King James Version
What Does Isaiah 1:14 Mean?
“Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them.”
Context
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
16
Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(14) **Your new moons and your appointed feasts**.—The latter word included the sabbaths (Leviticus 23:3). The words add nothing to what had been said before, but they come with all the emphasis of iteration.
**My soul.**—The words are in one sense anthropomorphic. With man the “soul” expresses the full intensity of life and consciousness, and so, in the language of the prophets, it does with God.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 1:14 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 1:14
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge