Isaiah 55:2

Wherefore do ye spend money for [that which is] not bread? and your labour for [that which] satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye [that which is] good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.

Wherefore do ye spend {H8254} money {H3701} for that which is not bread {H3899}? and your labour {H3018} for that which satisfieth {H7654} not {H3808}? hearken {H8085} diligently {H8085} unto me, and eat {H398} ye that which is good {H2896}, and let your soul {H5315} delight {H6026} itself in fatness {H1880}.

Why spend money for what isn't food, your wages for what doesn't satisfy? Listen carefully to me, and you will eat well, you will enjoy the fat of the land.

Why spend money on that which is not bread, and your labor on that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of foods.

Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labor for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.

Commentary

Isaiah 55:2 is a profound invitation from God, challenging humanity to re-evaluate where they invest their resources and efforts. It contrasts the unsatisfying pursuits of the world with the abundant, lasting satisfaction found in God's provision and wisdom.

Context

This verse is part of Isaiah's "Book of Consolation" (chapters 40-66), specifically within a powerful prophetic appeal for spiritual renewal and return to God. Following themes of judgment and the promise of restoration for Israel, Isaiah 55 opens with a gracious invitation for all who are thirsty and hungry to come to God without cost (see Isaiah 55:1). Verse 2 amplifies this by questioning the futility of seeking fulfillment in transient, worldly things, urging a shift towards divine truth and spiritual nourishment.

Key Themes

  • The Futility of Worldly Pursuits: The opening rhetorical questions—"Wherefore do ye spend money for [that which is] not bread? and your labour for [that which] satisfieth not?"—highlight the common human tendency to exhaust resources on things that ultimately fail to bring deep, lasting satisfaction. This can refer to material wealth, fleeting pleasures, or human philosophies that offer no true spiritual sustenance.
  • Divine Invitation to True Satisfaction: In stark contrast, God offers genuine fulfillment: "hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye [that which is] good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness." This is a call to turn from empty cisterns to the living water God provides. The "good" here refers to God's word, His covenant promises, and His very presence.
  • Spiritual Nourishment: The imagery of "bread" and "eating" speaks to spiritual sustenance. Just as physical bread is essential for life, God's word and His truth are vital for the soul's health and vitality. This echoes the concept of Jesus as the Bread of Life, who truly satisfies spiritual hunger.
  • The Blessing of Obedience: The phrase "hearken diligently unto me" emphasizes the importance of attentive listening and obedience to God's voice. It is through submission to His wisdom that one can "eat that which is good" and experience true delight.

Linguistic Insights

The term "fatness" (Hebrew: deshen or shamen) in this context signifies richness, abundance, prosperity, and the finest part of something. It doesn't merely imply physical weight but rather a spiritual flourishing, a soul deeply satisfied and thriving. It contrasts sharply with the "not bread" and "satisfieth not," emphasizing the superior quality and profound contentment that God offers.

Practical Application

Isaiah 55:2 serves as a timeless challenge for believers today. It prompts us to examine our priorities: what do we invest our most precious resources—time, energy, money—into? Are we chasing after temporary gains or fleeting pleasures that leave us spiritually empty? The verse encourages us to shift our focus from the unsatisfying pursuits of the world to the enduring richness found in God's word and His presence. By truly "hearkening" to Him and embracing His provision, we can find genuine peace, purpose, and the profound "delight" that only He can offer, fulfilling the promise of seeking first the kingdom of God.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • John 6:48 (12 votes)

    I am that bread of life.

  • John 6:58 (12 votes)

    This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.

  • Psalms 36:8 (11 votes)

    They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.

  • Psalms 22:26 (11 votes)

    The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the LORD that seek him: your heart shall live for ever.

  • Jeremiah 2:13 (11 votes)

    For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, [and] hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.

  • Romans 10:2 (10 votes)

    For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.

  • Romans 10:3 (10 votes)

    For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.