Isaiah 55:2

55:2 Why pay money for something that will not nourish you?

Why spend your hard-earned money on something that will not satisfy?

Listen carefully to me and eat what is nourishing!

Enjoy fine food!


tn Heb “for what is not food.”

tn The interrogative particle and the verb “spend” are understood here by ellipsis (note the preceding line).

tn Heb “your labor,” which stands by metonymy for that which one earns.

tn The infinitive absolute follows the imperative and lends emphasis to the exhortation.

tn Heb “good” (so NASB, NIV, NRSV).

tn Heb “Let your appetite delight in fine food.”

sn Nourishing, fine food here represents the blessings God freely offers. These include forgiveness, a new covenantal relationship with God, and national prominence (see vv. 3-6).