Isaiah 1:3
The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider.
Original Language Analysis
יָדַ֔ע
doth not know
H3045
יָדַ֔ע
doth not know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
1 of 12
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
קֹנֵ֔הוּ
his owner
H7069
קֹנֵ֔הוּ
his owner
Strong's:
H7069
Word #:
3 of 12
to erect, i.e., create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase (causatively, sell); by implication to own
בְּעָלָ֑יו
his master's
H1167
בְּעָלָ֑יו
his master's
Strong's:
H1167
Word #:
6 of 12
a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively) owner (often used with another noun in modifications of this latter sense)
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
but Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
but Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
7 of 12
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
8 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָדַ֔ע
doth not know
H3045
יָדַ֔ע
doth not know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
9 of 12
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
עַמִּ֖י
my people
H5971
עַמִּ֖י
my people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
10 of 12
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
Cross References
Jeremiah 8:7Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times; and the turtle and the crane and the swallow observe the time of their coming; but my people know not the judgment of the LORD.Isaiah 44:18They have not known nor understood: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; and their hearts, that they cannot understand.Jeremiah 4:22For my people is foolish, they have not known me; they are sottish children, and they have none understanding: they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.Isaiah 5:12And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the operation of his hands.Romans 1:28And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;Isaiah 27:11When the boughs thereof are withered, they shall be broken off: the women come, and set them on fire: for it is a people of no understanding: therefore he that made them will not have mercy on them, and he that formed them will shew them no favour.Psalms 94:8Understand, ye brutish among the people: and ye fools, when will ye be wise?2 Peter 3:5For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:Proverbs 6:6Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:Jeremiah 10:8But they are altogether brutish and foolish: the stock is a doctrine of vanities.
Historical Context
This comparison would resonate in an agrarian society where livestock were essential to daily life. The audience would immediately grasp the shame of being less perceptive than farm animals.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you know God intimately through relationship, or only know about Him intellectually?
- What spiritual 'benefits' from God do you enjoy without acknowledging the Giver?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Isaiah employs devastating irony: even unreasoning animals recognize their master and source of provision, yet God's covenant people lack such basic recognition. The Hebrew 'yada' (know) implies intimate, experiential knowledge, not mere intellectual assent. The parallel 'consider' (bin) suggests careful reflection and discernment, both absent in apostate Israel.