Isaiah 56 3

Isaiah 56:3 kjv

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.

Isaiah 56:3 nkjv

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."

Isaiah 56:3 niv

Let no foreigner who is bound to the LORD say, "The LORD will surely exclude me from his people." And let no eunuch complain, "I am only a dry tree."

Isaiah 56:3 esv

Let not the foreigner who has joined himself to the LORD say, "The LORD will surely separate me from his people"; and let not the eunuch say, "Behold, I am a dry tree."

Isaiah 56:3 nlt

"Don't let foreigners who commit themselves to the LORD say,
'The LORD will never let me be part of his people.'
And don't let the eunuchs say,
'I'm a dried-up tree with no children and no future.'

Isaiah 56 verses

Isaiah 56 3 Meaning

This verse promises divine blessing and honor to eunuchs who diligently keep the Sabbath and choose to do what pleases God. It signifies their inclusion in God's people, contrary to typical societal exclusions based on their physical condition.

Isaiah 56 3 Context

Chapter 56 of Isaiah addresses the people of Jerusalem and Judah, both during the post-exilic period and looking forward to future messianic times. It follows messages of judgment against wicked leaders and highlights the importance of righteousness. This specific passage focuses on the inclusion of foreigners and eunuchs into the community of faith. Historically, eunuchs and foreigners were often excluded from full participation in Israelite worship and civic life due to Levitical laws. This verse acts as a powerful counterpoint, indicating God’s expanding plan of salvation and belonging, embracing those traditionally on the margins.

Isaiah 56 3 Word analysis

• And: Connects this promise to the previous statements regarding blessings.

• not: A negative particle, emphasizing the prohibition of such self-deprecating thought.

• let: A verb in the permissive mood, indicating permission or a command not to feel a certain way.

• the: Definite article.

• eunuch: (Hebrew: סָרִיס - sarîs) A man who is physically incapable of procreation, or one who has been castrated. It could also refer to an important court official. The term's meaning is multifaceted.

• say: To speak or declare.

• Behold: (Hebrew: הִנֵּה - hinnēh) An interjection used to draw attention or introduce something significant.

• I: Pronoun, first person singular.

• am: Verb, present tense of "to be."

• a: Indefinite article.

• dry: (Hebrew: יָבֵשׁ - yâvēš) Lacking moisture, barren, withered. Used metaphorically for infertility or lack of vitality.

• tree: A plant, but in this context, metaphorically representing a lack of fruitfulness or descendants.

• Group analysis:

  • "Let not the eunuch say...": This phrase indicates an internal declaration, a limiting self-belief that the prophet is addressing.
  • "...Behold, I am a dry tree.": This is a powerful metaphor for hopelessness and exclusion. In ancient cultures, lineage and procreation were highly valued, symbolizing continuation and divine favor. A "dry tree" is one that produces no fruit, no offspring. For a eunuch, the implication was permanent barrenness and societal marginalization in terms of family continuity and specific religious roles.

Isaiah 56 3 Bonus section

The "dry tree" metaphor connects to Old Testament concepts of barrenness often being seen as a sign of divine disfavor, yet God frequently blesses the barren (e.g., Sarah, Hannah, Samson's mother). Isaiah's prophecy reorients this, showing God's power to grant blessing and fruitful legacy through means other than conventional biological reproduction. The promise of an "everlasting name" signifies a spiritual legacy and lasting significance through faithful adherence to God, a testament to His redemptive power over personal limitations and societal barriers. This principle resonates in the New Testament with believers being adopted into God's family and inheriting eternal life through Christ, becoming branches in the true vine (John 15:5).

Isaiah 56 3 Commentary

This verse is a profound declaration of God’s inclusive love and sovereign grace. It directly challenges the cultural and religious biases of ancient Israel that excluded eunuchs and foreigners from full covenant membership. God assures them that their physical state or lack of traditional family ties does not disqualify them from His favor or participation in His community. The core message is about inherent worth in God’s eyes, regardless of physical condition or social standing. Their true belonging is found not in their natural lineage or physical capacity, but in their obedience and devotion to God, particularly their observance of the Sabbath and their commitment to His covenant. This passage prefigures the New Testament theme of radical inclusion in Christ, where physical, social, and ethnic barriers are dissolved through faith (Galatians 3:28).