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.
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}.
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,
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.
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:
-
Proverbs 15:8
¶ The sacrifice of the wicked [is] an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright [is] his delight. -
Amos 5:21
¶ I hate, I despise your feast days, and I will not smell in your solemn assemblies. -
Amos 5:22
Though ye offer me burnt offerings and your meat offerings, I will not accept [them]: neither will I regard the peace offerings of your fat beasts. -
Isaiah 1:11
To what purpose [is] the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats. -
Isaiah 1:15
And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood. -
Leviticus 2:2
And he shall bring it to Aaron's sons the priests: and he shall take thereout his handful of the flour thereof, and of the oil thereof, with all the frankincense thereof; and the priest shall burn the memorial of it upon the altar, [to be] an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD: -
Isaiah 65:12
Therefore will I number you to the sword, and ye shall all bow down to the slaughter: because when I called, ye did not answer; when I spake, ye did not hear; but did evil before mine eyes, and did choose [that] wherein I delighted not.
Isaiah 66:3 delivers a powerful and scathing rebuke of insincere worship, highlighting God's abhorrence for religious rituals performed without a righteous heart. This verse underscores the divine principle that outward acts of devotion are meaningless, or even offensive, when divorced from genuine faith and obedience.
Context
This verse is found in the final chapter of the book of Isaiah, which concludes with themes of judgment for the wicked and restoration for the faithful. Leading up to this, Isaiah 66 speaks of God's dwelling place not being confined to a physical temple, but rather with the humble and contrite (Isaiah 66:1-2). Against this backdrop, verse 3 vividly portrays the depth of Israel's spiritual corruption, where even actions commanded by the Law (like offering sacrifices) become detestable due to the people's sinful attitudes and practices. It's a prophetic indictment against ritualism without relationship, a common theme in the prophets (e.g., Isaiah 1:11-15, Amos 5:21-24).
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The term "abominations" (Hebrew: to'evah) used here is significant. It often refers to things that are morally repugnant to God, particularly in the context of idolatry, pagan practices, and severe moral offenses (e.g., in Deuteronomy 18:9-12 regarding pagan rituals). By associating legitimate sacrifices with such detestable acts, Isaiah emphasizes the severity of Israel's spiritual decline and how their heart condition transformed acts of worship into acts of rebellion.
Practical Application
Isaiah 66:3 serves as a timeless warning for all who seek to worship God. It reminds us that God looks at the heart, not just outward appearances (1 Samuel 16:7). For contemporary believers, this means:
This verse challenges us to examine our own hearts and ensure that our worship and obedience are true reflections of our devotion to God, rather than empty religious exercises.