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Isaiah 58:7

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[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?

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}?

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!"

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?

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

Context

Isaiah 58 presents a powerful critique from God concerning the superficial religious practices of His people, particularly their fasting. While they diligently observed rituals, their hearts were far from Him, and their actions did not reflect genuine righteousness or compassion. The preceding verses (Isaiah 58:3-5) describe their self-serving fasts, which involved strife and oppression. In contrast, Isaiah 58:6 begins to outline the true fast God desires, one that breaks bonds of injustice. Verse 7 then elaborates on the practical, tangible expressions of this authentic worship.

Key Themes

  • True Worship and Fasting: This verse clarifies that God's desire is not merely for outward religious observance but for a lifestyle of active love and justice. A "true fast" is demonstrated through compassionate deeds, not just abstinence from food.
  • Compassion and Charity: God explicitly details actions of mercy: feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, and clothing the naked. These acts are presented as non-negotiable components of a righteous life, reflecting His own character.
  • Responsibility to "Thine Own Flesh": The phrase "hide not thyself from thine own flesh" emphasizes a crucial aspect of compassion—not neglecting one's own family, kin, or community. This highlights the importance of charity beginning at home, extending to those closest to us who are in need.
  • Social Justice: The verse underlines God's deep concern for the poor, the vulnerable, and the marginalized. It serves as a foundational text for understanding the biblical call to social justice and caring for the needy within society.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "thine own flesh" translates the Hebrew word basar (בָּשָׂר), which literally means "flesh" but is often used idiomatically to refer to one's relatives, kinsmen, or even humanity in general. In this context, it primarily emphasizes the responsibility to care for one's immediate family and community members, especially those who are struggling. It speaks to a deep-seated obligation to not ignore the suffering of those with whom one shares a common bond, whether familial or communal.

Practical Application

Isaiah 58:7 profoundly challenges believers today to examine their own lives and priorities. It reminds us that genuine faith is not confined to religious rituals or personal piety but extends into active love and service to others. This verse calls us to:

  • Active Generosity: To look beyond our own needs and actively seek opportunities to meet the basic necessities of the hungry, homeless, and poorly clothed. This aligns with the New Testament teaching to serve "the least of these".
  • Hospitality: To open our homes and resources to those who are "cast out," offering refuge and a sense of belonging.
  • Family and Community Care: To not neglect the needs of our own family members, friends, or neighbors who might be struggling. Our compassion should begin with those closest to us.
  • Holistic Faith: To understand that our spiritual walk is inextricably linked to our ethical conduct and our engagement with the suffering world around us. As James 2:17 states, "faith without works is dead."

This verse serves as a timeless reminder that God values heartfelt compassion and tangible acts of mercy far above mere outward religious observance.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Luke 3:11 (17 votes)

    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 (17 votes)

    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 (17 votes)

    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 (15 votes)

    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 (15 votes)

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

  • Ezekiel 18:7 (15 votes)

    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 (14 votes)

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