TRV
Translation
King James Version
He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as if he cut off a dog's neck; he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swine's blood; he that burneth incense, as if he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations.
KJV (with Strong's)
He that killeth H7819 an ox H7794 is as if he slew H5221 a man H376; he that sacrificeth H2076 a lamb H7716, as if he cut off H6202 a dog's H3611 neck H6202; he that offereth H5927 an oblation H4503, as if he offered swine's H2386 blood H1818; he that burneth H2142 incense H3828, as if he blessed H1288 an idol H205. Yea, they have chosen H977 their own ways H1870, and their soul H5315 delighteth H2654 in their abominations H8251.
Complete Jewish Bible
Those others might as well kill a person as an ox, as well break a dog's neck as sacrifice a lamb, as well offer pig's blood as offer a grain offering, as well bless an idol as burn incense. Just as these have chosen their ways and enjoy their disgusting practices,
Berean Standard Bible
Whoever slaughters an ox is like one who slays a man; whoever sacrifices a lamb is like one who breaks a dog’s neck; whoever presents a grain offering is like one who offers pig’s blood; whoever offers frankincense is like one who blesses an idol. Indeed, they have chosen their own ways and delighted in their abominations.
American Standard Version
He that killeth an ox is as he that slayeth a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as he that breaketh a dog’s neck; he that offereth an oblation, as he that offereth swine’s blood; he that burneth frankincense, as he that blesseth an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations:
World English Bible Messianic
He who kills an ox is as he who kills a man; he who sacrifices a lamb, as he who breaks a dog’s neck; he who offers an offering, as he who offers pig’s blood; he who burns frankincense, as he who blesses an idol. Yes, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delights in their abominations:
Geneva Bible (1599)
He that killeth a bullocke, is as if he slewe a man: he that sacrificeth a sheepe, as if he cut off a dogges necke: he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swines blood: he that remembreth incense, as if he blessed an idole: yea, they haue chosen their owne wayes, and their soule deliteth in their abominations.
Young's Literal Translation
Whoso slaughtereth the ox smiteth a man, Whoso sacrificeth the lamb beheadeth a dog, Whoso is bringing up a present--The blood of a sow, Whoso is making mention of frankincense, Is blessing iniquity. Yea, they have fixed on their own ways, And in their abominations their soul hath delighted.
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Commentary on Isaiah 66 verses 1–4
1 ¶ Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?
2 For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.
3 He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as if he cut off a dog's neck; he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swine's blood; he that burneth incense, as if he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations.
4 I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not.
Here, I. The temple is slighted in comparison with a gracious soul, Isa 66:1, Isa 66:2. The Jews in the prophet's time, and afterwards in Christ's time, gloried much in the temple and promised themselves great things from it; to humble them therefore, and to shake their vain confidence, both the prophets and Christ foretold the ruin of the temple, that God would leave it and then it would soon be desolate. After it was destroyed by the Chaldeans it soon recovered itself and the ceremonial services were revived with it; but by the Romans it was made a perpetual desolation, and the ceremonial law was abolished with it. That the world might be prepared for this, they were often told, as here, of what little account the temple was with God. 1. That he did not need it. Heaven is the throne of his glory and government; there he sits, infinitely exalted in the highest dignity and dominion, above all blessing and praise. The earth is his footstool, on which he stands, over-ruling all the affairs of it according to his will. If God has so bright a throne, so large a footstool, where then is the house they can build unto God, that can be the residence of his glory, or where is the place of his rest? What satisfaction can the Eternal Mind take in a house made with men's hands? What occasion has he, as we have, for a house to repose himself in, who faints not neither is weary, who neither slumbers nor sleeps? Or, if he had occasion, he would not tell us (Psa 50:12), for all these things hath his hand made, heaven and all its courts, earth and all its borders, and all the hosts of both. All these things have been, have had their beginning, by the power of God, who was happy from eternity before they were, and therefore could not be benefited by them. All these things are (so some read it); they still continue, upheld by the same power that made them; so that our goodness extends not to him. If he required a house for himself to dwell in, he would have made one himself when he made the world; and, if he had made one, it would have continued to this day, as other creatures do, according to his ordinance; so that he had no need of a temple made with hands. 2. That he would not heed it as he would a humble, penitent, gracious heart. He has a heaven and earth of his own making, and a temple of man's making; but he overlooks them all, that he may look with favour to him that is poor in spirit, humble and serious, self-abasing and self-denying, whose heart is truly contrite for sin, penitent for it, and in pain to get it pardoned, and who trembles at God's word, not as Felix did, with a transient qualm that was over when the sermon was done, but with an habitual awe of God's majesty and purity and an habitual dread of his justice and wrath. Such a heart is a living temple for God; he dwells there, and it is the place of his rest; it is like heaven and earth, his throne and his footstool.
II. Sacrifices are slighted when they come from ungracious hands. The sacrifice of the wicked is not only unacceptable, but it is an abomination to the Lord (Pro 15:8); this is largely shown here, v. 3, 4. Observe, 1. How detestable their sacrifices were to God. The carnal Jews, after their return out of captivity, though they relapsed not to idolatry, grew very careless and loose in the service of God; they brought the torn, and the lame, and the sick for sacrifice (Mal 1:8, Mal 1:13), and this made their services abominable to God; they had no regard to their sacrifices, and therefore how could they think God would have any regard to them? The unbelieving Jews, after the gospel was preached and in it notice given of the offering up of the great sacrifice, which put an end to all the ceremonial services, continued to offer sacrifices, as if the law of Moses had been still in force and could make the comers thereunto perfect: this was an abomination. He that kills an ox for his own table is welcome to do it; but he that now kills it, that thus kills it, for God's altar, is as if he slew a man; it is as great an offence to God as murder itself; he that does it does in effect set aside Christ's sacrifice, treads under foot the blood of the covenant, and makes himself accessory to the guilt of the body and blood of the Lord, setting up what Christ died to abolish. He that sacrifices a lamb, if it be a corrupt thing, and not the male in his flock, the best he has, if he think to put God off with any thing, he affronts him, instead of pleasing him; it is as if he cut off a dog's neck, a creature in the eye of the law so vile that, whereas an ass might be redeemed, the price of a dog was never to be brought into the treasury, Deu 23:18. He that offers an oblation, a meat offering or drink-offering, is as if he thought to make atonement with swine's blood, a creature that must not be eaten nor touched, the broth of it was abominable (Isa 65:4), much more the blood of it. He that burns incense to God, and so puts contempt upon the incense of Christ's intercession, is as if he blessed an idol; it was as great an affront to God as if they had paid their devotions to a false god. Hypocrisy and profaneness are as provoking as idolatry. 2. What their wickedness was which made their sacrifices thus detestable. It was because they had chosen their own ways, the ways of their own wicked hearts, and not only their hands did but their souls delighted in their abominations. They were vicious and immoral in their conversations, chose the way of sin rather than the way of God's commandments, and took pleasure in that which was provoking to God; this made their sacrifices so offensive to God, Isa 1:11-15. Those that pretend to honour God by a profession of religion, and yet live wicked lives, put an affront upon him, as if he were the patron of sin. And that which was an aggravation of their wickedness was that they persisted in it, notwithstanding the frequent calls given them to repent and reform; they turned a deaf ear to all the warnings of divine justice and all the offers of divine grace: When I called, none did answer, as before, Isa 65:12. And the same follows here that did there: They did evil before my eyes. Being deaf to what he said, they cared not what he saw, but chose that in which they knew he delighted not. How could those expect to please him in their devotions who took no care to please him in their conversations, but, on the contrary, designed to provoke him? 3. The doom passed upon them for this. Theychose their own ways, therefore, says God, I also will choose their delusions. They have made their choice (as Mr. Gataker paraphrases it), and now I will make mine; they have taken what course they pleased with me, and I will take what course I please with them. I will choose their illusions, or mockeries (so some); as they have mocked God and dishonoured him by their wickedness, so God will give them up to their enemies, to be trampled upon and insulted by them. Or they shall be deceived by those vain confidences with which they have deceived themselves. God will make their sin their punishment; they shall be beaten with their own rod and hurried into ruin by their own delusions. God will bring their fears upon them, that is, will bring upon them that which shall be a great terror to them, or that which they themselves have been afraid of and thought to escape by sinful shifts. Unbelieving hearts, and unpurified unpacified consciences, need no more to make them miserable than to have their own fears brought upon them.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–4. Public domain.
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Athanasius of AlexandriaAD 373
FESTAL LETTERS 19:2
He is angry with them, saying by Isaiah, “Who has required these of your hands?” And by Jeremiah, since they were very bold, he threatens, “Gather together your whole burnt offerings with your sacrifices, and eat flesh, for I did not speak to your ancestors or command them in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, concerning whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” For they did not act as was right, neither was their zeal according to law, but they rather sought their own pleasure in such days, as the prophet accuses them, beating down their bondsmen and gathering themselves together for strifes and quarrels, and they struck the lowly with the fist and did all things that tended to their own gratification. For this cause, they continue without a feast until the end, although they make a display now of eating flesh, out of place and out of season. For, instead of the legally appointed lamb, they have learned to sacrifice to Baal; instead of the true unleavened bread, “they collect the wood, and their fathers kindle the fire, and their wives prepare the dough, that they make cakes to the host of heaven and pour out libations to strange gods, that they may provoke me to anger, says the Lord.” … Therefore now, “he who among them sacrifices an ox is as he who strikes a man, and he who sacrifices a lamb is as he who kills a dog, he that offers fine flour, it is as [if he offered] swine’s blood.…” Now these things will never please God, neither has the Word required this of them. But he says, “These have chosen their own ways, and their abominations are what their soul delights in.”
JeromeAD 420
Commentary on Isaiah
(Vers. 2, 3.) But to whom shall I look, except to the poor and contrite in spirit, and trembling at my words? He who slaughters an ox is like one who slays a man; he who sacrifices a lamb, like one who breaks a dog's neck; he who presents a grain offering, like one who offers pig's blood; he who remembers frankincense, like one who blesses an idol. LXX: And to whom shall I look, except to the humble and peaceful, and trembling at my words? But unjust is the one who sacrifices a calf as if striking a man. Sacrificing from the flock as if killing a dog. Offering fine flour as if it were swine's blood. Giving frankincense as a memorial as if blaspheming. With the altar and earthly temple removed, which human hands had built, the Jewish victims are rightly taken away, lest they should say: We are not so foolish as to think that God can be confined to a place; but in a separate place for sacrificing, we offer to God the victims that are commanded by the law. Therefore, the Inhabitant of heaven, indeed the Creator of all, who refuses to have a temple on earth, willingly assumes a humble, peaceful, and trembling human being into the temple, according to the words of the Apostle: But you are the temple of God, and the Holy Spirit dwells in you. If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which you are (I Cor. III, 16, 17). Therefore, whoever is humble and peaceful, and trembles at the words of God, the Lord looks upon him; and it can be understood from this saying that he is prophesied under the name of "earth": The earth trembled and was still when God arose to judge (Psal. LXXV, 9, 10). For its inhabitants, for whom the land is metaphorically called 'earth,' considering the judgment of God, they rest from evil works; and sitting in their house, they rest on the eternal Sabbath, so as not to engage in the servile work of sin, just as the builders of the tower once moved their feet from the East and abandoned the rising of true light. They did not hear what was said to Cain: 'You have sinned, rest.' But according to the Proverbs of Solomon: 'Whoever listens to God will dwell confidently and rest without fear from all evil.' This is a humble and poor person, with a contrite spirit, and trembling at the words of the Lord, about whom it is written in the Gospel: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3). And elsewhere: Blessed is he who understands the needy and the poor (Psalm 41:1). And again: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor (Isaiah 61:1). And what follows in the Vulgate edition: But the wicked, in Hebrew, is not found, but simply it says: He who sacrifices a bull is like one who kills a man. And in another place it is written: 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice; the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings' (Hosea 6:6). And through Malachi: 'You have done what I hate; you have covered the altar of the Lord with tears, with weeping and groaning, because he no longer regards the offering or accepts it with favor from your hand' (Malachi 2:13). Let the Jews hear that God does not desire sacrifices, but the disposition of the offerer's heart. And he who sacrifices, he says, an animal, as if he were cutting a dog's throat. Hence it is also written through Moses: You shall not offer the hire of a prostitute, nor the price of a dog, in the house of your God. (Deut. XXIII, 18). And dogs and prostitutes couple beautifully, because both animals are inclined to lust. Let us also consider that he did not say: He who sacrifices a ram, as if he were sacrificing a dog; but he says, kill the dog. This word is not used in sacrifices, but in those things that are unlawfully killed. Who offers an oblation and a sacrifice, as if offering his own blood. This is also prohibited by the Law, such are the ceremonies of the Jews (Lev. XI and Deut. XIV). Whoever offers incense as if blasphemous, indeed as if blessing an idol. However, there can also be this meaning: After my Son who comes meek and poor, sitting on a donkey's colt, I do not desire meats, I detest the victims, I reject the sacrifices of the Jews, I disapprove the shadows of the Law, because the truth of the Gospel is pleasing to me (Zech. IX, Matt. XXI, Luke XIX, John XII). But if it is said that, after the lightning of the Gospel, the old religion ceases in a cloud, what will they respond, who believe that those from the Jews can offer sacrifices carnally without guilt?
Theodoret of CyrusAD 458
COMMENTARY ON ISAIAH 20:66.3
By these words he rejected the worship prescribed by the law by teaching this; it was for their sake that he had established this legislation from early times, not because he took pleasure in their sacrifices but because he was exercising forethought for them in their weakness. That is why he put side by side what was allowed and what was forbidden, for to sacrifice an ox or give a sheep as a burnt offering, to offer the fruit of corn and frankincense—these were in former times permitted by God, but to start a fight and lose one’s tongue to blasphemy was totally forbidden.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Isaiah 66:3 delivers a profound and searing indictment against insincere worship, revealing God's utter disdain for religious rituals performed by those whose hearts are estranged from Him. The verse starkly equates outwardly pious acts—like offering sacrifices and incense—with heinous abominations, such as murder, pagan practices, and idolatry, because the people have deliberately chosen their own sinful ways and delight in what God detests. It powerfully underscores the divine truth that true devotion is rooted in a righteous heart and obedience, not in mere ritualistic observance.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Isaiah 66:3 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with maximum impact. The most prominent is Simile, used repeatedly with the phrase "is as if" or "as if," drawing shocking and offensive comparisons between legitimate acts of worship and abhorrent, profane, or murderous deeds. This creates a powerful sense of incongruity and defilement. The prophet also uses Hyperbole, exaggerating the moral equivalence between sacred acts and extreme evils (e.g., sacrifice and murder) to underscore the depth of God's revulsion. This overstatement is designed to shock the audience into recognizing the severity of their spiritual condition. Furthermore, there is a strong sense of Juxtaposition, where the sacred (ox, lamb, oblation, incense) is placed immediately alongside the profane and detestable (slew a man, cut off a dog's neck, swine's blood, blessed an idol). This stark contrast highlights the perversion that occurs when religious acts are performed by unrighteous hearts, demonstrating how the people's internal corruption transforms outward piety into an abomination. Finally, the verse concludes with a direct Accusation and Diagnosis, laying bare the people's deliberate choice and delight in their sin, providing the theological explanation for the preceding shocking imagery.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 66:3 stands as a timeless theological principle: God is not impressed by outward religious performance divorced from inward purity and sincere devotion. It reveals a God who looks beyond the ritual to the heart of the worshiper, demanding authenticity and obedience over mere ceremonial conformity. This verse profoundly shapes our understanding of true worship, emphasizing that God desires a relationship characterized by genuine love, humility, and a transformed will, rather than empty gestures. The Lord's abhorrence for "chosen ways" and "delight in abominations" underscores His unyielding holiness and His demand for moral integrity from His covenant people. It teaches that sin, when cherished, contaminates every aspect of life, including what should be sacred, turning acts intended for God's glory into grievous offenses.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 66:3 serves as a sobering mirror for every believer, challenging us to examine the true condition of our hearts as we approach God. It powerfully reminds us that God is not concerned with the mere mechanics of our religious activities—our church attendance, our giving, our service, our prayers—but with the sincerity, motive, and obedience that undergird them. If our outward acts of devotion are not rooted in genuine love for God, a contrite spirit, and a sincere desire to obey His Word, they risk becoming as offensive to Him as the defiled sacrifices of ancient Israel. This verse calls us to a radical authenticity, urging us to confess and repent of any "chosen ways" or "abominations" that we might be delighting in, even subtly. True worship flows from a heart yielded to Christ, seeking to honor Him in every aspect of life, not just in designated religious moments. It compels us to align our inner desires with God's holy will, ensuring that our lives are a consistent offering of praise and obedience.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why are seemingly good acts like sacrifice condemned in this verse?
Answer: The acts themselves (killing an ox, sacrificing a lamb, offering an oblation, burning incense) were prescribed by God under the Mosaic Law and were inherently good and holy when performed with the right heart and in obedience. However, Isaiah 66:3 condemns these acts not because of their nature, but because of the heart condition of the worshipers. The people were performing these rituals while simultaneously "choosing their own ways" and "delighting in their abominations"—meaning they were living in rebellion, practicing idolatry, and engaging in moral corruption. When outward religious acts are divorced from genuine faith, obedience, and a transformed heart, they become empty, hypocritical, and ultimately offensive to God. The verse highlights that God values sincerity, righteousness, and a contrite spirit far more than mere ritual (1 Samuel 15:22).
What does "chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations" mean?
Answer: This phrase diagnoses the root problem of the people's insincere worship. "Chosen their own ways" signifies a deliberate and willful decision to follow their personal desires, inclinations, and sinful practices rather than adhering to God's revealed commands and covenant requirements. It speaks to a rebellious spirit that prefers self-will over divine authority. Furthermore, "their soul delighteth in their abominations" reveals a profound spiritual perversion. "Abominations" (Hebrew shiqqûwts) refers to things utterly detestable to God, often associated with idolatry and moral impurity. For their "soul" (their innermost being, their affections, and desires) to "delight" in these things means they found pleasure and satisfaction in what God hated. This indicates a complete alienation from God's holiness and a deep-seated love for sin, which rendered any outward religious act utterly meaningless and offensive to Him.
How does this verse apply to Christians today, since we no longer offer animal sacrifices?
Answer: While Christians are no longer under the Old Covenant sacrificial system, the principle of Isaiah 66:3 remains profoundly relevant. The verse teaches that God looks at the heart, not just outward religious performance. For believers today, this means that our worship (whether in song, prayer, giving, or service), our participation in church, and our acts of kindness must stem from genuine faith, love for God, and a sincere desire to obey Him. If we engage in Christian activities while harboring unconfessed sin, living in disobedience to God's Word, or pursuing selfish desires, our actions can become as offensive to God as the defiled sacrifices were in Isaiah's time. The call is for authenticity, integrity, and a life wholly surrendered to Christ, where our "spiritual acts of worship" (Romans 12:1) are a true reflection of our transformed hearts.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 66:3, with its stark condemnation of empty ritualism, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament sacrificial system, though divinely ordained, was always a temporary shadow pointing to a greater reality (Hebrews 10:1). The problem highlighted in Isaiah was that even these God-given rituals became an "abomination" when performed by unrighteous hearts. Jesus, however, perfectly embodies the true sacrifice and the true worshiper. He offered Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice, not of animals, but of His own sinless life, thereby taking away the sin that made Old Testament sacrifices ineffective for true atonement (Hebrews 9:11-14). His obedience was absolute, and His heart was always perfectly aligned with the Father's will, even to the point of death on the cross (Philippians 2:8). Through His atoning work, Christ provides the means for humanity to approach God with a cleansed heart and a renewed spirit, enabling true worship "in spirit and truth" (John 4:23-24). No longer are we called to offer animal sacrifices, but to present our very lives as "living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship" (Romans 12:1). Thus, Christ not only fulfills the sacrificial system by His perfect offering but also transforms the worshiper, enabling us to overcome our "chosen ways" and "delight in abominations" by giving us a new heart that delights in God's ways (Ezekiel 36:26-27).