Discovery BoxIsaiah 58:3 
Context58:3 They lament, 1 ‘Why don’t you notice when we fast?
Why don’t you pay attention when we humble ourselves?’
Look, at the same time you fast, you satisfy your selfish desires, 2
you oppress your workers. 3
Isaiah 58:5
Context58:5 Is this really the kind of fasting I want? 4
Do I want a day when people merely humble themselves, 5
bowing their heads like a reed
and stretching out 6 on sackcloth and ashes?
Is this really what you call a fast,
a day that is pleasing to the Lord?
1 tn The words “they lament” are supplied in the translation for clarification.
2 tn Heb “you find pleasure”; NASB “you find your desire.”
3 tn Or perhaps, “debtors.” See HALOT 865 s.v. * עָצֵב.
4 tn Heb “choose” (so NASB, NRSV); NAB “wish.”
5 tn Heb “a day when man humbles himself.” The words “Do I want” are supplied in the translation for stylistic reasons.
6 tn Or “making [their] bed.”
