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Is it only for bowing one&#8217s head like a reed and for lying in sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the LORD? <a href="/nlt/isaiah/58.htm">New Living Translation</a> You humble yourselves by going through the motions of penance, bowing your heads like reeds bending in the wind. You dress in burlap and cover yourselves with ashes. Is this what you call fasting? Do you really think this will please the LORD? <a href="/esv/isaiah/58.htm">English Standard Version</a> Is such the fast that I choose, a day for a person to humble himself? Is it to bow down his head like a reed, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? Will you call this a fast, and a day acceptable to the LORD? <a href="/bsb/isaiah/58.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Is this the fast I have chosen: a day for a man to deny himself, to bow his head like a reed, and to spread out sackcloth and ashes? Will you call this a fast and a day acceptable to the LORD? <a href="/kjv/isaiah/58.htm">King James Bible</a> Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD? <a href="/nkjv/isaiah/58.htm">New King James Version</a> Is it a fast that I have chosen, A day for a man to afflict his soul? Is it to bow down his head like a bulrush, And to spread out sackcloth and ashes? Would you call this a fast, And an acceptable day to the LORD? <a href="/nasb_/isaiah/58.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> “Is it a fast like this that I choose, a day for a person to humble himself? Is it for bowing one’s head like a reed And for spreading out sackcloth and ashes as a bed? Will you call this a fast, even an acceptable day to the LORD? <a href="/nasb/isaiah/58.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Is it a fast like this which I choose, a day for a man to humble himself? Is it for bowing one&#8217s head like a reed And for spreading out sackcloth and ashes as a bed? Will you call this a fast, even an acceptable day to the LORD? <a href="/nasb77/isaiah/58.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Is it a fast like this which I choose, a day for a man to humble himself? Is it for bowing one’s head like a reed, And for spreading out sackcloth and ashes as a bed? Will you call this a fast, even an acceptable day to the LORD? <a href="/lsb/isaiah/58.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Is it a fast like this which I choose, a day for a man to afflict himself? Is it for bowing one’s head like a reed And for spreading out sackcloth and ashes as a bed? Will you call this a fast, even an acceptable day to Yahweh? <a href="/amp/isaiah/58.htm">Amplified Bible</a> “Is a fast such as this what I have chosen, a day for a man to humble himself [with sorrow in his soul]? Is it only to bow down his head like a reed And to make sackcloth and ashes as a bed [pretending to have a repentant heart]? Do you call this a fast and a day pleasing to the LORD? <a href="/csb/isaiah/58.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Will the fast I choose be like this: A day for a person to deny himself, to bow his head like a reed, and to spread out sackcloth and ashes? Will you call this a fast and a day acceptable to the LORD? <a href="/hcsb/isaiah/58.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Will the fast I choose be like this: A day for a person to deny himself, to bow his head like a reed, and to spread out sackcloth and ashes? Will you call this a fast and a day acceptable to the LORD? <a href="/asv/isaiah/58.htm">American Standard Version</a> Is such the fast that I have chosen? the day for a man to afflict his soul? Is it to bow down his head as a rush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to Jehovah? <a href="/cev/isaiah/58.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Do you think the LORD wants you to give up eating and to act as humble as a bent-over bush? Or to dress in sackcloth and sit in ashes? Is this really what he wants on a day of worship? <a href="/erv/isaiah/58.htm">English Revised Version</a> Is such the fast that I have chosen? the day for a man to afflict his soul? Is it to bow down his head as a rush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD? <a href="/gwt/isaiah/58.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Is this the kind of fasting I have chosen? Should people humble themselves for [only] a day? Is fasting just bowing your head like a cattail and making your bed from sackcloth and ashes? Is this what you call fasting? Is this an acceptable day to the LORD? <a href="/gnt/isaiah/58.htm">Good News Translation</a> When you fast, you make yourselves suffer; you bow your heads low like a blade of grass and spread out sackcloth and ashes to lie on. Is that what you call fasting? Do you think I will be pleased with that? <a href="/isv/isaiah/58.htm">International Standard Version</a> "Is this the kind of fast that I have chosen, merely a day for a person to humble himself? Is it merely for bowing down one's head like a bulrush, for lying on sackcloth and ashes? Is this what you call a fast, an acceptable day to the LORD? <a href="/msb/isaiah/58.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Is this the fast I have chosen: a day for a man to deny himself, to bow his head like a reed, and to spread out sackcloth and ashes? Will you call this a fast and a day acceptable to the LORD? <a href="/net/isaiah/58.htm">NET Bible</a> Is this really the kind of fasting I want? Do I want a day when people merely humble themselves, bowing their heads like a reed and stretching out on sackcloth and ashes? Is this really what you call a fast, a day that is pleasing to the LORD? <a href="/nheb/isaiah/58.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Is such the fast that I have chosen? the day for a man to afflict his soul? Is it to bow down his head as a rush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? Will you call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD? <a href="/wbt/isaiah/58.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD? <a href="/web/isaiah/58.htm">World English Bible</a> Is this the fast that I have chosen? A day for a man to humble his soul? Is it to bow down his head like a reed, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under himself? Will you call this a fast, and an acceptable day to Yahweh? <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/isaiah/58.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Is this like the fast that I choose? The day of a man’s afflicting his soul? To bow his head as a reed, "" And spread out sackcloth and ashes? Do you call this a fast, "" And a desirable day—to YHWH? <a href="/ylt/isaiah/58.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Like this is the fast that I choose? The day of a man's afflicting his soul? To bow as a reed his head, And sackcloth and ashes spread out? This dost thou call a fast, And a desirable day -- to Jehovah? <a href="/slt/isaiah/58.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Will this be the fast I shall choose? a day for a man to humble his soul? to bend his head as a bulrush, and he will place sackcloth and ashes? wilt thou call this a fast and a day of acceptance to Jehovah.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/isaiah/58.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Is this such a fast as I have chosen: for a man to afflict his soul for a day? is this it, to wind his head about like a circle, and to spread sackcloth and ashes? wilt thou call this a fast, and a day acceptable to the Lord? <a href="/cpdv/isaiah/58.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Is this a fast such as I have chosen: for a man to afflict his soul for a day, to contort his head in a circle, and to spread sackcloth and ashes? Should you call this a fast and a day acceptable to the Lord? <a href="/nabre/isaiah/58.htm">New American Bible</a> Is this the manner of fasting I would choose, a day to afflict oneself? To bow one’s head like a reed, and lie upon sackcloth and ashes? Is this what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the LORD? <a href="/nrsvce/isaiah/58.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Is such the fast that I choose, a day to humble oneself? Is it to bow down the head like a bulrush, and to lie in sackcloth and ashes? Will you call this a fast, a day acceptable to the LORD?<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/isaiah/58.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Is it such a fast that I have chosen? A day for a man to afflict his soul, to bow down his head like a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? Will you call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD? <a href="/hpbt/isaiah/58.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> This is the fast that I have chosen: that a man will humble himself and he will bend his neck like a bow, and he lays down sackcloth and ashes for himself. You shall call a fast for this and the day of the pleasure of LORD JEHOVAH<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/isaiah/58.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Is such the fast that I have chosen? The day for a man to afflict his soul? Is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, And to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? Wilt thou call this a fast, And an acceptable day to the LORD? <a href="/sep/isaiah/58.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> I have not chosen this fast, nor such a day for a man to afflict his soul; neither though thou shouldest bend down thy neck as a ring, and spread under thee sackcloth and ashes, neither thus shall ye call a fast acceptable. <a href="/parallel/isaiah/58-5.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=12860" 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/58.htm">True Fasts and Sabbaths</a> …4You fast with contention and strife to strike viciously with your fist. You cannot fast as you do today and have your voice be heard on high. 5<a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: yih·yeh (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">Is</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: hă·ḵā·zeh (Pg, Prep-k:: Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">this</a> <a href="/hebrew/6685.htm" title="6685: ṣō·wm (N-ms) -- Fasting, a fast. Or tsom; from from tsuwm; a fast.">the fast</a> <a href="/hebrew/977.htm" title="977: ’eḇ·ḥā·rê·hū (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs:: 3ms) -- To choose. A primitive root; properly, to try, i.e. select.">I have chosen:</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: yō·wm (N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">a day</a> <a href="/hebrew/120.htm" title="120: ’ā·ḏām (N-ms) -- Man, mankind. From 'adam; ruddy i.e. A human being.">for a man</a> <a href="/hebrew/6031.htm" title="6031: ‘an·nō·wṯ (V-Piel-Inf) -- To be bowed down or afflicted. A primitive root; to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive.">to deny</a> <a href="/hebrew/5315.htm" title="5315: nap̄·šōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- From naphash; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. Animal of vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense.">himself,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3721.htm" title="3721: hă·lā·ḵōp̄ (Prep:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To bend, bend down, be bent or bowed. A primitive root; to curve.">to bow</a> <a href="/hebrew/7218.htm" title="7218: rō·šōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Head. From an unused root apparently meaning to shake; the head, whether literal or figurative.">his head</a> <a href="/hebrew/100.htm" title="100: kə·’aḡ·mōn (Prep-k:: N-ms) -- A rush, bulrush. From the same as 'agam; a marshy pool; by implication a rush; collectively a rope of rushes.">like a reed,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3331.htm" title="3331: yaṣ·ṣî·a‘ (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms) -- To lay, spread. A primitive root; to strew as a surface.">and to spread out</a> <a href="/hebrew/8242.htm" title="8242: wə·śaq (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Sack, sackcloth. From shaqaq; properly, a mesh, i.e. Coarse loose cloth or sacking; hence, a bag.">sackcloth</a> <a href="/hebrew/665.htm" title="665: wā·’ê·p̄er (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Ashes. From an unused root meaning to bestrew; ashes.">and ashes?</a> <a href="/hebrew/7121.htm" title="7121: tiq·rā- (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To call, proclaim, read. A primitive root; to call out to.">Will you call</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: hă·lā·zeh (Pg, Prep-l:: Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">this</a> <a href="/hebrew/6685.htm" title="6685: ṣō·wm (N-ms) -- Fasting, a fast. Or tsom; from from tsuwm; a fast.">a fast</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: wə·yō·wm (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">and a day</a> <a href="/hebrew/7522.htm" title="7522: rā·ṣō·wn (N-ms) -- Goodwill, favor, acceptance, will. Or ratson; from ratsah; delight.">acceptable</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">to the LORD?</a> 6Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to break the chains of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and tear off every yoke?…<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="/matthew/6-16.htm">Matthew 6:16-18</a> When you fast, do not be somber like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward. / But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, / so that your fasting will not be obvious to men, but only to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. <a href="/joel/2-12.htm">Joel 2:12-13</a> “Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning.” / So rend your hearts and not your garments, and return to the LORD your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion. And He relents from sending disaster. <a href="/zechariah/7-5.htm">Zechariah 7:5-6</a> “Ask all the people of the land and the priests, ‘When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months for these seventy years, was it really for Me that you fasted? / And when you were eating and drinking, were you not doing so simply for yourselves? <a href="/matthew/9-14.htm">Matthew 9:14-15</a> Then John’s disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Why is it that we and the Pharisees fast so often, but Your disciples do not fast?” / Jesus replied, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while He is with them? But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast. <a href="/luke/18-9.htm">Luke 18:9-14</a> To some who trusted in their own righteousness and viewed others with contempt, He also told this parable: / “Two men went up to the temple to pray. One was a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. / The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—swindlers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. ... <a href="/amos/5-21.htm">Amos 5:21-24</a> “I hate, I despise your feasts! I cannot stand the stench of your solemn assemblies. / Even though you offer Me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; for your peace offerings of fattened cattle I will have no regard. / Take away from Me the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps. ... <a href="/psalms/51-16.htm">Psalm 51:16-17</a> For You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; You take no pleasure in burnt offerings. / The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise. <a href="/micah/6-6.htm">Micah 6:6-8</a> With what shall I come before the LORD when I bow before the God on high? Should I come to Him with burnt offerings, with year-old calves? / Would the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I present my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? / He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? <a href="/james/4-8.htm">James 4:8-10</a> Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. / Grieve, mourn, and weep. Turn your laughter to mourning, and your joy to gloom. / Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you. <a href="/1_samuel/15-22.htm">1 Samuel 15:22</a> But Samuel declared: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obedience to His voice? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams. <a href="/hosea/6-6.htm">Hosea 6:6</a> For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. <a href="/matthew/23-23.htm">Matthew 23:23</a> Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin. But you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. <a href="/romans/14-17.htm">Romans 14:17</a> For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. <a href="/jeremiah/14-12.htm">Jeremiah 14:12</a> Although they may fast, I will not listen to their cry; although they may offer burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Instead, I will finish them off by sword and famine and plague.” <a href="/colossians/2-20.htm">Colossians 2:20-23</a> If you have died with Christ to the spiritual forces of the world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its regulations: / “Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!”? / These will all perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? will you call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD?it such<a href="/2_chronicles/20-3.htm">2 Chronicles 20:3</a> And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.<a href="/ezra/10-6.htm">Ezra 10:6</a> Then Ezra rose up from before the house of God, and went into the chamber of Johanan the son of Eliashib: and when he came thither, he did eat no bread, nor drink water: for he mourned because of the transgression of them that had been carried away.<a href="/nehemiah/9-1.htm">Nehemiah 9:1,2</a> Now in the twenty and fourth day of this month the children of Israel were assembled with fasting, and with sackclothes, and earth upon them… a day for a man to afflict his soul.<a href="/isaiah/58-3.htm">Isaiah 58:3</a> Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours.<a href="/leviticus/16-29.htm">Leviticus 16:29</a> And this shall be a statute for ever unto you: that in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, ye shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, whether it be one of your own country, or a stranger that sojourneth among you:to spread<a href="/1_kings/21-27.htm">1 Kings 21:27-29</a> And it came to pass, when Ahab heard those words, that he rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his flesh, and fasted, and lay in sackcloth, and went softly… <a href="/2_kings/6-30.htm">2 Kings 6:30</a> And it came to pass, when the king heard the words of the woman, that he rent his clothes; and he passed by upon the wall, and the people looked, and, behold, he had sackcloth within upon his flesh.<a href="/job/2-8.htm">Job 2:8</a> And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself withal; and he sat down among the ashes.an acceptable<a href="/isaiah/49-8.htm">Isaiah 49:8</a> Thus saith the LORD, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages;<a href="/isaiah/61-2.htm">Isaiah 61:2</a> To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;<a href="/psalms/69-13.htm">Psalm 69:13</a> But as for me, my prayer is unto thee, O LORD, in an acceptable time: O God, in the multitude of thy mercy hear me, in the truth of thy salvation.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/isaiah/56-7.htm">Acceptable</a> <a href="/isaiah/51-23.htm">Afflict</a> <a href="/isaiah/44-20.htm">Ashes</a> <a href="/isaiah/57-8.htm">Bed</a> <a href="/isaiah/51-23.htm">Bow</a> <a href="/psalms/62-3.htm">Bowing</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-15.htm">Bulrush</a> <a href="/isaiah/56-4.htm">Choose</a> <a href="/isaiah/57-8.htm">Chosen</a> <a href="/isaiah/58-4.htm">Fast</a> <a href="/isaiah/51-20.htm">Head</a> <a href="/isaiah/57-15.htm">Humble</a> <a href="/isaiah/54-6.htm">One's</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-3.htm">Reed</a> <a href="/isaiah/33-4.htm">Rush</a> <a href="/isaiah/50-3.htm">Sackcloth</a> <a href="/isaiah/58-3.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/isaiah/54-3.htm">Spread</a> <a href="/isaiah/57-5.htm">Spreading</a> <a href="/isaiah/38-16.htm">Wilt</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/61-2.htm">Acceptable</a> <a href="/isaiah/64-12.htm">Afflict</a> <a href="/isaiah/61-3.htm">Ashes</a> <a href="/ezekiel/17-7.htm">Bed</a> <a href="/isaiah/60-14.htm">Bow</a> <a href="/isaiah/60-14.htm">Bowing</a> <a href="/isaiah/9-14.htm">Bulrush</a> <a href="/isaiah/58-6.htm">Choose</a> <a href="/isaiah/58-6.htm">Chosen</a> <a href="/isaiah/58-6.htm">Fast</a> <a href="/isaiah/59-17.htm">Head</a> <a href="/isaiah/61-1.htm">Humble</a> <a href="/lamentations/3-34.htm">One's</a> <a href="/ezekiel/29-6.htm">Reed</a> <a href="/isaiah/59-7.htm">Rush</a> <a href="/jeremiah/4-8.htm">Sackcloth</a> <a href="/isaiah/58-10.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/isaiah/65-2.htm">Spread</a> <a href="/jeremiah/2-20.htm">Spreading</a> <a href="/isaiah/64-12.htm">Wilt</a><div class="vheading2">Isaiah 58</div>1. <a href="/isaiah/58-1.htm">The prophet, being sent to reprove hypocrisy, </a> 3. <a href="/isaiah/58-3.htm">shows the difference between a counterfeit fast and a true</a> 8. <a href="/isaiah/58-8.htm">He declares what promises are due unto godliness</a> 13. <a href="/isaiah/58-13.htm">And to the keeping of the Sabbath</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/58.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/58.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Is this the fast I have chosen: This phrase questions the authenticity and intention behind the people's fasting practices. In the biblical context, fasting was meant to be an act of humility and repentance before God. However, the Israelites were engaging in fasting as a mere ritual without genuine heart change. This echoes the prophetic call for true worship and obedience over empty rituals, as seen in <a href="/1_samuel/15-22.htm">1 Samuel 15:22</a>, where obedience is valued over sacrifice.a day for a man to deny himself, Fasting traditionally involves self-denial, abstaining from food and sometimes other comforts, to focus on spiritual matters. In the historical and cultural context of ancient Israel, fasting was a common practice during times of mourning, repentance, or seeking divine intervention. However, the emphasis here is on the superficial nature of their self-denial, lacking true spiritual depth and transformation.to bow his head like a reed, The imagery of a reed bending in the wind suggests an outward show of humility without inner conviction. This metaphor highlights the performative aspect of their fasting, where physical gestures are made without corresponding heart change. This can be compared to Jesus' criticism of the Pharisees in <a href="/matthew/6-16.htm">Matthew 6:16-18</a>, who fasted to be seen by others rather than to seek God sincerely.and to spread out sackcloth and ashes? Sackcloth and ashes were traditional symbols of mourning and repentance in the ancient Near East. They were used to express deep sorrow and contrition, as seen in the story of Job (<a href="/job/42-6.htm">Job 42:6</a>) and the repentance of Nineveh (<a href="/jonah/3-5.htm">Jonah 3:5-6</a>). However, in this context, these actions are criticized as mere external displays without true repentance or change of heart.Will you call this a fast and a day acceptable to the LORD? This rhetorical question challenges the people to consider whether their actions align with what God truly desires. The "acceptable" fast is one that aligns with God's will, characterized by justice, mercy, and genuine repentance. This is further elaborated in the following verses (<a href="/isaiah/58-6.htm">Isaiah 58:6-7</a>), which describe the kind of fasting that pleases God—acts of justice, kindness, and care for the needy. This aligns with the broader biblical theme that God desires mercy and justice over ritual sacrifice, as seen in <a href="/micah/6-6.htm">Micah 6:6-8</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/i/isaiah.htm">Isaiah</a> A major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah is the author of the book that bears his name. He prophesied to the Kingdom of Judah and is known for his messages of both judgment and hope. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_people_of_israel.htm">The People of Israel</a> The original audience of Isaiah's prophecy, they were often called to repentance and genuine worship rather than mere ritualistic practices. 3. <a href="/topical/f/fasting.htm">Fasting</a> A religious practice involving abstaining from food and sometimes drink, often as a sign of repentance or seeking God's favor. 4. <a href="/topical/s/sackcloth_and_ashes.htm">Sackcloth and Ashes</a> Traditional symbols of mourning and repentance in ancient Israelite culture. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD</a> The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who desires sincere worship and obedience from His people.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/true_fasting_defined.htm">True Fasting Defined</a> God is not interested in mere outward displays of piety. True fasting involves a heart aligned with His will, seeking justice, mercy, and humility. <a href="/topical/h/heart_over_ritual.htm">Heart Over Ritual</a> The focus should be on the condition of the heart rather than the external act. God desires genuine repentance and transformation. <a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_action.htm">Repentance and Action</a> Fasting should lead to tangible changes in behavior, such as caring for the needy and pursuing righteousness. <a href="/topical/a/acceptable_worship.htm">Acceptable Worship</a> Worship that pleases God is characterized by sincerity, humility, and a commitment to His commands. <a href="/topical/s/self-examination.htm">Self-Examination</a> Believers are encouraged to examine their motives and ensure their religious practices are not just for show but are rooted in a deep relationship with God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_isaiah_58.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 58</a> <a href="/q/why_emphasize_'true_fast'_over_rituals.htm">Isaiah 58:5 – Why emphasize a “true fast” if God mandated so many ritual practices in earlier laws, suggesting a potential conflict between ceremony and genuine devotion? </a> <a href="/q/what_are_biblical_fasting_types.htm">What are the biblical types of fasting?</a> <a href="/q/what_do_sackcloth_and_ashes_symbolize.htm">What do sackcloth and ashes symbolize?</a> <a href="/q/isaiah_58_3_-_why_does_god_ignore_fasting.htm">Isaiah 58:3 – How can the text claim that God observes fasting yet offers no response, contradicting the idea of a loving deity who always hears sincere prayer? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/isaiah/58.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(5) A day for a man to afflict his soul.--The phrase comes from <a href="/leviticus/16-29.htm" title="And this shall be a statute for ever to you: that in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, you shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, whether it be one of your own country, or a stranger that sojournes among you:">Leviticus 16:29</a>, and describes the soul-sorrow which was the true ideal of fasting. In contrast with this we have the picture, reminding us of <a href="/matthew/6-16.htm" title="Moreover when you fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear to men to fast. Truly I say to you, They have their reward.">Matthew 6:16</a>, of the mechanical prostrations, which are as the waving of a bulrush in the breeze. The image suggests a new aspect of our Lord's statement, that the Baptist was not as "a reed shaken by the wind" (<a href="/matthew/11-7.htm" title="And as they departed, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John, What went you out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?">Matthew 11:7</a>), scil., that his fasting was not outward and ceremonial, like that of the Pharisees.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/isaiah/58.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 5. - Is it such a fast that I have chosen, etc.? Do you suppose that such can be the fast commanded by me in the Law - a fast which is expressly called "a day for a man to afflict his soul"? Is afflicting one's soul simply bowing down one's head as a bulrush, and making one's couch on sackcloth and ashes? Surely it is much more than this. (On the employment of "sackcloth and ashes" in fasting, see <a href="/esther/4-3.htm">Esther 4:3</a>; <a href="/daniel/9-3.htm">Daniel 9:3</a>; <a href="/jonah/3-6.htm">Jonah 3:6</a>.) <a href="/commentaries/isaiah/58-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Is יִֽהְיֶה֙ (yih·yeh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be this הֲכָזֶ֗ה (hă·ḵā·zeh) Pg, Preposition-k | Pronoun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> This, that the fast צ֣וֹם (ṣō·wm) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6685.htm">Strong's 6685: </a> Fasting, a fast I have chosen, אֶבְחָרֵ֔הוּ (’eḇ·ḥā·rê·hū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_977.htm">Strong's 977: </a> To try, select a day י֛וֹם (yō·wm) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day for a man אָדָ֖ם (’ā·ḏām) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_120.htm">Strong's 120: </a> Ruddy, a human being to deny עַנּ֥וֹת (‘an·nō·wṯ) Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6031.htm">Strong's 6031: </a> To be bowed down or afflicted himself, נַפְשׁ֑וֹ (nap̄·šōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5315.htm">Strong's 5315: </a> A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion to bow הֲלָכֹ֨ף (hă·lā·ḵōp̄) Preposition | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3721.htm">Strong's 3721: </a> To bend, bend down, be bent or bowed his head רֹאשׁ֗וֹ (rō·šōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7218.htm">Strong's 7218: </a> The head like a reed, כְּאַגְמֹ֜ן (kə·’aḡ·mōn) Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_100.htm">Strong's 100: </a> A bulrush, a rope of bulrushes and to spread out יַצִּ֔יעַ (yaṣ·ṣî·a‘) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3331.htm">Strong's 3331: </a> To strew as a, surface sackcloth וְשַׂ֤ק (wə·śaq) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8242.htm">Strong's 8242: </a> A mesh, coarse loose cloth, sacking, a bag and ashes? וָאֵ֙פֶר֙ (wā·’ê·p̄er) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_665.htm">Strong's 665: </a> Ashes Will you call תִּקְרָא־ (tiq·rā-) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7121.htm">Strong's 7121: </a> To call, proclaim, read this הֲלָזֶה֙ (hă·lā·zeh) Pg, Preposition-l | Pronoun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> This, that a fast צ֔וֹם (ṣō·wm) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6685.htm">Strong's 6685: </a> Fasting, a fast and a day וְי֥וֹם (wə·yō·wm) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day acceptable רָצ֖וֹן (rā·ṣō·wn) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7522.htm">Strong's 7522: </a> Goodwill, favor, acceptance, will to the LORD? לַיהוָֽה׃ (Yah·weh) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/isaiah/58-5.htm">Isaiah 58:5 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/isaiah/58-5.htm">Isaiah 58:5 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/isaiah/58-5.htm">Isaiah 58:5 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/isaiah/58-5.htm">Isaiah 58:5 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/isaiah/58-5.htm">Isaiah 58:5 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/isaiah/58-5.htm">Isaiah 58:5 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/isaiah/58-5.htm">Isaiah 58:5 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/isaiah/58-5.htm">Isaiah 58:5 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/isaiah/58-5.htm">Isaiah 58:5 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/isaiah/58-5.htm">Isaiah 58:5 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/isaiah/58-5.htm">OT Prophets: Isaiah 58:5 Is such the fast that I have (Isa Isi Is)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/isaiah/58-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Isaiah 58:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Isaiah 58:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/isaiah/58-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Isaiah 58:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Isaiah 58:6" /></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>