Isaiah 58:7
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?
Original Language Analysis
הֲל֨וֹא
H3808
הֲל֨וֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 15
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
פָרֹ֤ס
Is it not to deal
H6536
פָרֹ֤ס
Is it not to deal
Strong's:
H6536
Word #:
2 of 15
to break in pieces, i.e., (usually without violence) to split, distribute
לַחְמֶ֔ךָ
thy bread
H3899
לַחְמֶ֔ךָ
thy bread
Strong's:
H3899
Word #:
4 of 15
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
תָּ֣בִיא
and that thou bring
H935
תָּ֣בִיא
and that thou bring
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
7 of 15
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
בָ֑יִת
to thy house
H1004
בָ֑יִת
to thy house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
8 of 15
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
9 of 15
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
תִרְאֶ֤ה
when thou seest
H7200
תִרְאֶ֤ה
when thou seest
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
10 of 15
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
וְכִסִּית֔וֹ
that thou cover
H3680
וְכִסִּית֔וֹ
that thou cover
Strong's:
H3680
Word #:
12 of 15
properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)
וּמִבְּשָׂרְךָ֖
not thyself from thine own flesh
H1320
וּמִבְּשָׂרְךָ֖
not thyself from thine own flesh
Strong's:
H1320
Word #:
13 of 15
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
Cross References
Luke 3:11He 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.Ezekiel 18:7And 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 25:21If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:Proverbs 28:27He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.Ezekiel 18:16Neither hath oppressed any, hath not withholden the pledge, neither hath spoiled by violence, but hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment,Isaiah 58:10And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday:Proverbs 22:9He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.Luke 11:41But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you.1 Timothy 5:10Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.Daniel 4:27Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity.
Historical Context
The returned exiles faced economic hardship, and rather than sharing resources, many exploited their fellow Jews (Nehemiah 5:1-5). The wealthy pursued personal comfort while their brothers struggled—exactly what this verse condemns. The prophetic tradition consistently demanded economic justice and generosity toward the vulnerable (Ezekiel 18:7, Amos 2:6-8, Micah 2:1-2). The early church took this seriously, sharing possessions to ensure no one lacked (Acts 2:44-45, 4:32-35).
Questions for Reflection
- How does our treatment of the physically needy reveal the genuineness of our faith?
- In what ways might we 'hide ourselves from our own flesh' through selective concern or willful blindness?
- What practical steps can we take to share bread, shelter, and clothing with those in need?
Analysis & Commentary
The fast God chooses continues with practical expressions: "Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry?" Sharing food with the famished is basic covenant obligation (Deuteronomy 15:7-11, Leviticus 25:35-37). "That thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house?" means providing shelter for the homeless—the Hebrew merudim (cast out/wandering) describes those displaced and destitute. "When thou seest the naked, that thou cover him?" addresses clothing the exposed. The climactic phrase strikes at selfish isolation: "and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?" The Hebrew basar (flesh) means blood relatives, but the prophetic tradition extends this to all humanity (Genesis 9:6, Acts 17:26). This verse requires breaking through self-centered existence to genuine other-centered love. From a Reformed perspective, this reflects the second table of the law—love of neighbor flowing from love of God (Matthew 22:37-40). These aren't additions to faith but evidence of faith. Those justified by grace demonstrate transformation through works of mercy. This anticipates Jesus' sheep and goats judgment, where serving the hungry, homeless, and naked reveals true discipleship (Matthew 25:31-46).