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Isaiah 58:3-5
New English Translation
Isaiah 58:3-5
New English Translation
3 They lament,[a] ‘Why don’t you notice when we fast?
Why don’t you pay attention when we humble ourselves?’
Look, at the same time you fast, you satisfy your selfish desires,[b]
you oppress your workers.[c]
4 Look, your fasting is accompanied by[d] arguments, brawls,
and fistfights.[e]
Do not fast as you do today,
trying to make your voice heard in heaven.
5 Is this really the kind of fasting I want?[f]
Do I want a day when people merely humble themselves,[g]
bowing their heads like a reed
and stretching out[h] on sackcloth and ashes?
Is this really what you call a fast,
a day that is pleasing to the Lord?
Footnotes
- Isaiah 58:3 tn The words “they lament” are supplied in the translation for clarification.
- Isaiah 58:3 tn Heb “you find pleasure”; NASB “you find your desire.”
- Isaiah 58:3 tn Or perhaps, “debtors.” See HALOT 865 s.v. * עָצֵב.
- Isaiah 58:4 tn Heb “you fast for” (so NASB); NRSV “you fast only to quarrel.”
- Isaiah 58:4 tn Heb “and for striking with a sinful fist.”
- Isaiah 58:5 tn Heb “choose” (so NASB, NRSV); NAB “wish.”
- Isaiah 58:5 tn Heb “a day when man humbles himself.” The words “Do I want” are supplied in the translation for stylistic reasons.
- Isaiah 58:5 tn Or “making [their] bed.”
New English Translation (NET)
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