Isaiah 56:4
For thus saith the LORD unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant;
Original Language Analysis
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
כֹ֣ה׀
H3541
כֹ֣ה׀
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
2 of 14
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יְהוָ֗ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֗ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לַסָּֽרִיסִים֙
unto the eunuchs
H5631
לַסָּֽרִיסִים֙
unto the eunuchs
Strong's:
H5631
Word #:
5 of 14
a eunuch; by implication, valet (especially of the female apartments), and thus, a minister of state
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יִשְׁמְרוּ֙
that keep
H8104
יִשְׁמְרוּ֙
that keep
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
7 of 14
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
שַׁבְּתוֹתַ֔י
my sabbaths
H7676
שַׁבְּתוֹתַ֔י
my sabbaths
Strong's:
H7676
Word #:
9 of 14
intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath
וּבָֽחֲר֖וּ
and choose
H977
וּבָֽחֲר֖וּ
and choose
Strong's:
H977
Word #:
10 of 14
properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select
בַּאֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
בַּאֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
11 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
חָפָ֑צְתִּי
the things that please
H2654
חָפָ֑צְתִּי
the things that please
Strong's:
H2654
Word #:
12 of 14
properly, to incline to; by implication (literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire
Cross References
Isaiah 27:5Or let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me; and he shall make peace with me.Psalms 119:111Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.Luke 10:42But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.Isaiah 56:6Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant;Joshua 24:15And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.2 Samuel 23:5Although my house be not so with God; yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure: for this is all my salvation, and all my desire, although he make it not to grow.Hebrews 6:17Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:Isaiah 56:2Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil.Isaiah 55:3Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.Jeremiah 50:5They shall ask the way to Zion with their faces thitherward, saying, Come, and let us join ourselves to the LORD in a perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten.
Historical Context
This reverses Deuteronomy 23:1's exclusion of those with damaged genitals from the assembly. What was prohibited under the old administration becomes possible under grace.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's acceptance based on heart condition rather than physical status encourage you?
- What does it mean to 'choose the things that please' God?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
To eunuchs who keep sabbaths and choose what pleases God, holding fast to His covenant, God promises inclusion. The conditions - sabbath-keeping, choosing God's pleasure, covenant-holding - are matters of heart and will, not physical capability. Character trumps physical condition.