Isaiah 58:6

KJV

[Is] 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?

KJV (with Strong's)

Is not this the fast {H6685} that I have chosen {H977}? to loose {H6605} the bands {H2784} of wickedness {H7562}, to undo {H5425} the heavy {H4133} burdens {H92}, and to let the oppressed {H7533} go {H7971} free {H2670}, and that ye break {H5423} every yoke {H4133}?

Complete Jewish Bible

"Here is the sort of fast I want - releasing those unjustly bound, untying the thongs of the yoke, letting the oppressed go free, breaking every yoke,

Berean Standard Bible

Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to break the chains of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and tear off every yoke?

American Standard Version

Is 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?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 58:6 presents God's radical redefinition of authentic fasting, shifting the focus from mere ritualistic abstinence to a profound commitment to social justice and liberation. It serves as a divine indictment of superficial piety, challenging those who observe outward religious practices while neglecting the systemic oppression and suffering of the vulnerable. This verse articulates God's chosen fast as one characterized by tangible acts of compassion, the active dismantling of oppressive structures, and the release of those burdened by injustice, thereby inextricably linking genuine worship to ethical conduct and transformative societal engagement.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 58 is a pivotal chapter within the latter part of the book of Isaiah, specifically following sections that lament Judah's spiritual apathy and moral decay, while also holding out promises of future restoration. The immediate preceding verses ([Isaiah 58:1-5](/isaiah/58-1-5 "Isaiah 58:1-5 - Indictment of False Fasting")) establish the problem: the people are diligently engaging in religious rituals, including fasting, yet their hearts and actions are far from God's righteous standards. They are characterized by strife, exploitation of workers, and self-serving piety. God's rhetorical question in [Isaiah 58:5](/isaiah/58-5 "Isaiah 58:5 - The Superficial Fast")—"Is it such a fast that I have chosen?"—directly sets the stage for verse 6, which then provides the divine answer, unveiling the true nature of the fast God desires. This verse, therefore, acts as a critical turning point, transitioning from an indictment of hypocritical worship to a clear, prescriptive articulation of authentic, justice-oriented devotion. The subsequent verses ([Isaiah 58:7-12](/isaiah/58-7-12 "Isaiah 58:7-12 - Blessings of True Righteousness")) further elaborate on the abundant blessings and restoration that will flow from embracing this genuine fast.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophetic ministry of Isaiah spans significant periods of political and social upheaval for ancient Judah, including the rise of the Assyrian and Babylonian empires. While the precise historical setting for Isaiah 58 is often debated (some scholars place it in the exilic or post-exilic period), its themes resonate deeply with the challenges faced by the Israelite community throughout its history. Fasting was a common and significant religious practice in ancient Israel, observed during times of national crisis, personal repentance, or seeking divine intervention (e.g., [1 Samuel 7:6](/1_samuel/7-6 "1 Samuel 7:6 - National Fasting and Repentance")). However, like other rituals, it was susceptible to becoming a mere outward performance, devoid of genuine heart transformation or ethical action. The prophets, including Isaiah, Amos, and Micah, consistently condemned this disconnect between religious observance and social injustice, calling the people back to the foundational covenantal demands of righteousness, mercy, and justice ([Amos 5:21-24](/amos/5-21-24 "Amos 5:21-24 - God's Rejection of Empty Worship"); [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the Lord Requires")). The "bands of wickedness," "heavy burdens," and "every yoke" likely refer to various forms of economic exploitation, debt slavery, judicial corruption, and other oppressive practices prevalent in ancient Near Eastern societies, where the powerful often exploited the vulnerable.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 58:6 is foundational to several overarching themes within the book of Isaiah and the broader prophetic tradition. Firstly, it powerfully establishes the theme of **True Worship vs. Ritualism**, asserting that genuine devotion to God is not found in outward displays of piety but in an inward transformation that manifests as ethical action and social responsibility. Secondly, it underscores God's unwavering **Concern for Justice and the Oppressed**. The repeated imagery of liberation—"loose the bands," "undo the heavy burdens," "let the oppressed go free," "break every yoke"—highlights God's character as a liberator who champions the cause of the vulnerable and marginalized, echoing the foundational narrative of the [Exodus](/exodus/1 "The Book of Exodus - Israel's Deliverance from Slavery") from Egyptian bondage. This concern for social justice is not merely a tangential ethical teaching but is presented as integral to God's very nature and His covenantal demands. Finally, the verse contributes to the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness and Societal Well-being**, suggesting that the nation's spiritual health and prosperity are inextricably linked to its commitment to righteousness and compassion for all its members, particularly the marginalized.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **fast (Hebrew, _tsôwm'_ H6685):** Derived from the root meaning "to abstain from food," this word refers to a period of fasting. In Isaiah 58, the prophet challenges the conventional, superficial understanding of *tsôwm*, moving beyond mere dietary abstinence to encompass a spiritual discipline that must manifest in ethical behavior and active pursuit of social justice. The rhetorical question "Is not this the fast that I have chosen?" implies that the people's current practice of *tsôwm* is insufficient and misdirected, failing to align with God's true desire for holistic worship.
* **loose (Hebrew, _pâthach'_ H6605):** A primitive root meaning "to open wide," "to loosen," or "to set free." This verb carries a powerful sense of active, deliberate liberation. When applied to "bands of wickedness" or "yokes," it denotes the forceful undoing, severing, or breaking of oppressive bonds. The choice of *pâthach* here emphasizes not merely passive non-participation in injustice, but an active, intentional effort to dismantle systems and practices that bind, restrict, and exploit others.
* **yoke (Hebrew, _môwṭâh'_ H4133):** Feminine of a word meaning "pole," this term refers to an ox-bow or, by implication, a yoke—a wooden bar joining two animals for plowing or a burden carried by a person. Figuratively, it represents servitude, control, or oppressive burdens. The command to "break every yoke" signifies a comprehensive and radical dismantling of all forms of oppression, whether physical, economic, social, or spiritual, leading to true liberty and freedom from bondage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Is not this the fast that I have chosen?":** This rhetorical question serves as God's direct challenge to His people, immediately following an indictment of their superficial religious practices. It implies that their current observances are misaligned with His will and sets the stage for the definitive answer that follows, outlining the true nature of acceptable and divinely chosen worship.
* **"to loose the bands of wickedness":** This clause describes the primary action of God's chosen fast. "Bands of wickedness" metaphorically represent the oppressive systems, unjust laws, or harmful practices that bind people, often the vulnerable and marginalized. To "loose" them means to actively dismantle, sever, or undo these bonds, indicating a proactive commitment to confronting and rectifying systemic injustice.
* **"to undo the heavy burdens":** This phrase further elaborates on the nature of liberation. "Heavy burdens" symbolize excessive demands, exploitative labor, crushing debts, or other overwhelming pressures that weigh down individuals or groups. To "undo" them implies alleviating these hardships, releasing people from overwhelming pressures, and actively working to restore equity and fairness.
* **"and to let the oppressed go free":** This clause directly addresses the victims of injustice. "The oppressed" refers to those who are crushed, bruised, or severely afflicted by others. To "let them go free" is a clear and powerful call for emancipation, echoing the historical deliverance of Israel from Egyptian slavery, emphasizing both physical and societal liberation for those unjustly held captive.
* **"and that ye break every yoke?":** This final clause provides a comprehensive and emphatic summation of the desired action. The "yoke" is a potent symbol of servitude and control. To "break every yoke" signifies a complete and radical dismantling of all forms of oppression, ensuring that no one remains bound by unjust systems, practices, or relationships, thereby establishing widespread and holistic freedom.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 58:6 employs several potent literary devices to convey its transformative message with force and clarity. The verse commences with a **Rhetorical Question** ("Is not this the fast that I have chosen?"), which immediately engages the audience and highlights the stark contrast between their current religious practices and God's true desire. This question serves as a powerful setup for the subsequent imperative statements, compelling the listeners to consider the divine alternative. The entire verse is rich in **Metaphor**, using concrete imagery to represent abstract concepts of oppression and liberation. "Bands of wickedness," "heavy burdens," and "every yoke" are all vivid metaphorical representations of systemic injustice, economic exploitation, and various forms of servitude. The active verbs of "loosing," "undoing," and "breaking" these objects vividly portray the dynamic and active dismantling of these oppressive forces. Furthermore, the verse utilizes extensive **Parallelism**, particularly **Synonymous Parallelism**, where successive clauses express similar ideas using different but related imagery ("loose the bands of wickedness" and "undo the heavy burdens"; "let the oppressed go free" and "break every yoke"). This repetition reinforces the central theme of comprehensive liberation and emphasizes the pervasive nature of the justice God demands from His people. The cumulative effect of these devices is a compelling, memorable, and actionable articulation of God's profound heart for social righteousness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 58:6 profoundly reshapes our understanding of spiritual devotion, asserting that true worship is inseparable from ethical action and a robust commitment to justice. It challenges the pervasive notion that piety can be confined to ritualistic observance, positing instead that genuine faith must manifest in tangible efforts to alleviate suffering and dismantle oppression. This verse underscores God's character as a liberator, deeply concerned with the plight of the marginalized and actively calling His people to participate in His redemptive work in the world. It aligns seamlessly with the broader prophetic tradition that consistently critiques religious hypocrisy and demands a holistic faith where righteousness, mercy, and justice are paramount, demonstrating that God's desire for His people's worship is intrinsically tied to their treatment of one another.

* [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the Lord Requires of Humanity")
* [Zechariah 7:5-10](/zechariah/7-5-10 "Zechariah 7:5-10 - True Fasting and Justice, Not Ritual")
* [Matthew 23:23](/matthew/23-23 "Matthew 23:23 - Woe to the Scribes and Pharisees: Justice, Mercy, and Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 58:6 serves as an enduring and urgent challenge to every generation, urging us to deeply examine the authenticity and integrity of our faith and worship. It compels us to move beyond superficial religious practices and engage in a spirituality that actively seeks justice, compassion, and liberation for others. This means not only refraining from acts of oppression ourselves but also actively working to identify and dismantle systems and structures that perpetuate injustice, whether they are economic, social, racial, or political. It calls us to embody God's heart for the vulnerable, advocating for the poor, the exploited, and those whose fundamental human rights are denied. Our prayers, worship, and personal piety are truly pleasing to God when they lead us to concrete actions that reflect His character—actions that "loose the bands of wickedness," "undo heavy burdens," and "let the oppressed go free." This profound verse reminds us that personal devotion and social responsibility are not separate spheres but rather two inextricably linked sides of the same coin, both essential to a vibrant, authentic, and God-honoring faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways might my current spiritual practices be more focused on outward ritual than on active compassion and justice for others?**
* **What "bands of wickedness" or "heavy burdens" (e.g., unjust policies, systemic inequalities, exploitative practices) exist in my community or society that God might be calling me to help "loose" or "undo"?**
* **How can I personally contribute to "letting the oppressed go free" and "breaking every yoke" in practical, tangible ways within my sphere of influence?**
* **Does my faith primarily offer personal comfort and solace, or does it also inspire and empower me to challenge systems of injustice and advocate for the marginalized?**

### FAQ
**What does "the fast that I have chosen" mean in Isaiah 58:6?**

Answer: "The fast that I have chosen" refers to the kind of spiritual discipline and lifestyle that genuinely pleases God, in stark contrast to the superficial, self-serving fasting that the people of Israel were practicing. God is not interested in mere outward religious performance (like abstaining from food or observing rituals) if it is disconnected from a heart of justice and compassion. Instead, He desires a "fast" that manifests as active engagement in social righteousness: loosening oppressive bonds, alleviating burdens, freeing the oppressed, and breaking every form of injustice. It's a call for holistic transformation where piety leads directly to ethical action and societal betterment.

**How does Isaiah 58:6 relate to modern social justice movements?**

Answer: Isaiah 58:6 provides a profound and enduring biblical foundation for modern social justice movements. Its timeless message directly addresses systemic oppression ("bands of wickedness," "every yoke") and the suffering of the marginalized ("heavy burdens," "the oppressed"). It calls believers to active participation in liberation, advocating for those who are exploited, discriminated against, or otherwise held in bondage. The verse implies that true faith necessitates identifying and confronting injustice in all its forms, making it a powerful mandate for Christians to engage in efforts for human rights, economic equity, racial justice, environmental justice, and other forms of societal liberation, seeing these as integral expressions of God's chosen "fast" and a reflection of His own character.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 58:6 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the "fast" God truly desires. He is the one who came not merely to reform social structures, but to "loose the bands of wickedness" and "break every yoke" through His redemptive work on the cross. Jesus Himself proclaimed His mission in terms echoing Isaiah, declaring in [Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18-19 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Inaugural Sermon in Nazareth") that He was sent "to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed." He bore the "heavy burdens" of humanity's sin, offering His "easy yoke and light burden" to all who are weary and heavy-laden ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). Through His sacrificial death and triumphant resurrection, Christ effectively "broke every yoke" of sin, death, and the condemnation of the law, offering true freedom and spiritual liberation to all who believe ([Galatians 5:1](/galatians/5-1 "Galatians 5:1 - Freedom in Christ")). Thus, the justice and liberation called for in Isaiah 58:6 are not just ethical ideals, but a direct reflection of the saving work of Christ, empowering His followers, the Church, to continue His mission of bringing freedom, light, and justice to a broken world ([John 8:36](/john/8-36 "John 8:36 - The Son Sets You Free")).

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

Nehemiah 5:10

I likewise, [and] my brethren, and my servants, might exact of them money and corn: I pray you, let us leave off this usury.

Nehemiah 5:12

Then said they, We will restore [them], and will require nothing of them; so will we do as thou sayest. Then I called the priests, and took an oath of them, that they should do according to this promise.

Isaiah 58:9

Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I [am]. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity;

Jeremiah 34:8

¶ [This is] the word that came unto Jeremiah from the LORD, after that the king Zedekiah had made a covenant with all the people which [were] at Jerusalem, to proclaim liberty unto them;

Jeremiah 34:11

But afterward they turned, and caused the servants and the handmaids, whom they had let go free, to return, and brought them into subjection for servants and for handmaids.

1 Timothy 6:1

¶ Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and [his] doctrine be not blasphemed.

Micah 3:2

Who hate the good, and love the evil; who pluck off their skin from off them, and their flesh from off their bones;