Isaiah 56:3

ยถ 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.

Neither let the son {H1121} of the stranger {H5236}, that hath joined {H3867} himself to the LORD {H3068}, speak {H559}, saying {H559}, The LORD {H3068} hath utterly {H914} separated {H914} me from his people {H5971}: neither let the eunuch {H5631} say {H559}, Behold, I am a dry {H3002} tree {H6086}.

A foreigner joining ADONAI should not say, "ADONAI will separate me from his people"; likewise the eunuch should not say, "I am only a dried-up tree."

Let no foreigner who has joined himself to the LORD say, โ€œThe LORD will utterly exclude me from His people.โ€ And let the eunuch not say, โ€œI am but a dry tree.โ€

Neither let the foreigner, that hath joined himself to Jehovah, speak, saying, Jehovah will surely separate me from his people; neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree.

Commentary

Isaiah 56:3 presents a profound declaration of God's inclusive nature, challenging traditional barriers and offering hope to those who felt marginalized within the covenant community. This verse speaks directly to the fears of the "stranger" (foreigner) and the "eunuch," assuring them of their place in the Lord's people.

Context

This verse is part of a section in Isaiah (chapters 56-66) that shifts focus from Israel's past failures and future restoration to a vision of God's universal salvation. Following prophecies of the Suffering Servant and the glorious future of Zion, Isaiah 56 begins to outline the characteristics of those who will partake in these blessings. Crucially, it expands the definition of God's people beyond ethnic Israel, embracing those traditionally excluded from full participation in the Israelite assembly. This prophetic vision anticipates a future where God's house will be called a house of prayer for all peoples, setting the stage for the New Covenant emphasis on spiritual, not merely physical, lineage.

Key Themes

  • Divine Inclusivity: The verse powerfully asserts that God's covenant blessings and community are open to all who genuinely commit themselves to Him, regardless of their ethnic origin ("the stranger") or physical condition ("the eunuch"). It refutes the idea that external factors can separate one from God's people.
  • Overcoming Exclusion: In ancient Israel, both foreigners and eunuchs faced specific prohibitions regarding full participation in the assembly of the Lord (see Deuteronomy 23:1 for traditional prohibitions against eunuchs). Isaiah 56:3 directly counters these societal and legal exclusions, highlighting God's boundless grace and the spiritual nature of true belonging.
  • Spiritual Fruitfulness: The eunuch's fear of being a "dry tree" symbolizes barrenness or lack of progeny, which was often seen as a curse or a sign of being cut off. The prophecy implicitly promises that God will grant them a spiritual legacy and a name far better than sons and daughters, emphasizing that spiritual vitality and fruitfulness come from God, not physical ability.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "stranger" is nekar (ื ึตื›ึธืจ), referring to a foreigner or alien. The phrase "that hath joined himself to the LORD" (ื ึดืœึฐื•ึธื” ืขึทืœ-ื™ึฐื”ื•ึธื”, nilvah al-YHWH) implies a deliberate and active commitment, a conversion to the worship and ways of the God of Israel. The word for "eunuch," saris (ืกึธืจึดื™ืก), could refer to a court official (who might or might not be castrated) but in this context, clearly carries the literal meaning of one who is physically unable to procreate. The "dry tree" (ืขึตืฅ ื™ึธื‘ึตืฉื, etz yavesh) is a vivid metaphor for barrenness and lack of life, underscoring the deep-seated fear of being without an inheritance or future generation.

Reflection and Application

Isaiah 56:3 remains incredibly relevant, speaking to a world often divided by race, social status, or perceived physical limitations. It teaches us that God's invitation to salvation and belonging is expansive, encompassing all who genuinely seek Him. This verse encourages us to:

  • Embrace Inclusivity: Like the foreigners and eunuchs, many today feel like "outsiders" in faith communities due to their past, background, or circumstances. This passage reminds us that God welcomes all, and so should His people. The New Testament further elaborates on this in the new covenant where there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for all are one in Christ Jesus.
  • Find Identity in God: Our true identity and worth are not defined by societal norms, physical capabilities, or family lineage, but by our relationship with God. Those who feel like a "dry tree" are promised a "name better than of sons and of daughters" (Isaiah 56:5), signifying an eternal spiritual legacy.
  • Witness God's Broadening Plan: This prophecy found powerful fulfillment in the New Testament, such as the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8, demonstrating God's desire to draw all people to Himself. This divine welcome continues today, encouraging us to share the good news with everyone, without prejudice.
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“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 โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Matthew 19:12

    For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from [their] mother's womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He that is able to receive [it], let him receive [it].

  • Matthew 19:30

    But many [that are] first shall be last; and the last [shall be] first.

  • 1 Corinthians 6:17

    But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.

  • Isaiah 39:7

    And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.

  • Numbers 18:4

    And they shall be joined unto thee, and keep the charge of the tabernacle of the congregation, for all the service of the tabernacle: and a stranger shall not come nigh unto you.

  • Luke 7:6

    Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof:

  • Luke 7:8

    For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth [it].
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