Isaiah 58:7

KJV

[Is 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?

KJV (with Strong's)

Is it not to deal {H6536} thy bread {H3899} to the hungry {H7457}, and that thou bring {H935} the poor {H6041} that are cast out {H4788} to thy house {H1004}? when thou seest {H7200} the naked {H6174}, that thou cover {H3680} him; and that thou hide {H5956} not thyself from thine own flesh {H1320}?

Complete Jewish Bible

sharing your food with the hungry, taking the homeless poor into your house, clothing the naked when you see them, fulfilling your duty to your kinsmen!"

Berean Standard Bible

Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

American Standard Version

Is 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?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 58:7 stands as a poignant articulation of God's profound expectation for authentic worship, transcending mere ritualistic observance to demand tangible acts of justice, compassion, and radical generosity. It defines a "true fast" not by outward displays of piety or self-affliction, but by active benevolence: sharing sustenance with the hungry, providing shelter for the homeless, clothing the naked, and diligently caring for one's own kin. This verse powerfully asserts that genuine faith is inextricably linked to social responsibility and a deep, practical concern for the vulnerable and marginalized within society, serving as a divine blueprint for lived righteousness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 58 is a pivotal prophetic discourse, directly addressing Israel's hypocritical religious practices, particularly their fasting. The preceding verses, [Isaiah 58:3-5](/isaiah/58-3 "Isaiah 58:3-5 - Israel's Hypocritical Fasting"), capture the people's frustrated complaint that God seemingly ignores their fasts, despite their outward displays of humility. God's response exposes their self-serving motives, revealing that their fasting is marred by strife, contention, and the oppression of their laborers. In sharp contrast, [Isaiah 58:6](/isaiah/58-6 "Isaiah 58:6 - The True Fast Defined") introduces God's counter-definition of a "true fast" as one that actively "looses the bonds of wickedness, undoes the straps of the yoke, lets the oppressed go free, and breaks every yoke." Verse 7 then builds directly upon this foundation, providing concrete, practical examples of what such a transformative fast looks like in daily life. It transitions from the abstract principles of justice to specific, actionable expressions of mercy, forming a direct continuation and practical application of the ethical demands laid out in the preceding verse.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Isaiah was delivered during a tumultuous era in Judah's history, characterized by pervasive spiritual decline, systemic social injustice, and political instability. Despite maintaining outward forms of religious observance, including regular fasts and sacrifices, the society was deeply fractured by the exploitation of the poor, corruption, and a general disregard for the covenantal laws concerning justice and mercy. The prophets, including Isaiah, frequently confronted this glaring disconnect between ritual piety and righteous living. Fasting, a significant religious practice often undertaken during national distress or as an act of repentance, had become distorted, focusing on the external act rather than the internal transformation and compassionate action it was intended to foster. Isaiah 58:7 directly challenges this superficiality, calling the people back to the core values embedded within the Mosaic Law, which consistently emphasized the imperative to care for the poor, the sojourner, the orphan, and the widow (e.g., [Deuteronomy 15:7-11](/deuteronomy/15-7-11 "Deuteronomy 15:7-11 - Lending to the Poor")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse is central to several overarching themes not only within the book of Isaiah but also across the broader prophetic tradition. Firstly, it powerfully articulates the theme of **True Worship vs. Ritualism**, asserting that God values active compassion and justice far more than mere outward religious observance. It defines authentic piety not by what one abstains from, but by what one actively *does* for others, thereby challenging conventional notions of holiness. Secondly, it highlights God's profound concern for **Social Justice and the Vulnerable**, demonstrating that tangible care for the hungry, homeless, and naked is not an optional add-on to faith but a fundamental, non-negotiable expression of it. This aligns seamlessly with the repeated prophetic calls for righteousness and justice to flow like an unceasing stream (e.g., [Amos 5:21-24](/amos/5-21-24 "Amos 5:21-24 - Let Justice Roll Down Like a River")). Thirdly, the poignant phrase "hide not thyself from thine own flesh" introduces the theme of **Familial and Communal Responsibility**, emphasizing that charity and compassion begin within one's immediate circle and community, extending to those with whom one shares a common bond of kinship or humanity. This concept is foundational to the covenant relationship, where the well-being and flourishing of the entire community are paramount.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bread (Hebrew, _lechem'_):** From H3899, meaning "food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)." In this context, "bread" serves as a metonym for basic sustenance and provisions, representing the most fundamental necessities for life. To "deal thy bread to the hungry" implies a generous and sacrificial sharing of one's essential resources, moving beyond mere charity to a willingness to part with what is crucial for one's own survival to sustain another. It signifies a profound act of self-giving.
* **Cast out (Hebrew, _mârûwd'_):** From H4788, meaning "an outcast; (abstractly) destitution; cast out, misery." This word vividly describes individuals who are not merely poor but are also displaced, alienated, or without a stable home. They are the utterly destitute, perhaps refugees, exiles, or those marginalized by society due to various misfortunes or injustices. Bringing them "to thy house" implies providing not just temporary relief but stable shelter, security, and a sense of belonging, directly addressing their profound vulnerability, isolation, and misery.
* **Flesh (Hebrew, _bâsâr'_):** From H1320, meaning "flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man; body, (fat, lean) flesh(-ed), kin, (man-) kind, nakedness, self, skin." In the context of "thine own flesh," this term extends beyond mere physical substance to encompass one's relatives, kinsmen, or even humanity in general, emphasizing shared commonality. It underscores a deep-seated obligation to care for those with whom one shares a fundamental bond, whether familial, tribal, or broadly human. It is a powerful call to overcome indifference and actively engage with the suffering of those closest to us, reminding us of our shared humanity and interconnectedness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[Is it] not to deal thy bread to the hungry":** This opening rhetorical question immediately challenges the listener's understanding of true worship and piety. It asserts that genuine faith necessitates actively sharing one's basic sustenance ("bread") with those suffering from hunger, implying a generous, sacrificial, and proactive distribution of resources to alleviate immediate physical need.
* **"and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house?":** This clause expands the scope of compassion to encompass hospitality and shelter. It calls for actively taking in the "poor that are cast out"—those who are not only impoverished but also homeless, displaced, or marginalized—and offering them refuge, stability, and a sense of belonging within one's own home, thereby restoring their dignity and security.
* **"when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him;":** This segment addresses the fundamental need for clothing and the restoration of dignity. It highlights the importance of proactive observation ("when thou seest") and immediate, compassionate action to provide covering for those who lack adequate clothing, protecting them from the elements and restoring their modesty and sense of worth.
* **"and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?":** This concluding, deeply poignant question serves as a powerful summary and intensification of the preceding calls to action. It broadens the scope of compassion to include one's own family, kin, or even the broader community and humanity itself. To "hide not thyself" means to actively acknowledge, engage with, and respond to the needs of those with whom one shares a fundamental connection, refusing to turn a blind eye or neglect one's inherent responsibility to fellow human beings.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 58:7 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful and challenging message. The entire verse is framed as a **Rhetorical Question**, "Is it not...?", a common prophetic technique designed not to elicit a verbal answer but to affirm a self-evident truth and confront the audience's erroneous assumptions about their religious duties. This device creates a direct, confrontational tone, compelling deep introspection. Furthermore, there is pronounced **Parallelism** in the successive clauses, each presenting a distinct yet related act of compassion ("deal thy bread," "bring the poor," "cover him," "hide not thyself"). This structural repetition reinforces the multi-faceted and comprehensive nature of true righteousness. **Metonymy** is also skillfully employed, where "bread" stands for all necessary food and provisions, and "flesh" represents kin, family, or humanity at large, allowing for concise yet expansive meaning. Finally, the phrase "hide not thyself" utilizes **Litotes**, an understatement for emphatic effect, meaning "actively engage with" or "care for," thereby underscoring the strong imperative for active involvement rather than passive avoidance or indifference.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 58:7 stands as a foundational text for understanding the very heart of God concerning justice and mercy, unequivocally demonstrating that true faith is not merely a matter of private piety or ritualistic observance but is profoundly expressed through active, tangible care for the vulnerable. It reveals that the divine expectation for human righteousness is inextricably linked to social responsibility, challenging any notion that one can be right with God while simultaneously ignoring the suffering of others. This verse powerfully underscores the biblical principle that our love for God is authenticated and made visible by our love for our neighbor, particularly those in greatest need, thereby reflecting God's own compassionate and just character in the world.

* [Proverbs 28:27](/proverbs/28-27 "Proverbs 28:27 - Giving to the Poor")
* [Matthew 25:35-36](/matthew/25-35-36 "Matthew 25:35-36 - Serving the Least of These")
* [James 2:15-16](/james/2-15-16 "James 2:15-16 - Faith Without Works Is Dead")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 58:7 presents a timeless and profoundly challenging call to action for believers across every generation. It compels us to move beyond superficial expressions of faith and to embrace a lifestyle characterized by active, sacrificial compassion. This verse demands that we critically examine our priorities, asking whether our spiritual disciplines are genuinely transforming our hearts to reflect God's radical love for the marginalized, or if they remain merely self-serving rituals. It calls us to cultivate a keen and empathetic awareness of the profound needs around us, not just on a global scale, but within our immediate communities, our neighborhoods, and even our own families. True worship, as powerfully defined here, is not confined to the sanctuary or to private moments of devotion but spills over into the streets, homes, and lives of those who are hungry, homeless, naked, or alienated. It serves as a profound and enduring reminder that our faith is made visible, credible, and truly impactful through our tangible acts of mercy and justice, demonstrating to a watching world that the God we worship is deeply concerned with the practical well-being, dignity, and flourishing of every human being.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways might my current spiritual practices be more focused on external ritual than on internal transformation and outward compassion?**
* **Who are the "hungry," "cast out," and "naked" in my immediate community, and what tangible, practical steps can I take to meet their needs this week?**
* **How effectively am I fulfilling the command to "hide not myself from thine own flesh," particularly within my family, close community, or broader human connections?**
* **What concrete, practical changes can I implement in my daily life and resource allocation to better align my faith with the active generosity, hospitality, and justice described in this verse?**

### FAQ

**What does "hide not thyself from thine own flesh" specifically mean?**

Answer: The phrase "hide not thyself from thine own flesh" (Hebrew: `bâsâr`, H1320) is a powerful and deeply significant idiom. It extends the call for compassion beyond strangers to explicitly include one's immediate family, relatives, and even the broader community or fellow human beings with whom one shares a common bond. It means not to ignore, neglect, or turn a blind eye to the needs and suffering of those who are inherently connected to you, whether by blood, community, or shared humanity. This phrase emphasizes that charity and responsibility fundamentally begin at home and extend outward, reminding us of our shared humanity and the profound interconnectedness of all people. It is a compelling call to active engagement and empathetic care, rather than passive indifference or deliberate avoidance, especially towards those who are struggling within your own sphere of influence or who share a common human experience.

**Is this verse only about physical needs, or does it have broader implications for justice?**

Answer: While Isaiah 58:7 explicitly addresses immediate physical needs such as hunger, homelessness, and nakedness, its implications extend far beyond mere charitable acts to encompass a broader, systemic call for justice. The preceding verse, [Isaiah 58:6](/isaiah/58-6 "Isaiah 58:6 - The True Fast Defined"), defines the true fast as one that "looses the bonds of wickedness," "undoes the straps of the yoke," and "lets the oppressed go free," clearly indicating a profound concern for underlying societal injustices and systemic oppression. Therefore, addressing physical needs is often a direct and necessary response to the deeper injustices that create poverty, marginalization, and vulnerability in the first place. This verse implies a holistic approach to righteousness where individual acts of mercy are understood as integral components of a larger commitment to challenging oppressive systems, advocating for the vulnerable, and promoting comprehensive societal well-being and human flourishing. It's about restoring dignity and advocating for lasting change, not just providing temporary relief.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 58:7 finds its most profound and ultimate fulfillment in the person and redemptive ministry of Jesus Christ. He perfectly embodied the "true fast" described by Isaiah, not through ritual abstinence alone, but through a life wholly dedicated to serving the hungry, sheltering the outcast, clothing the naked, and never hiding Himself from "His own flesh"—humanity. Jesus consistently reached out to the marginalized, the sick, the poor, and the social outcasts, demonstrating God's radical, self-giving compassion (e.g., [Matthew 9:35-36](/matthew/9-35-36 "Matthew 9:35-36 - Jesus' Compassion for the Crowds")). His parables, such as the Good Samaritan ([Luke 10:25-37](/luke/10-25-37 "Luke 10:25-37 - The Parable of the Good Samaritan")), and His vivid teachings on the Last Judgment ([Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Judgment of the Nations")), explicitly link acts of mercy and service to one's relationship with Him, unequivocally stating that what is done for "the least of these" is done directly for Him. Furthermore, Jesus, as the Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), fully entered into our human condition, embracing our "flesh" and its vulnerabilities, ultimately offering His own body on the cross to address humanity's deepest spiritual poverty, alienation from God, and the ultimate "nakedness" of sin ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). Thus, Isaiah 58:7 is not merely a command for us, but a powerful prophetic portrait of the compassionate Messiah who perfectly fulfilled God's desire for active love, justice, and holistic restoration.

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

Luke 3:11

He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.

Matthew 25:35

For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:

Matthew 25:45

Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did [it] not to one of the least of these, ye did [it] not to me.

1 John 3:17

But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels [of compassion] from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

1 John 3:18

My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

Ezekiel 18:7

And hath not oppressed any, [but] hath restored to the debtor his pledge, hath spoiled none by violence, hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment;

Proverbs 28:27

¶ He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.