Isaiah 1:3

KJV

The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: [but] Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider.

KJV (with Strong's)

The ox {H7794} knoweth {H3045} his owner {H7069}, and the ass {H2543} his master's {H1167} crib {H18}: but Israel {H3478} doth not know {H3045}, my people {H5971} doth not consider {H995}.

Complete Jewish Bible

An ox knows its owner and a donkey its master's stall, but Isra'el does not know, my people do not reflect.

Berean Standard Bible

The ox knows its owner, and the donkey its master’s manger, but Israel does not know; My people do not understand.”

American Standard Version

The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master’s crib; but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 1:3 presents a profound and sorrowful lament from the Lord, delivered through the prophet Isaiah, exposing the deep spiritual apathy and rebellious ingratitude of ancient Israel, particularly Judah. This verse establishes a stark and poignant contrast between the innate, instinctive recognition displayed by common farm animals—the ox and the ass—towards their providers, and the shocking spiritual blindness and willful ignorance of God's own chosen people, who have forgotten their Creator, Sustainer, and covenant Lord despite His boundless provision and unwavering faithfulness. It underscores the severity of their spiritual decay by illustrating that even irrational creatures possess a fundamental understanding of their source of life, a discernment tragically absent in God's people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the opening indictment of Isaiah's prophecy, where God, speaking as a grieved parent, declares, "I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me" ([Isaiah 1:2](/isaiah/1-2 "Isaiah 1:2 - God's Lament Over Rebellious Children")). The imagery of the ox and ass in verse 3 functions as a direct, powerful illustration of this rebellion, amplifying the depth of Israel's spiritual failure by comparing their lack of discernment to the natural instinct of animals. It sets a somber, accusatory tone for the entire first chapter, which unfolds as a divine lawsuit against Judah, detailing their pervasive spiritual sickness, corrupt worship, and social injustice, all stemming from their fundamental failure to "know" and "consider" their God. The subsequent verses continue to elaborate on the nation's spiritual wounds, likening them to a diseased body, and the dire consequences of their apostasy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Isaiah prophesied primarily during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (c. 740-687 BC), a period marked by significant political and spiritual turmoil for Judah. While outwardly prosperous at times, the nation was inwardly corrupt, steeped in idolatry, social injustice, and formalistic, hypocritical worship. The northern kingdom of Israel had already faced severe judgment and was nearing its end, and Judah itself was increasingly threatened by the expansionist Assyrian Empire. In this agrarian society, the ox and ass were ubiquitous, indispensable animals for daily life, agriculture, and labor. Everyone understood their dependence on their owners for food and shelter, and their instinctive recognition of their masters was a common, observable fact. By drawing this comparison, Isaiah highlights the egregious nature of Israel's sin: they had less common sense and gratitude than their livestock, failing to recognize the very God who had miraculously delivered them from slavery, faithfully provided for them in the wilderness, and established them in the Promised Land. This cultural familiarity makes the divine lament all the more cutting and relatable to the original audience.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 1:3 powerfully introduces several foundational themes that permeate the book of Isaiah and broader prophetic literature. The most prominent is **Profound Spiritual Ignorance and Blindness**, emphasizing Israel's failure to truly "know" and "consider" their God despite a covenant relationship and abundant divine revelation. This ignorance leads directly to **Divine Disappointment and Lament**, as God expresses His deep sorrow and frustration over His people's ingratitude and lack of discernment; He is the benevolent "owner" and "master" who provides, yet they do not acknowledge Him. The verse also highlights the **Irony of Creation**, where the natural instinct of animals (who instinctively recognize their providers) stands in stark contrast to the spiritual dullness of humans, who, endowed with reason and divine revelation, fail to recognize their Creator and Sustainer. This theme resonates with similar prophetic laments, such as in [Jeremiah 8:7](/jeremiah/8-7 "Jeremiah 8:7 - Birds Know Their Appointed Times"), where even migratory birds know their appointed times, but God's people do not know His judgment, underscoring the unnatural and inexcusable nature of Israel's spiritual state.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **knoweth (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** From H3045, this primitive root signifies "to know," but it extends far beyond mere intellectual acquaintance. It implies a deep, intimate, experiential understanding, often involving personal relationship, recognition, and even obedience. In a covenantal context, "knowing" God means acknowledging His sovereignty, responding to His commands, and living in faithful relationship with Him. Israel's failure to "know" God indicates a profound breakdown in their covenantal relationship, a lack of intimate recognition of their divine Owner and Provider, akin to a child disowning its parent.
* **master's (Hebrew, _baʻal'_):** From H1167, this word denotes "a master," "owner," or "husband." It signifies possession, authority, and the one to whom allegiance or service is due. In this context, it underscores God's rightful claim as the sovereign Master and Owner of Israel, who brought them into existence and sustains them through His providential care. The ass's recognition of its "master's" crib highlights the natural order of dependence and acknowledgment, which Israel, God's "people," has tragically inverted, failing to honor their ultimate "Master."
* **consider (Hebrew, _bîyn'_):** From H995, this primitive root means "to separate mentally" or "distinguish," leading to "understanding," "discerning," or "reflecting thoughtfully." It implies insight, prudence, and the ability to make wise judgments based on careful observation and reflection. Israel's failure to "consider" means they lacked spiritual perception, failing to discern God's ways, His providential care, or the implications of their own rebellious actions. They were heedless, lacking the spiritual insight necessary to live in accordance with their covenant, demonstrating a profound lack of wisdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The ox knoweth his owner,"**: This clause establishes a baseline of natural, instinctive recognition that is universally understood. The ox, a powerful and often stubborn animal, nonetheless instinctively understands who provides for it, who guides it, and to whom it belongs. It recognizes the hand that feeds and cares for it, demonstrating a fundamental awareness of its source of provision and authority.
* **"and the ass his master's crib:"**: This further reinforces the point, using another common, humble farm animal. The ass, known for its sometimes stubborn nature but also its simple dependence, instinctively knows where its sustenance comes from—its master's feeding trough. It doesn't question or reject its source of provision, illustrating a basic, unthinking loyalty to its provider.
* **"but Israel doth not know,"**: This is the sharp, devastating contrast that forms the crux of the divine lament. Despite being God's chosen people, beneficiaries of His miraculous deliverance, covenant, and constant provision, Israel fails to "know" Him in the deep, relational, and obedient sense implied by the Hebrew *yadaʻ*. They lack the fundamental recognition and intimate relationship that even animals possess for their owners.
* **"my people doth not consider."**: This final clause deepens the indictment, moving from a lack of intimate knowing to a profound lack of understanding or discernment. The phrase "my people" emphasizes the intimate, covenantal relationship God still claims, making their failure to "consider" all the more grievous. They are not merely ignorant; they are willfully unthinking, failing to reflect on God's character, His mighty works, His commands, or the dire consequences of their rebellion, demonstrating a spiritual dullness that is both tragic and culpable.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 1:3 is rich in literary devices that amplify its powerful and sorrowful message. The most prominent device is **Contrast**, which sets the instinctive wisdom and recognition of common farm animals against the profound spiritual dullness and willful ignorance of Israel. This creates a striking **Juxtaposition** that highlights the unnaturalness and severity of Israel's rebellion, making their sin appear even more egregious. The use of the ox and the ass, humble and unreasoning creatures, serves as a form of **A fortiori argument**, implying "if even these animals know, how much more should my intelligent, covenant people know!" This also borders on **Personification**, as the animals are depicted as possessing a level of understanding and recognition that the humans lack. The entire verse functions as a powerful **Lament**, expressing God's deep sorrow, disappointment, and frustration over His people's ingratitude and spiritual blindness. The rhetorical question implicitly posed by the comparison ("How could my people be less discerning than mere animals?") serves as a potent **Reproach**, aiming to awaken Israel to the gravity and shame of their spiritual state.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 1:3 unveils a core theological truth about the nature of humanity's relationship with God: the fundamental expectation of recognition, responsive obedience, and grateful acknowledgment from those who have received His abundant grace and provision. The verse underscores the tragic irony of spiritual blindness—that those given the most revelation can be the most resistant to acknowledging their Creator. It speaks to the profound covenantal failure of Israel, highlighting that despite being "my people," they had broken the very essence of their relationship with God by failing to "know" and "consider" Him. This spiritual amnesia is presented as a profound offense, worse than the simple instincts of animals, revealing a deep-seated rebellion and ingratitude that grieves the heart of God. It sets the stage for the prophetic call to repentance and restoration, emphasizing that true knowledge of God is not merely intellectual assent but a lived, relational reality, demanding a discerning heart and obedient life.

* [Jeremiah 8:7](/jeremiah/8-7 "Jeremiah 8:7 - Even the Stork Knows Her Appointed Times")
* [Hosea 4:6](/hosea/4-6 "Hosea 4:6 - My People Are Destroyed for Lack of Knowledge")
* [Deuteronomy 32:6](/deuteronomy/32-6 "Deuteronomy 32:6 - Do You Thus Repay the Lord?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 1:3 offers a timeless and piercing challenge to believers today, urging us to examine the depth and authenticity of our relationship with God. It compels us to ask if we truly "know" Him in an intimate, experiential, and obedient way, or if our faith is merely intellectual assent, devoid of genuine recognition and responsive living. Are we attentive to His voice, His Word, and His providential hand in our lives, or are we spiritually dull, taking His blessings for granted, much like ancient Israel? The verse calls us to cultivate a heart of active gratitude and discernment, acknowledging God as our ultimate Owner and Sustainer, who provides for our every need. It warns against the insidious nature of spiritual apathy, reminding us that a lack of "knowing" and "considering" can lead to profound rebellion and separation from the very source of our life and blessing. Our spiritual health depends on our willingness to humbly recognize and respond to the One who has nourished and brought us up, ensuring that our spiritual perception surpasses the instinct of the animals.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways might I be taking God's constant provision and faithful presence for granted in my daily life?**
* **Does my "knowing" of God extend beyond intellectual understanding to a deep, personal, and obedient relationship that shapes my choices and priorities?**
* **Am I actively "considering" God's ways, His Word, and His guidance, or am I prone to spiritual heedlessness and a lack of thoughtful discernment?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more profound sense of gratitude, active recognition, and discerning obedience towards God as my Master and Provider?**

### FAQ
**What does "the ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib" mean in this context?**

Answer: This phrase uses a common, relatable observation from agrarian life to establish a baseline of natural intelligence and instinct. It means that even farm animals like oxen and asses instinctively recognize and depend on the one who owns them and provides their food (their "crib" or feeding trough). They understand their source of sustenance and belonging. This serves as a stark contrast to Israel's spiritual blindness, implying that these animals demonstrate more basic recognition of their provider than God's own people do of Him, highlighting the unnatural and profound nature of Israel's spiritual dullness.

**Why is Israel's failure to "know" and "consider" such a severe indictment?**

Answer: Israel's failure is severe because it represents a profound breach of their covenant relationship with God. Unlike the animals, Israel had received divine revelation, miraculous deliverance (e.g., from [Egypt](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover and Exodus")), and a personal covenant with God at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - God Appears at Mount Sinai"). To "know" God (Hebrew *yada'*) implies an intimate, experiential, and obedient relationship, not just intellectual awareness. To "consider" (Hebrew *biyn*) means to discern, understand, and reflect thoughtfully on God's character and actions. Their failure in both areas indicated a willful spiritual apathy and rebellion, rejecting the very God who had nourished and brought them up, making their sin far more egregious than simple ignorance, as it was a betrayal of a deeply personal and revealed relationship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 1:3, with its lament over Israel's failure to "know" and "consider" their divine Owner, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound reversal in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While ancient Israel, God's chosen people, tragically failed to recognize their Master and His boundless provision, Jesus comes as the true and perfect embodiment of God's ownership and compassionate care, and through Him, a new people are enabled to truly know Him. He declares, "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father" ([John 10:14-15](/john/10-14-15 "John 10:14-15 - The Good Shepherd Knows His Sheep")). This "knowing" is the deep, intimate, and reciprocal relationship that Israel lacked, now made possible through Christ. Jesus laments that "He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him" ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own")), echoing Isaiah's indictment, yet He also promises that through Him, true knowledge of God is accessible: "If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him" ([John 14:7](/john/14-7 "John 14:7 - Knowing Jesus Means Knowing the Father")). Through the indwelling Holy Spirit, believers are granted the spiritual discernment that Israel lacked, enabling them to "consider" and understand the things of God, which are foolishness to the natural person ([1 Corinthians 2:14](/1_corinthians/2-14 "1 Corinthians 2:14 - The Natural Person Does Not Accept the Things of God's Spirit")). Thus, in Christ, God's people are finally given the capacity to truly know their Owner and consider His ways, fulfilling the divine longing expressed in Isaiah's ancient lament and establishing a new covenant of intimate relationship.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 8:7

Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times; and the turtle and the crane and the swallow observe the time of their coming; but my people know not the judgment of the LORD.

Jeremiah 4:22

For my people [is] foolish, they have not known me; they [are] sottish children, and they have none understanding: they [are] wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.

Isaiah 44:18

They have not known nor understood: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; [and] their hearts, that they cannot understand.

Matthew 13:13

Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.

Matthew 13:15

For this people's heart is waxed gross, and [their] ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with [their] eyes, and hear with [their] ears, and should understand with [their] heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

Isaiah 5:12

And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the operation of his hands.

Romans 1:28

And even as they did not like to retain God in [their] knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;