King James Version

What Does Isaiah 1:13 Mean?

Isaiah 1:13 in the King James Version says “Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, ... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting. iniquity: or, grief

Isaiah 1:13 · KJV


Context

11

To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats. he goats: Heb. great he goats

12

When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread my courts? to appear: Heb. to be seen

13

Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting. iniquity: or, grief

14

Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them.

15

And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood. make: Heb. multiply prayer blood: Heb. bloods


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God declares offerings, incense, and assemblies 'an abomination' (Hebrew 'toebah'—detestable) when accompanied by moral iniquity. The coupling of 'iniquity and the solemn meeting' reveals the impossibility of compartmentalizing worship and ethics. True worship demands holiness; ceremonial compliance without moral integrity is spiritual hypocrisy. This anticipates the prophetic critique of religious externalism that Jesus would radicalize in the Sermon on the Mount.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

New moons and sabbaths were divinely instituted festivals (Leviticus 23), yet God abhors their observance when covenant loyalty is absent. This isn't rejection of ceremonial law but its misuse as a substitute for covenant obedience.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we guard against separating religious observance from ethical living?
  2. What modern 'solemn meetings' might God find burdensome if divorced from justice and mercy?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
לֹ֣א1 of 17
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תוֹסִ֗יפוּ2 of 17

no more

H3254

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

הָבִיא֙3 of 17

Bring

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

מִנְחַת4 of 17

oblations

H4503

a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)

שָׁ֔וְא5 of 17

vain

H7723

evil (as destructive), literally (ruin) or morally (especially guile); figuratively idolatry (as false, subjective), uselessness (as deceptive, object

קְטֹ֧רֶת6 of 17

incense

H7004

a fumigation

תּוֹעֵבָ֛ה7 of 17

is an abomination

H8441

properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol

הִ֖יא8 of 17
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

לִ֑י9 of 17
H0
חֹ֤דֶשׁ10 of 17

unto me the new moons

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

וְשַׁבָּת֙11 of 17

and sabbaths

H7676

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

קְרֹ֣א12 of 17

the calling

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

מִקְרָ֔א13 of 17

of assemblies

H4744

something called out, i.e., a public meeting (the act, the persons, or the place); also a rehearsal

לֹא14 of 17
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אוּכַ֥ל15 of 17

I cannot away with

H3201

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

אָ֖וֶן16 of 17

it is iniquity

H205

strictly nothingness; also trouble, vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol

וַעֲצָרָֽה׃17 of 17

even the solemn meeting

H6116

an assembly, especially on a festival or holiday


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Isaiah 1:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Isaiah 1:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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