Isaiah 58:6
Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?
Original Language Analysis
הֲל֣וֹא
H3808
הֲל֣וֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אֶבְחָרֵהוּ֒
that I have chosen
H977
אֶבְחָרֵהוּ֒
that I have chosen
Strong's:
H977
Word #:
4 of 16
properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select
פַּתֵּ֙חַ֙
to loose
H6605
פַּתֵּ֙חַ֙
to loose
Strong's:
H6605
Word #:
5 of 16
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
הַתֵּ֖ר
to undo
H5425
הַתֵּ֖ר
to undo
Strong's:
H5425
Word #:
8 of 16
to jump, i.e., be violently agitated; causatively, to terrify, shake off, untie
מוֹטָ֖ה
every yoke
H4133
מוֹטָ֖ה
every yoke
Strong's:
H4133
Word #:
10 of 16
a pole; by implication, an ox-bow; hence, a yoke (either literal or figurative)
וְשַׁלַּ֤ח
go
H7971
וְשַׁלַּ֤ח
go
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
11 of 16
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
רְצוּצִים֙
and to let the oppressed
H7533
רְצוּצִים֙
and to let the oppressed
Strong's:
H7533
Word #:
12 of 16
to crack in pieces, literally or figuratively
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
14 of 16
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
Isaiah 58:9Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity;1 Timothy 6:1Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.
Historical Context
Post-exilic Judah struggled with economic oppression despite their religious revival. Nehemiah confronted exploitation of the poor by wealthy Jews (Nehemiah 5:1-13). The returned exiles had rebuilt the temple but maintained systemic injustice—exactly the combination God condemns here. This pattern continued in Jesus' day when religious leaders maintained their positions while exploiting widows (Mark 12:40, Luke 20:47) and neglecting justice (Matthew 23:23).
Questions for Reflection
- How does genuine faith in Christ necessarily produce concern for justice and liberation of the oppressed?
- What modern 'yokes' of oppression should Christians work to break in obedience to this passage?
- How do we balance the spiritual and social dimensions of the gospel without subordinating one to the other?
Analysis & Commentary
God now defines the fast He chooses: "to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke." Four parallel phrases emphasize comprehensive liberation. "Bands of wickedness" are cords of injustice binding people in oppression. "Heavy burdens" are the crushing weights of exploitation—economic, social, or political. "Let the oppressed go free" uses the Hebrew ratsats (oppressed/crushed), describing those ground down by injustice. "Break every yoke" employs the imagery of slavery—removing the wooden beam that harnessed oxen. True fasting manifests in social justice: freeing slaves, canceling unjust debts, ending exploitation, reforming oppressive structures. This is not works-righteousness but the fruit of genuine repentance. From a Reformed perspective, this illustrates that justification by faith alone necessarily produces sanctification. Those truly regenerated demonstrate transformed affections, seeking God's glory through love of neighbor. This anticipates Jesus' proclamation of His mission: "to preach deliverance to the captives...to set at liberty them that are bruised" (Luke 4:18), and James's definition of pure religion as caring for orphans and widows (James 1:27).