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Isaiah 56:4 For this is what the LORD says: "To the eunuchs who keep My Sabbaths, who choose what pleases Me and hold fast to My covenant--
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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/isaiah/56.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter"> (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/isaiah/56.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />For this is what the LORD says: “To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths, who choose what pleases me and hold fast to my covenant—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/isaiah/56.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />For this is what the LORD says: I will bless those eunuchs who keep my Sabbath days holy and who choose to do what pleases me and commit their lives to me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/isaiah/56.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />For thus says the LORD: “To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths, who choose the things that please me and hold fast my covenant,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/isaiah/56.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />For this is what the LORD says: “To the eunuchs who keep My Sabbaths, who choose what pleases Me and hold fast to My covenant—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/isaiah/56.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />For thus saith the LORD unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose <i>the things</i> that please me, and take hold of my covenant;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/isaiah/56.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />For thus says the LORD: “To the eunuchs who keep My Sabbaths, And choose what pleases Me, And hold fast My covenant,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/isaiah/56.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />For this is what the LORD says: “To the eunuchs who keep My Sabbaths, And choose what pleases Me, And hold firmly to My covenant,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/isaiah/56.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />For thus says the LORD, “To the eunuchs who keep My sabbaths, And choose what pleases Me, And hold fast My covenant,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/isaiah/56.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />For thus says the LORD, “To the eunuchs who keep My sabbaths, And choose what pleases Me, And hold fast My covenant,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/isaiah/56.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />For thus says Yahweh, “To the eunuchs who keep My sabbaths, And choose what pleases Me, And hold fast My covenant,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/isaiah/56.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says, “To the eunuchs who keep My Sabbaths And choose what pleases Me, And hold firmly to My covenant,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/isaiah/56.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For the LORD says this: “For the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths, and choose what pleases me, and hold firmly to my covenant,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/isaiah/56.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For the LORD says this:” For the eunuchs who keep My Sabbaths, and choose what pleases Me, and hold firmly to My covenant, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/isaiah/56.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />For thus saith Jehovah of the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and hold fast my covenant:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/isaiah/56.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />To them, I, the LORD, say: Respect the Sabbath, obey me completely, and keep our agreement. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/isaiah/56.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />For thus saith the LORD of the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and hold fast by my covenant:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/isaiah/56.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: [I will remember] the castrated men who keep my days of worship, choose what pleases me, and faithfully observe the conditions of my promise. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/isaiah/56.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The LORD says to such a man, "If you honor me by observing the Sabbath and if you do what pleases me and faithfully keep my covenant, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/isaiah/56.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />For this is what the LORD says: "To the eunuchs who observe my Sabbaths, who choose the things that please me, and who hold fast my covenant—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/isaiah/56.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />For this is what the LORD says: ?To the eunuchs who keep My Sabbaths, who choose what pleases Me and hold fast to My covenant?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/isaiah/56.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />For this is what the LORD says: "For the eunuchs who observe my Sabbaths and choose what pleases me and are faithful to my covenant, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/isaiah/56.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />For thus says the LORD, "To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and hold fast my covenant:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/isaiah/56.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />For thus saith the LORD to the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/isaiah/56.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />For Yahweh says, “To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths, choose the things that please me, and hold fast to my covenant, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/isaiah/56.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />For thus said YHWH: “To the eunuchs who keep My Sabbaths, "" And have fixed on that which I desired, "" And are keeping hold on My covenant:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/isaiah/56.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> For thus said Jehovah of the eunuchs, Who do keep My sabbaths, And have fixed on that which I desired, And are keeping hold on My covenant:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/isaiah/56.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For thus said Jehovah to the eunuchs who shall watch my Sabbaths, and choose in what I delighted, and taking hold upon my covenant;<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/isaiah/56.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For thus saith the Lord to the eunuchs, They that shall keep my sabbaths, and shall choose the things that please me, and shall hold fast my covenant: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/isaiah/56.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />For thus says the Lord to the eunuchs: They will keep my Sabbaths, and they will choose the things that I will, and they will hold to my covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/isaiah/56.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />For thus says the LORD: To the eunuchs who keep my sabbaths, who choose what pleases me, and who hold fast to my covenant, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/isaiah/56.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />For thus says the LORD: To the eunuchs who keep my sabbaths, who choose the things that please me and hold fast my covenant,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/isaiah/56.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For thus says the LORD: To the eunuchs who keep my sabbaths and choose the things that please me and take hold of my covenant,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/isaiah/56.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Because thus says LORD JEHOVAH to Eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths, and they choose the thing that I please, and they are empowered in my covenant:<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/isaiah/56.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />For thus saith the LORD Concerning the eunuchs that keep My sabbaths, And choose the things that please Me, And hold fast by My covenant:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/isaiah/56.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Thus saith the Lord to the eunuchs, as many as shall keep my sabbaths, and choose the things which I take pleasure in, and take hold of my covenant;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/isaiah/56-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xv9bHT-nr9s?start=12458" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/isaiah/56.htm">Salvation for Foreigners</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>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.” <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">For</a> <a href="/hebrew/3541.htm" title="3541: ḵōh (Adv) -- Thus, here. From the prefix k and huw'; properly, like this, i.e. By implication, thus; also here; or now.">this is what</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: ’ā·mar (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">says:</a> <a href="/hebrew/5631.htm" title="5631: las·sā·rî·sîm (Prep-l, Art:: N-mp) -- Eunuch. Or caric; from an unused root meaning to castrate; a eunuch; by implication, valet, and thus, a minister of state.">“To the eunuchs</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">who</a> <a href="/hebrew/8104.htm" title="8104: yiš·mə·rū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- To keep, watch, preserve. A primitive root; properly, to hedge about, i.e. Guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.">keep</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7676.htm" title="7676: šab·bə·ṯō·w·ṯay (N-cpc:: 1cs) -- Sabbath. Intensive from shabath; intermission, i.e the Sabbath.">My Sabbaths,</a> <a href="/hebrew/977.htm" title="977: ū·ḇā·ḥă·rū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3cp) -- To choose. A primitive root; properly, to try, i.e. select.">who choose</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ba·’ă·šer (Prep-b:: Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">what</a> <a href="/hebrew/2654.htm" title="2654: ḥā·p̄ā·ṣə·tî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- A primitive root; properly, to incline to; by implication to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire.">pleases Me</a> <a href="/hebrew/2388.htm" title="2388: ū·ma·ḥă·zî·qîm (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-Prtcpl-mp) -- A primitive root; to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong, obstinate; to bind, restrain, conquer.">and hold fast</a> <a href="/hebrew/1285.htm" title="1285: biḇ·rî·ṯî (Prep-b:: N-fsc:: 1cs) -- A covenant. From barah (like bara'); a compact.">to My covenant—</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>I will give them, in My house and within My walls, a memorial and a name better than that of sons and daughters. I will give them an everlasting name that will not be cut off.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/8-27.htm">Acts 8:27-39</a></span><br />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.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/19-12.htm">Matthew 19:12</a></span><br />For there are eunuchs who were born that way; others were made that way by men; and still others live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/23-1.htm">Deuteronomy 23:1</a></span><br />No man with crushed or severed genitals may enter the assembly of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/56-5.htm">Isaiah 56:5</a></span><br />I will give them, in My house and within My walls, a memorial and a name better than that of sons and daughters. I will give them an everlasting name that will not be cut off.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/56-6.htm">Isaiah 56:6-7</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/3-28.htm">Galatians 3:28</a></span><br />There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/54-1.htm">Isaiah 54:1</a></span><br />“Shout for joy, O barren woman, who bears no children; break forth in song and cry aloud, you who have never travailed; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband,” says the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-32.htm">1 Corinthians 7:32-34</a></span><br />I want you to be free from concern. The unmarried man is concerned about the work of the Lord, how he can please the Lord. / But the married man is concerned about the affairs of this world, how he can please his wife, / and his interests are divided. The unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the work of the Lord, how she can be holy in both body and spirit. But the married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world, how she can please her husband.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/31-33.htm">Jeremiah 31:33</a></span><br />“But this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD. I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/2-28.htm">Romans 2:28-29</a></span><br />A man is not a Jew because he is one outwardly, nor is circumcision only outward and physical. / No, a man is a Jew because he is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man’s praise does not come from men, but from God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/55-3.htm">Isaiah 55:3</a></span><br />Incline your ear and come to Me; listen, so that your soul may live. I will make with you an everlasting covenant—My loving devotion promised to David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/62-4.htm">Isaiah 62:4</a></span><br />No longer will you be called Forsaken, nor your land named Desolate; but you will be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; for the LORD will take delight in you, and your land will be His bride.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/14-15.htm">John 14:15</a></span><br />If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/45-22.htm">Isaiah 45:22</a></span><br />Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/61-8.htm">Isaiah 61:8</a></span><br />For I, the LORD, love justice; I hate robbery and iniquity; in My faithfulness I will give them their recompense and make an everlasting covenant with them.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">For thus said the LORD to the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant;</p><p class="hdg">choose</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/24-15.htm">Joshua 24:15</a></b></br> And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that <i>were</i> on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/119-111.htm">Psalm 119:111</a></b></br> Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they <i>are</i> the rejoicing of my heart.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/10-42.htm">Luke 10:42</a></b></br> But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.</p><p class="hdg">take hold</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/27-5.htm">Isaiah 27:5</a></b></br> Or let him take hold of my strength, <i>that</i> he may make peace with me; <i>and</i> he shall make peace with me.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/55-3.htm">Isaiah 55:3</a></b></br> Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, <i>even</i> the sure mercies of David.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/23-5.htm">2 Samuel 23:5</a></b></br> Although my house <i>be</i> not so with God; yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all <i>things</i>, and sure: for <i>this is</i> all my salvation, and all <i>my</i> desire, although he make <i>it</i> not to grow.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/isaiah/55-3.htm">Agreement</a> <a href="/isaiah/49-7.htm">Choose</a> <a href="/isaiah/55-3.htm">Covenant</a> <a href="/isaiah/55-11.htm">Desired</a> <a href="/isaiah/39-7.htm">Eunuchs</a> <a href="/isaiah/56-2.htm">Fast</a> <a href="/isaiah/46-7.htm">Fixed</a> <a href="/isaiah/51-7.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/isaiah/56-2.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/isaiah/56-2.htm">Keeping</a> <a href="/isaiah/55-11.htm">Please</a> <a href="/songs/8-4.htm">Pleases</a> <a href="/isaiah/32-12.htm">Pleasing</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-13.htm">Sabbaths</a> <a href="/isaiah/39-7.htm">Unsexed</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/56-6.htm">Agreement</a> <a href="/isaiah/58-5.htm">Choose</a> <a href="/isaiah/56-6.htm">Covenant</a> <a href="/isaiah/62-12.htm">Desired</a> <a href="/jeremiah/29-2.htm">Eunuchs</a> <a href="/isaiah/56-6.htm">Fast</a> <a href="/jeremiah/8-7.htm">Fixed</a> <a href="/isaiah/57-11.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/isaiah/56-6.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/isaiah/57-11.htm">Keeping</a> <a href="/jeremiah/6-20.htm">Please</a> <a href="/ezekiel/46-5.htm">Pleases</a> <a href="/isaiah/60-7.htm">Pleasing</a> <a href="/lamentations/1-7.htm">Sabbaths</a> <a href="/jeremiah/29-2.htm">Unsexed</a><div class="vheading2">Isaiah 56</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/56-1.htm">The prophet exhorts to sanctification</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/56-3.htm">He promises it shall be general, without respect of persons</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/56-9.htm">He protests against blind watchmen</a></span><br></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><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>For this is what the LORD says:</b><br>This phrase introduces a divine proclamation, emphasizing the authority and importance of the message. In the prophetic literature, such declarations often precede significant revelations or promises from God. The use of "LORD" (YHWH) underscores the covenantal relationship between God and His people, reminding readers of His faithfulness and sovereignty.<p><b>To the eunuchs who keep My Sabbaths:</b><br>Eunuchs, often excluded from full participation in Israelite religious life due to their physical condition (<a href="/deuteronomy/23.htm">Deuteronomy 23:1</a>), are here specifically addressed, indicating a radical inclusion. Keeping the Sabbath is a sign of covenant faithfulness (<a href="/exodus/31-13.htm">Exodus 31:13</a>), and this phrase highlights that obedience to God's commandments transcends physical or social status. The Sabbath, a day of rest and worship, symbolizes trust in God's provision and a commitment to His order.<p><b>who choose what pleases Me:</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the importance of intentionality in one's relationship with God. Choosing what pleases God involves aligning one's desires and actions with His will, as revealed in Scripture. This echoes the call to love God with all one's heart, soul, and strength (<a href="/deuteronomy/6-5.htm">Deuteronomy 6:5</a>), and reflects the biblical theme of free will in choosing to follow God's ways.<p><b>and hold fast to My covenant—</b><br>Holding fast to the covenant implies a steadfast commitment to the relationship established by God with His people. This covenantal language recalls the promises made to Abraham, Moses, and David, and points to the faithfulness required of God's people. It also foreshadows the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ, where faithfulness is demonstrated through belief in Him and adherence to His teachings (<a href="/hebrews/8-6.htm">Hebrews 8:6-13</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD</a></b><br>The speaker in this verse, representing God’s authority and covenant relationship with His people.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/e/eunuchs.htm">Eunuchs</a></b><br>Individuals who, in ancient times, were often excluded from certain religious and social privileges due to their physical condition. Here, they symbolize those who might feel marginalized or excluded.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/sabbaths.htm">Sabbaths</a></b><br>The holy days of rest and worship instituted by God, signifying a covenant relationship and obedience to God's commands.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/c/covenant.htm">Covenant</a></b><br>The binding agreement between God and His people, emphasizing faithfulness and obedience.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/i/isaiah.htm">Isaiah</a></b><br>The prophet through whom God delivers this message, addressing the people of Israel and, by extension, all who seek to follow God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/i/inclusivity_in_god's_kingdom.htm">Inclusivity in God’s Kingdom</a></b><br>God’s promise extends to all who are faithful, regardless of their social or physical status. This challenges us to embrace inclusivity within our communities.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_obedience.htm">The Importance of Obedience</a></b><br>Keeping the Sabbaths and holding fast to God’s covenant are acts of obedience that reflect a heart aligned with God’s will. We are called to prioritize God’s commands in our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/choosing_what_pleases_god.htm">Choosing What Pleases God</a></b><br>Our daily choices should reflect a desire to please God. This involves discernment and commitment to living according to His Word.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/covenant_relationship.htm">Covenant Relationship</a></b><br>Understanding our relationship with God as a covenant encourages us to remain faithful and committed, knowing that God honors His promises.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/redemption_and_restoration.htm">Redemption and Restoration</a></b><br>God’s message to the eunuchs is one of redemption and restoration, reminding us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace and love.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_isaiah_56.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 56</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_eunuchs.htm">What does the Bible say about eunuchs?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/are_children_a_blessing_from_god.htm">Are children a blessing from God?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/isaiah/56.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The eunuchs that... take hold of my covenant.</span> The law of <a href="/deuteronomy/23-1.htm">Deuteronomy 23:1</a> shall be abrogated under the new condition of things, for such as "take hold of God's covenant." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/isaiah/56-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">For</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">this is what</span><br /><span class="heb">כֹ֣ה ׀</span> <span class="translit">(ḵōh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3541.htm">Strong's 3541: </a> </span><span class="str2">Like this, thus, here, now</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֗ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">says:</span><br /><span class="heb">אָמַ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·mar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“To the eunuchs</span><br /><span class="heb">לַסָּֽרִיסִים֙</span> <span class="translit">(las·sā·rî·sîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5631.htm">Strong's 5631: </a> </span><span class="str2">A eunuch, valet, a minister of state</span><br /><br /><span class="word">who</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲשֶׁ֤ר</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·šer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">keep</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׁמְרוּ֙</span> <span class="translit">(yiš·mə·rū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8104.htm">Strong's 8104: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">My Sabbaths,</span><br /><span class="heb">שַׁבְּתוֹתַ֔י</span> <span class="translit">(šab·bə·ṯō·w·ṯay)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common plural construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7676.htm">Strong's 7676: </a> </span><span class="str2">Intermission, the Sabbath</span><br /><br /><span class="word">who choose</span><br /><span class="heb">וּבָֽחֲר֖וּ</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḇā·ḥă·rū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_977.htm">Strong's 977: </a> </span><span class="str2">To try, select</span><br /><br /><span class="word">what</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּאֲשֶׁ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(ba·’ă·šer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">pleases Me</span><br /><span class="heb">חָפָ֑צְתִּי</span> <span class="translit">(ḥā·p̄ā·ṣə·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2654.htm">Strong's 2654: </a> </span><span class="str2">To incline to, to bend, to be pleased with, desire</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and hold fast</span><br /><span class="heb">וּמַחֲזִיקִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ma·ḥă·zî·qîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2388.htm">Strong's 2388: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to My covenant—</span><br /><span class="heb">בִּבְרִיתִֽי׃</span> <span class="translit">(biḇ·rî·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1285.htm">Strong's 1285: </a> </span><span class="str2">A covenant</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/isaiah/56-4.htm">Isaiah 56:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/isaiah/56-4.htm">Isaiah 56:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/isaiah/56-4.htm">Isaiah 56:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/isaiah/56-4.htm">Isaiah 56:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/isaiah/56-4.htm">Isaiah 56:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/isaiah/56-4.htm">Isaiah 56:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/isaiah/56-4.htm">Isaiah 56:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/isaiah/56-4.htm">Isaiah 56:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/isaiah/56-4.htm">Isaiah 56:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/isaiah/56-4.htm">Isaiah 56:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/isaiah/56-4.htm">OT Prophets: Isaiah 56:4 For thus says Yahweh of the eunuchs (Isa Isi Is)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/isaiah/56-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Isaiah 56:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Isaiah 56:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/isaiah/56-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Isaiah 56:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Isaiah 56:5" /></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>