Isaiah 58:9

KJV

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;

KJV (with Strong's)

Then shalt thou call {H7121}, and the LORD {H3068} shall answer {H6030}; thou shalt cry {H7768}, and he shall say {H559}, Here I am. If thou take away {H5493} from the midst {H8432} of thee the yoke {H4133}, the putting forth {H7971} of the finger {H676}, and speaking {H1696} vanity {H205};

Complete Jewish Bible

Then you will call, and ADONAI will answer; you will cry, and he will say, "Here I am." If you will remove the yoke from among you, stop false accusation and slander,

Berean Standard Bible

Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry out, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you remove the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger and malicious talk,

American Standard Version

Then shalt thou call, and Jehovah will answer; thou shalt cry, and he will say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking wickedly;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 58:9 presents a profound promise of divine responsiveness, asserting that God will readily hear and answer the cries of His people. This assurance, however, is immediately qualified by a crucial condition: the people must actively dismantle systems of oppression, cease malicious or scornful behavior, and abandon harmful, empty speech. The verse thus powerfully links God's availability and intervention to the ethical conduct and social justice practiced by His covenant community, emphasizing that true spiritual vitality is inseparable from righteous living and compassionate engagement with others.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 58:9 stands as a pivotal verse within a larger prophetic discourse (Isaiah 58:1-12) where the prophet confronts the hypocrisy of Israel's religious practices. The preceding verses (Isaiah 58:3-5) reveal the people's frustration that their fasting and outward acts of piety are not met with divine favor. God's response, delivered through Isaiah, exposes their self-serving motives and highlights their simultaneous oppression of workers and engagement in strife. Verses 6-8 then lay out God's true definition of acceptable fasting and worship: acts of justice, compassion, and generosity towards the poor and downtrodden. Verse 9, therefore, serves as the direct consequence of embracing this genuine worship, promising God's immediate and tangible presence ("Here I am") *if* they remove specific sinful behaviors. The verses that follow (Isaiah 58:10-12) further elaborate on the blessings of such righteous living, including light, healing, guidance, and restoration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This prophecy likely addresses the post-exilic community in Judah, who had returned from Babylon with renewed zeal for temple worship and religious observance, including regular fasting. However, their outward piety was often disconnected from their internal attitudes and social conduct. The "yoke" (H4133) refers to literal burdens placed on laborers or the metaphorical oppression of the poor through unjust economic practices, a common societal ill in ancient Israel. "Putting forth of the finger" (H676) was a widely recognized gesture of scorn, mockery, or malicious accusation in the ancient Near East, often directed at the vulnerable or those perceived as inferior. "Speaking vanity" (H1696, H205) encompasses false, empty, or harmful speech, including slander, deceit, or words that inflict emotional or social damage. The passage critiques a religious culture that prioritized ritual over righteousness, a common prophetic theme throughout Israel's history, as seen in books like [Amos](/amos/5 "Amos 5 - Call for Justice") and [Micah](/micah/6 "Micah 6 - What the Lord Requires").
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Isaiah and the broader prophetic tradition. Foremost is the theme of **True Worship vs. Empty Ritual**, emphasizing that God desires justice and mercy over mere outward observance. It highlights **Divine Responsiveness**, showing God's willingness to engage with His people when they align their actions with His character. The passage also underscores **Social Justice** as an integral component of covenant faithfulness, arguing that oppression and harmful speech hinder communion with God. Furthermore, it speaks to the theme of **Consequences of Obedience/Disobedience**, demonstrating that God's blessings are contingent upon a transformed heart and righteous behavior, a principle echoed in passages like [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). The promise of God saying "Here I am" (Hebrew: *hinneni*) encapsulates the theme of **God's Presence and Availability** to those who genuinely seek Him through righteous living.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **take away (Hebrew, _çûwr'_):** H5493. This primitive root means "to turn off (literal or figurative); to remove, depart, put away." The use of this verb here is crucial, indicating an active, intentional, and decisive removal of oppressive and harmful practices. It's not merely a passive cessation but a deliberate act of dismantling injustice and negative behaviors from "the midst of thee," implying a communal responsibility to purge these elements from their society.
* **yoke (Hebrew, _môwṭâh'_):** H4133. Feminine of a word meaning "pole," this term primarily refers to an ox-bow or, by implication, a yoke. It is used both literally for agricultural implements and figuratively for burdens, oppression, or servitude. In this context, it powerfully symbolizes the heavy burdens of injustice, exploitation, and servitude that the people of Israel were imposing on others, particularly the vulnerable, despite their religious observances. Removing the yoke signifies dismantling systems and practices of social and economic oppression.
* **speaking vanity (Hebrew, _dâbar_ H1696, _ʼâven_ H205):** H1696 (_dâbar_) means "to speak, arrange, declare," used broadly for verbal communication. H205 (_ʼâven_) signifies "nothingness, trouble, vanity, wickedness, iniquity." Combined, "speaking vanity" refers to speech that is empty, worthless, harmful, false, or wicked. This includes slander, deceit, malicious gossip, or words that inflict pain and division. The phrase highlights the destructive power of the tongue and the necessity of righteous, truthful, and edifying communication as part of genuine worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer;":** This clause presents a direct and powerful promise of divine responsiveness. The verb "call" (H7121, _qârâ'_) implies a cry for help, prayer, or an invocation. The immediate assurance that "the LORD" (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_), the covenant God of Israel, "shall answer" (H6030, _ʻânâh_) indicates a ready and attentive ear from God, signifying His willingness to intervene on behalf of His people. This promise is contingent on the preceding context of true worship and justice.
* **"thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I [am].":** This reinforces the previous promise with even greater intimacy and immediacy. "Cry" (H7768, _shâvaʻ_) suggests a more urgent, desperate plea. The divine response, "Here I am" (Hebrew: *hinneni*), is a profound declaration of God's immediate presence, availability, and readiness to act. It is a personal and powerful affirmation of His commitment to His people when they live righteously, demonstrating His active engagement in their lives and circumstances.
* **"If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity;":** This is the critical conditional clause that governs the divine promise. The "If" introduces the prerequisite for God's answer. "Take away" (H5493, _çûwr_) emphasizes active removal. "From the midst of thee" implies a communal purging of these behaviors from society. "The yoke" (H4133, _môwṭâh_) symbolizes all forms of oppression and unjust burdens placed on others. "The putting forth of the finger" (H7971, _shâlach_ H676, _ʼetsbaʻ_) refers to gestures of scorn, malicious accusation, or mocking. "Speaking vanity" (H1696, _dâbar_ H205, _ʼâven_) denotes harmful, false, or empty speech. Together, these conditions demand a radical transformation of social behavior, moving from injustice and malice to righteousness and compassion.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 58:9 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Conditional Promise**, where God's assurance of answering prayer is directly tied to the people's ethical transformation. The structure "Then... If..." clearly establishes this cause-and-effect relationship between righteous action and divine favor. **Metaphor** is powerfully used with "the yoke," which represents not just a literal burden but the systemic oppression and injustice inflicted upon the vulnerable. Similarly, "the putting forth of the finger" is a **Synecdoche**, where a part (the finger) stands for a larger concept (mockery, scorn, malicious accusation, or even unjust judgment). The phrase "speaking vanity" uses **Abstract for Concrete**, where "vanity" (H205, _ʼâven_) encapsulates all forms of harmful, deceitful, or worthless speech. The repeated parallelism in "Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I [am]" creates a sense of **Emphasis** and reinforces the certainty of God's response when the conditions are met.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 58:9 profoundly articulates the biblical truth that genuine spirituality is inextricably linked to ethical conduct and social justice. It shatters the illusion that outward religious observance, such as fasting or prayer, can compensate for a lack of compassion, justice, or integrity in daily life. This verse reveals God's character as one who is not merely interested in ritualistic adherence but deeply concerned with the well-being and just treatment of all people, especially the vulnerable. The promise of God's immediate and personal response ("Here I am") underscores His desire for intimate communion, yet it also establishes that such communion is hindered by unrighteousness. Theologically, it highlights the holistic nature of covenant faithfulness, where love for God is demonstrated by love for neighbor, and where prayer becomes potent when it flows from a life transformed by God's own heart for justice.

* [Proverbs 28:9](/proverbs/28-9 "Proverbs 28:9 - Prayer of the Unrighteous")
* [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the Lord Requires")
* [James 4:3](/james/4-3 "James 4:3 - Praying with Wrong Motives")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 58:9 serves as a timeless challenge to every believer and community of faith. It forces us to examine the authenticity of our spiritual practices, asking whether our prayers and worship are truly rooted in a life that actively pursues justice, compassion, and purity of speech. It's easy to engage in religious activities while overlooking the "yokes" we might be placing on others, or the "fingers" we point in judgment, or the "vanity" we speak. This verse calls us to a radical self-assessment: are we merely going through the motions, or are we genuinely seeking to dismantle oppression, cultivate kindness, and speak words that build up rather than tear down? When our lives reflect God's heart for righteousness, then and only then can we expect to experience the profound joy of His immediate and powerful response, knowing that our prayers are aligned with His will and our lives are a testament to His transforming power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or community might I be unwittingly placing a "yoke" on others, whether through unfair expectations, neglect, or systemic injustice?**
* **How does my speech reflect God's character, and am I guilty of "putting forth the finger" or "speaking vanity" in my interactions?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to actively "take away" these hindrances to genuine communion with God and more effective prayer?**
* **How might my prayer life be transformed if I more intentionally aligned my actions and words with God's call for justice and compassion?**

### FAQ
**What does "the putting forth of the finger" mean in this context?**

Answer: "The putting forth of the finger" (Hebrew: _shâlach_ H7971, _ʼetsbaʻ_ H676) refers to a gesture of scorn, mockery, or malicious accusation. In ancient cultures, pointing the finger was often a sign of contempt, blame, or even a magical curse. Here, it signifies a critical, judgmental, and uncharitable attitude towards others, particularly the vulnerable or those who are suffering. It stands in direct opposition to the compassion and empathy that God desires from His people, as described in [Isaiah 58:6-8](/isaiah/58-6 "Isaiah 58:6-8 - True Fasting").

**How does Isaiah 58:9 relate to the effectiveness of prayer?**

Answer: Isaiah 58:9 directly links the effectiveness of prayer to the ethical and social conduct of the one praying. It teaches that while God is always ready to hear, His active intervention and manifest presence ("Here I am") are contingent upon the removal of specific sins: oppression ("the yoke"), malicious judgment ("putting forth of the finger"), and harmful speech ("speaking vanity"). This implies that prayer is not a magical formula, but a communion that thrives when the heart and life of the petitioner are aligned with God's righteousness and His concern for justice and human dignity. It echoes sentiments found in [Proverbs 28:9](/proverbs/28-9 "Proverbs 28:9 - Prayer of the Unrighteous"), which states that "He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 58:9 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. While the verse calls for humanity to remove the "yoke" of oppression, the "putting forth of the finger" of malice, and "speaking vanity," Jesus Himself perfectly embodied the righteous life that God desires. He lived a life free from all forms of oppression, consistently advocating for the poor, the marginalized, and the outcast (e.g., [Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Mission Statement")). He never pointed a finger of malicious accusation but offered grace and truth, even to His accusers, and His words were always life-giving, never vain or harmful (e.g., [John 8:1-11](/john/8-1 "John 8:1-11 - Jesus and the Adulterous Woman")). More profoundly, Jesus did not merely call for the removal of yokes; He became the one who breaks every yoke of sin and bondage, inviting all who are weary and burdened to come to Him for rest, promising that His "yoke is easy and his burden is light" ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me")). Through His atoning sacrifice, He removed the ultimate "yoke" of sin and the "vanity" of human rebellion, enabling us to truly "call" upon the Lord and receive His "Here I am" through the indwelling Holy Spirit ([Romans 8:15-16](/romans/8-15 "Romans 8:15-16 - Spirit of Adoption")). Thus, Christ not only models the righteous life but also empowers us to live it, making genuine communion with God possible.

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 29:12

Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.

Jeremiah 29:13

And ye shall seek me, and find [me], when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

Psalms 50:15

And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

Isaiah 65:24

And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.

Matthew 7:7

¶ Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

Matthew 7:8

For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

Psalms 91:15

He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I [will be] with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.