Isaiah 58:6
What does Isaiah 58:6 mean?
A plain-English look at Isaiah 58:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Isaiah 58:6 means
Isaiah 58:6 describes God’s preferred fast, emphasizing actions of justice and liberation over mere ritual. The "bonds of wickedness" and "yoke" imagery powerfully convey the concept of injustice and oppression. God desires His people to actively work to release those enslaved by sin, social injustice, or economic hardship. "To let the oppressed go free" highlights a commitment to setting right those wrongs that shackle individuals and communities. This isn’t a call for internal piety alone but for a tangible, outward demonstration of mercy and righteousness. It underscores that true worship involves advocating for the downtrodden and dismantling systems of oppression.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Is not this the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the bands of the yoke, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?
KJV
King James Version · 1611Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Is not this the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the bands of the yoke, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Is not this the holy day for which I have given orders: to let loose those who have wrongly been made prisoners, to undo the bands of the yoke, and to let the crushed go free, and every yoke be broken?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Is not this the fast that I chose--To loose the bands of wickedness, To shake off the burdens of the yoke, And to send out the oppressed free, And every yoke ye draw off?
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Is not this rather the fast that I have chosen? loose the bands of wickedness, undo the bundles that oppress, let them that are broken go free, and break asunder every burden.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Is not this the fast which I have chosen: to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the thongs of the yoke, and to send forth free the crushed, and that ye break every yoke?
Context
This verse comes within a larger prophetic declaration where God confronts Israel for their hypocritical fasting practices. Immediately preceding it, the people are inquiring of God’s will, yet God reveals that their fasting is not pleasing to Him because their actions—oppressing their workers and engaging in strife—contradict the spirit of true worship. Isaiah 58:6 sets up a contrast to their empty rituals, immediately followed by further explanations of what a true, God-honoring fast entails, connecting it to acts of charity and social justice. The chapter flows from critique to a call for genuine repentance and righteous living.
v.5Is 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?
v.6This passage
v.7Is 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?
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Micah 3:2
ye who hate the good, and love the evil; who pluck off their skin from off them, and their flesh from off their bones;
- Jeremiah 34:8
The word that came unto Jeremiah from Jehovah, after that the king Zedekiah had made a covenant with all the people that were at Jerusalem, to proclaim liberty unto them;
- 1 Timothy 6:1
Let as many as are servants under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and the doctrine be not blasphemed.
- Isaiah 58:9
Then shalt thou call, and Jehovah will answer; thou shalt cry, and he will say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking wickedly;
- Nehemiah 5:10
And I likewise, my brethren and my servants, do lend them money and grain. I pray you, let us leave off this usury.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Isaiah 58
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Isaiah 58.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Fasting
Fasting in the Bible is a spiritual discipline involving abstinence from food for a period, often coupled with prayer and repentance.
Topic
Bible Verses About the Sabbath
The Sabbath is a day of rest and worship, a gift from God for the good of His people.
Topic
Bible Verses About Spiritual Disciplines
Spiritual disciplines are practices that help believers grow in their relationship with God and live more fully for Him.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for a Panic Attack at Night
Steady, slow verses to pray when your chest is tight and the house is dark.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Anxiety Before a Job Interview
Quiet your nerves and walk in with steady steps — six verses to pray on the way.
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Losing a Loved One
When you can't stop imagining the worst — verses to put your loved one back in God's hands.