the eunuch say: 'Behold, I am a dry tree.' <a href="/sep/isaiah/56.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> Let not the stranger who attaches himself to the Lord, say, Surely the Lord will separate me from his people: and let not the eunuch say, I am a dry tree. <a href="/parallel/isaiah/56-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xv9bHT-nr9s?start=12446" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/isaiah/56.htm">Salvation for Foreigners</a> …2Blessed is the man who does this, and the son of man who holds it fast, who keeps the Sabbath without profaning it and keeps his hand from doing any evil.” 3<a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: wə·’al- (Conj-w:: Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">Let no</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ben- (N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">foreigner</a> <a href="/hebrew/5236.htm" title="5236: han·nê·ḵār (Art:: N-ms) -- That which is foreign, foreignness. From nakar; foreign, or a foreigner, or heathendom."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3867.htm" title="3867: han·nil·wāh (Art:: V-Nifal-Perf-3ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to twine, i.e. to unite, to remain; also to borrow or To lend.">who has joined himself</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: yō·mar (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">say,</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: lê·mōr (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">“The LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/914.htm" title="914: haḇ·dêl (V-Hifil-InfAbs) -- To be divided, separate. A primitive root; to divide.">will utterly exclude me</a> <a href="/hebrew/914.htm" title="914: yaḇ·dî·la·nî (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms:: 1cs) -- To be divided, separate. A primitive root; to divide."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: mê·‘al (Prep-m) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">from</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: ‘am·mōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">His people.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/5631.htm" title="5631: has·sā·rîs (Art:: N-ms) -- Eunuch. Or caric; from an unused root meaning to castrate; a eunuch; by implication, valet, and thus, a minister of state.">And let the eunuch</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: wə·’al- (Conj-w:: Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">not</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: yō·mar (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">say,</a> <a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: ’ă·nî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">“I</a> <a href="/hebrew/2005.htm" title="2005: hên (Interjection) -- Lo! behold! A primitive particle; lo!; also if.">am but</a> <a href="/hebrew/3002.htm" title="3002: yā·ḇêš (Adj-ms) -- Dry, dried. From yabesh; dry.">a dry</a> <a href="/hebrew/6086.htm" title="6086: ‘êṣ (N-ms) -- Tree, trees, wood. From atsah; a tree; hence, wood.">tree.”</a> 4For this is what the LORD says: “To the eunuchs who keep My Sabbaths, who choose what pleases Me and hold fast to My covenant—…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/acts/8-27.htm">Acts 8:27-39</a> So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official in charge of the entire treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. He had gone to Jerusalem to worship, / and on his return was sitting in his chariot reading Isaiah the prophet. / The Spirit said to Philip, “Go over to that chariot and stay by it.” ... <a href="/ephesians/2-12.htm">Ephesians 2:12-13</a> remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. / But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. <a href="/galatians/3-28.htm">Galatians 3:28</a> There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. <a href="/romans/10-12.htm">Romans 10:12-13</a> For there is no difference between Jew and Greek: The same Lord is Lord of all, and gives richly to all who call on Him, / for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” <a href="/john/10-16.htm">John 10:16</a> I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them in as well, and they will listen to My voice. Then there will be one flock and one shepherd. <a href="/matthew/8-11.htm">Matthew 8:11</a> I say to you that many will come from the east and the west to share the banquet with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/acts/10-34.htm">Acts 10:34-35</a> Then Peter began to speak: “I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism, / but welcomes those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right. <a href="/romans/3-29.htm">Romans 3:29-30</a> Is God the God of Jews only? Is He not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, / since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. <a href="/colossians/3-11.htm">Colossians 3:11</a> Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, or free, but Christ is all and is in all. <a href="/revelation/7-9.htm">Revelation 7:9</a> After this I looked and saw a multitude too large to count, from every nation and tribe and people and tongue, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. <a href="/isaiah/14-1.htm">Isaiah 14:1</a> For the LORD will have compassion on Jacob; once again He will choose Israel and settle them in their own land. The foreigner will join them and unite with the house of Jacob. <a href="/isaiah/56-6.htm">Isaiah 56:6-7</a> And the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD to minister to Him, to love the name of the LORD, and to be His servants—all who keep the Sabbath without profaning it and who hold fast to My covenant— / I will bring them to My holy mountain and make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on My altar, for My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations.” <a href="/isaiah/60-10.htm">Isaiah 60:10</a> Foreigners will rebuild your walls, and their kings will serve you. Although I struck you in anger, yet in favor I will show you mercy. <a href="/isaiah/61-5.htm">Isaiah 61:5</a> Strangers will stand and feed your flocks, and foreigners will be your plowmen and vinedressers. <a href="/isaiah/62-2.htm">Isaiah 62:2</a> Nations will see your righteousness, and all kings your glory. You will be called by a new name that the mouth of the LORD will bestow.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Neither let the son of the stranger, that has joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The LORD has utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree.the son<a href="/numbers/18-4.htm">Numbers 18:4,7</a> And they shall be joined unto thee, and keep the charge of the tabernacle of the congregation, for all the service of the tabernacle: and a stranger shall not come nigh unto you… <a href="/deuteronomy/23-1.htm">Deuteronomy 23:1-3</a> He that is wounded in the stones, or hath his privy member cut off, shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD… <a href="/zechariah/8-20.htm">Zechariah 8:20-23</a> Thus saith the LORD of hosts; It shall yet come to pass, that there shall come people, and the inhabitants of many cities: … joined<a href="/jeremiah/50-5.htm">Jeremiah 50:5</a> They shall ask the way to Zion with their faces thitherward, saying, Come, and let us join ourselves to the LORD in a perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten.<a href="/zephaniah/2-11.htm">Zephaniah 2:11</a> The LORD will be terrible unto them: for he will famish all the gods of the earth; and men shall worship him, every one from his place, even all the isles of the heathen.<a href="/1_corinthians/6-17.htm">1 Corinthians 6:17</a> But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.the Lord hath<a href="/matthew/15-26.htm">Matthew 15:26,27</a> But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs… <a href="/luke/7-6.htm">Luke 7:6-8</a> Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof: … neither<a href="/isaiah/56-5.htm">Isaiah 56:5</a> Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.<a href="/isaiah/39-7.htm">Isaiah 39:7</a> And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.<a href="/jeremiah/38-7.htm">Jeremiah 38:7-13</a> Now when Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, one of the eunuchs which was in the king's house, heard that they had put Jeremiah in the dungeon; the king then sitting in the gate of Benjamin; … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/isaiah/49-9.htm">Bound</a> <a href="/isaiah/46-11.htm">Country</a> <a href="/isaiah/53-2.htm">Dry</a> <a href="/esther/2-15.htm">Eunuch</a> <a href="/revelation/11-2.htm">Exclude</a> <a href="/isaiah/14-1.htm">Foreigner</a> <a href="/isaiah/14-20.htm">Joined</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-1.htm">Separate</a> <a href="/isaiah/7-17.htm">Separated</a> <a href="/isaiah/53-8.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/isaiah/43-12.htm">Strange</a> <a href="/isaiah/43-12.htm">Stranger</a> <a href="/isaiah/55-5.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/isaiah/55-13.htm">Tree</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-17.htm">Utterly</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/61-1.htm">Bound</a> <a href="/isaiah/56-6.htm">Country</a> <a href="/isaiah/58-11.htm">Dry</a> <a href="/jeremiah/38-7.htm">Eunuch</a> <a href="/isaiah/66-5.htm">Exclude</a> <a href="/isaiah/61-5.htm">Foreigner</a> <a href="/jeremiah/50-5.htm">Joined</a> <a href="/jeremiah/12-3.htm">Separate</a> <a href="/isaiah/59-2.htm">Separated</a> <a href="/isaiah/59-4.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/isaiah/56-6.htm">Strange</a> <a href="/isaiah/56-6.htm">Stranger</a> <a href="/isaiah/59-1.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/isaiah/57-5.htm">Tree</a> <a href="/isaiah/60-12.htm">Utterly</a><div class="vheading2">Isaiah 56</div>1. <a href="/isaiah/56-1.htm">The prophet exhorts to sanctification</a> 3. <a href="/isaiah/56-3.htm">He promises it shall be general, without respect of persons</a> 9. <a href="/isaiah/56-9.htm">He protests against blind watchmen</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/isaiah/56.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/isaiah/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/isaiah/56.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Let no foreigner who has joined himself to the LORD say, This phrase addresses the inclusion of foreigners in the worship and community of Israel. In the Old Testament, foreigners were often seen as outsiders, but this passage emphasizes that those who commit themselves to the LORD are not to be excluded. This reflects the universal scope of God's salvation plan, as seen in <a href="/genesis/12-3.htm">Genesis 12:3</a>, where God promises Abraham that all nations will be blessed through him. The idea of foreigners joining themselves to the LORD foreshadows the New Testament inclusion of Gentiles into the faith, as seen in <a href="/acts/10.htm">Acts 10</a> with the conversion of Cornelius.“The LORD will utterly exclude me from His people.” Historically, the Israelites were a distinct people, set apart by God through the covenant with Abraham and the Law given to Moses. However, this phrase reassures that those who genuinely seek the LORD, regardless of their ethnic background, will not be excluded. This is consistent with the message of <a href="/isaiah/56.htm">Isaiah 56</a>, which emphasizes justice and righteousness for all who follow God. It aligns with the New Testament teaching in <a href="/ephesians/2-19.htm">Ephesians 2:19</a>, where Paul states that Gentiles are no longer strangers and aliens but fellow citizens with the saints.And let the eunuch not say, Eunuchs were often marginalized in ancient societies, including Israel, due to their inability to procreate and their perceived incompleteness. <a href="/deuteronomy/23.htm">Deuteronomy 23:1</a> explicitly states that eunuchs were not to enter the assembly of the LORD, highlighting their exclusion. However, this passage in Isaiah marks a significant shift, indicating that physical limitations or societal status do not determine one's standing before God. This inclusion is a precursor to the New Testament message of spiritual rebirth and equality in Christ, as seen in <a href="/galatians/3-28.htm">Galatians 3:28</a>.“I am but a dry tree.” The metaphor of a "dry tree" symbolizes barrenness and lack of legacy, as trees are often associated with life and prosperity in biblical imagery. For a eunuch, this would have been a poignant expression of their perceived lack of worth and future. However, <a href="/isaiah/56.htm">Isaiah 56</a> promises that those who keep God's covenant will be given a name better than sons and daughters, suggesting a spiritual legacy that transcends physical limitations. This echoes the promise of eternal life and spiritual fruitfulness found in <a href="/john/15-5.htm">John 15:5</a>, where Jesus speaks of abiding in Him to bear much fruit.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/f/foreigners.htm">Foreigners</a> Non-Israelites who have chosen to worship the God of Israel. In the context of Isaiah, these are individuals who have joined themselves to the LORD, seeking inclusion in the covenant community. 2. <a href="/topical/e/eunuchs.htm">Eunuchs</a> Men who have been castrated or are otherwise unable to procreate. In ancient Israel, eunuchs were often excluded from certain religious and social privileges. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a> The covenant God of Israel, who is portrayed as inclusive and welcoming to those who seek Him, regardless of their background or physical condition. 4. <a href="/topical/i/isaiah.htm">Isaiah</a> A major prophet in the Old Testament, whose ministry included messages of both judgment and hope for Israel and the nations. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_covenant_community.htm">The Covenant Community</a> The people of Israel, who were chosen by God to be a light to the nations, and to whom the foreigners and eunuchs are being invited to join.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/i/inclusivity_in_god's_kingdom.htm">Inclusivity in God's Kingdom</a> God's invitation extends to all who seek Him, regardless of their background or physical condition. This challenges us to be inclusive in our communities, reflecting God's heart. <a href="/topical/b/breaking_down_barriers.htm">Breaking Down Barriers</a> Just as God breaks down barriers between Jews and Gentiles, we are called to break down barriers in our own lives that prevent others from experiencing God's love. <a href="/topical/h/hope_for_the_marginalized.htm">Hope for the Marginalized</a> Those who feel excluded or marginalized in society can find hope and belonging in God's family. We should actively seek to welcome and support them. <a href="/topical/f/faith_overcomes_exclusion.htm">Faith Overcomes Exclusion</a> Faith in God transcends any societal or physical limitations. Our identity in Christ is what defines us, not our past or our circumstances. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_church.htm">The Role of the Church</a> The church is called to be a place of refuge and acceptance for all people, mirroring the inclusive nature of God's kingdom.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_isaiah_56.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 56</a> <a href="/q/how_do_scholars_reconcile_isaiah_56.htm">How do scholars address potential inconsistencies between Isaiah 56 and post-exilic practices that seemingly excluded certain groups from Jewish worship?</a> <a href="/q/do_isaiah_56_3-5_and_deut._23_1_conflict.htm">Does Isaiah 56:3–5 contradict Deuteronomy 23:1 by allowing eunuchs into God’s congregation? </a> <a href="/q/what_does_emasculating_someone_mean.htm">What does emasculating someone mean?</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_ethiopian_orthodoxy.htm">What defines the Ethiopian Orthodox Church?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/isaiah/56.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) Neither let the son of the stranger . . .--Two classes of persons were likely to suffer specially from Manasseh's policy--(1) the heathen proselytes, who, as in Psalms 87, had been admitted as citizens of Zion under Hezekiah's special protection; and (2) in the highest degree, those of that body who had been taken, as Ebed-Melech afterwards was (<a href="/jeremiah/38-7.htm" title="Now when Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, one of the eunuchs which was in the king's house, heard that they had put Jeremiah in the dungeon; the king then sitting in the gate of Benjamin;">Jeremiah 38:7</a>), into the king's household as eunuchs. The courtiers of Manasseh would taunt them as aliens, and in the second case would press the letter of <a href="/deuteronomy/23-2.htm" title="A bastard shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even to his tenth generation shall he not enter into the congregation of the LORD.">Deuteronomy 23:2</a>. The principle of Isaiah's teaching was, of course, applicable to the Israelites who, like Daniel and his friends, had been mutilated against their will by heathen conquerors (<a href="/daniel/1-3.htm" title="And the king spoke to Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king's seed, and of the princes;">Daniel 1:3</a>), and most commentators refer the words to such cases. It is scarcely probable, however, that the household of Hezekiah would have been supplied with home-born eunuchs, and, on the hypothesis which I have adopted, I find in the eunuchs a sub-section of the proselytes. The words put into the mouths of the complainers are the natural utterances of men treated as they had been.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/isaiah/56.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 3. - The son of the stranger; i.e. the foreigner, who has become a proselyte. During the depression of the Captivity these are not likely to have been many. Still, there were doubtless some; and these, who had embraced Judaism under such unfavourable circumstances, were entitled to special consideration. As Messianic hopes prevailed, and the time of restoration to Palestine drew near (ver. 1), they might naturally be afraid that they would not be looked upon as equals by the native Israelites, but would be made into a lower grade, if not even excluded. The Lord hath utterly separated me; rather, the Lord will utterly separate me. They do not suppose it done, but think it will be done. The eunuch. Isaiah had prophesied to Hezekiah that a certain number of his seed should serve as eunuchs in the royal palace of the King of Babylon (<a href="/2_kings/20-18.htm">2 Kings 20:18</a>). Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were such persons (<a href="/daniel/1-3.htm">Daniel 1:3-6</a>), and there may have been others. By the letter of the Law (<a href="/deuteronomy/23-1.htm">Deuteronomy 23:1</a>), they were cut off from the congregation, but practically it would seem that during the Captivity they were on a par with other Israelites. These persons feared, with more reason than the foreign proselytes, that, on the return of Israel to their own land, a stricter practice would be established than had prevailed during the Captivity, and the letter of the Law would be enforced against them. I am a dry tree. Therefore useless, and entitled to no consideration at all. <a href="/commentaries/isaiah/56-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Let no וְאַל־ (wə·’al-) Conjunctive waw | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> Not foreigner בֶּן־ (ben-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son who has joined הַנִּלְוָ֤ה (han·nil·wāh) Article | Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3867.htm">Strong's 3867: </a> To twine, to unite, to remain, to borrow, to lend himself to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to the LORD יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel say, יֹאמַ֣ר (yō·mar) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “The LORD יְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel will utterly exclude הַבְדֵּ֧ל (haḇ·dêl) Verb - Hifil - Infinitive absolute <a href="/hebrew/strongs_914.htm">Strong's 914: </a> To be divided, separate me from מֵעַ֣ל (mê·‘al) Preposition-m <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against His people.” עַמּ֑וֹ (‘am·mōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock And let the eunuch הַסָּרִ֔יס (has·sā·rîs) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5631.htm">Strong's 5631: </a> A eunuch, valet, a minister of state not וְאַל־ (wə·’al-) Conjunctive waw | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> Not say, לֵאמֹ֔ר (lê·mōr) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “I אֲנִ֖י (’ă·nî) Pronoun - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> I am but הֵ֥ן (hên) Interjection <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2005.htm">Strong's 2005: </a> Lo! behold! a dry יָבֵֽשׁ׃ (yā·ḇêš) Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3002.htm">Strong's 3002: </a> Dry, dried tree.” עֵ֥ץ (‘êṣ) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6086.htm">Strong's 6086: </a> Tree, trees, wood <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/isaiah/56-3.htm">Isaiah 56:3 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/isaiah/56-3.htm">Isaiah 56:3 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/isaiah/56-3.htm">Isaiah 56:3 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/isaiah/56-3.htm">Isaiah 56:3 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/isaiah/56-3.htm">Isaiah 56:3 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/isaiah/56-3.htm">Isaiah 56:3 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/isaiah/56-3.htm">Isaiah 56:3 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/isaiah/56-3.htm">Isaiah 56:3 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/isaiah/56-3.htm">Isaiah 56:3 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/isaiah/56-3.htm">Isaiah 56:3 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/isaiah/56-3.htm">OT Prophets: Isaiah 56:3 Neither let the foreigner who has joined (Isa Isi Is)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/isaiah/56-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Isaiah 56:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Isaiah 56:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/isaiah/56-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Isaiah 56:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Isaiah 56:4" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>