Isaiah 58 7

Isaiah 58:7 kjv

Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?

Isaiah 58:7 nkjv

Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; When you see the naked, that you cover him, And not hide yourself from your own flesh?

Isaiah 58:7 niv

Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter? when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

Isaiah 58:7 esv

Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?

Isaiah 58:7 nlt

Share your food with the hungry,
and give shelter to the homeless.
Give clothes to those who need them,
and do not hide from relatives who need your help.

Isaiah 58 verses

Isaiah 58 7 Meaning

This verse calls for selfless acts of generosity towards those in need, emphasizing sharing sustenance and shelter. It highlights that true righteousness and divine favor are found in tangible acts of compassion.

Isaiah 58 7 Context

Isaiah 58 addresses a people who observe religious rituals and fasting but lack genuine heart-change and justice. God rebukes them for fasting for their own gain and continuing oppressive practices. Chapter 58 contrasts this superficial piety with true fasting, which involves acts of righteousness, compassion, and liberation for the oppressed. Verse 7 is a specific instruction within this broader exhortation, defining what such "true fasting" or acceptable worship looks like in practice, particularly concerning generosity and hospitality. The immediate context is a critique of their outward religious observances being divorced from inward righteousness and compassionate action.

Isaiah 58 7 Word Analysis

• or (Hebrew: 'im) - "If". This is a conditional particle, setting up the nature of the act described.
• you (Hebrew: 'attah - masculine singular, or 'atenah - feminine singular, context suggests plurality "you people") - Refers to the people addressed by Isaiah.
• break (Hebrew: pathath) - To break, rend, cleave asunder, to distribute. Implies dividing and giving away.
• your (Hebrew: 'etlekhem) - Possessive pronoun for "you."
• bread (Hebrew: lechem) - Food, specifically bread, symbolizing basic sustenance.
• to (Hebrew: 'el) - To, toward.
• the (Hebrew: ha'et) - Definite article.
• hungry (Hebrew: ra'eb) - Hungry, famished.
• is (Implied verb of being).
• and (Hebrew: wa) - Conjunction connecting clauses.
• bring (Hebrew: bo') - To bring, to cause to come.
• the (Hebrew: ha'et) - Definite article.
• poor (Hebrew: 'ebyown) - Needy, poor, humble, afflicted.
• shelterless (Hebrew: 'aniyyim) - Afflicted, poor, wretched, humble. (often translated as poor/needy). This word encompasses those lacking basic shelter.
• your (Hebrew: 'etlekhem) - Possessive pronoun.
• own (Implied, though "shemekha" - your house, or similar might be underlying context for the individual).
• house (Hebrew: bayith) - House, home, dwelling.
• when (Hebrew: ki) - When, if, that. This can also introduce cause or consequence.
• you (Hebrew: 'attah) - You.
• see (Hebrew: ra'ah) - To see, behold, look at.
• the (Hebrew: ha'et) - Definite article.
• naked (Hebrew: 'aromm) - Naked, unclothed.
• person (Hebrew: 'adam) - Human being, man, person.
• clothe (Hebrew: labash) - To clothe, put on, wear.
• him (Hebrew: 'owthow) - Him.
• and (Hebrew: wa) - Conjunction.
• withhold (Hebrew: mah'-tsapher) - To hide, conceal, refuse (in this context, more broadly to turn away from or neglect). Though sometimes related to "hair" in other contexts, here it signifies withdrawal of care.
• your (Hebrew: 'etlekhem) - Possessive pronoun.
• own (Implied)
• flesh (Hebrew: bashar) - Flesh, body, kin. Implies connection to humanity itself.

Word Groups:

• share your bread to the hungry: This phrase encapsulates direct material provision of basic food to those experiencing hunger.
• bring the shelterless to your own house: This signifies providing not just temporary refuge but a place within one's own home, offering security and community.
• clothe the naked: This means providing covering, protection, and dignity to those who are improperly or scantily clothed.
• withhold your own flesh: This refers to refraining from turning away from your own humanity reflected in others, not to disregard or become calloused towards fellow human beings.

Isaiah 58 7 Bonus Section

The emphasis on "your own house" suggests that hospitality and care are to begin within the community's own domestic sphere. This connects to the concept of tithing and generosity practiced in ancient Israel, often focused on supporting the vulnerable within the community. The idea of not withholding "your own flesh" echoes the divine empathy that sustains humanity. This also foreshadows the New Testament concept of Christ identifying with the poor and needy (Matthew 25:40), implying that ministering to them is ministering to Him. The actions described here are not optional extras but fundamental components of genuine righteousness before God.

Isaiah 58 7 Commentary

This verse provides concrete actions that define true fasting and worship, contrasting with the superficial religious practices critiqued in Isaiah 58. It moves beyond ritual to ethical imperatives. The commands are active and demand a sharing of resources. The phrase "withhold your own flesh" is particularly profound, suggesting that to ignore the suffering of others is to deny one's own humanity and communal bond. It’s about empathy manifested in action, seeing fellow humans as extensions of oneself, thus necessitating care and provision. True worship isn't merely abstaining from food; it is actively feeding the hungry, housing the homeless, and clothing the naked.