King James Version

What Does Isaiah 43:23 Mean?

Isaiah 43:23 in the King James Version says “Thou hast not brought me the small cattle of thy burnt offerings; neither hast thou honoured me with thy sacrifices. I h... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 43 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Thou hast not brought me the small cattle of thy burnt offerings; neither hast thou honoured me with thy sacrifices. I have not caused thee to serve with an offering, nor wearied thee with incense. small: Heb. lambs, or, kids

Isaiah 43:23 · KJV


Context

21

This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise.

22

But thou hast not called upon me, O Jacob; but thou hast been weary of me, O Israel.

23

Thou hast not brought me the small cattle of thy burnt offerings; neither hast thou honoured me with thy sacrifices. I have not caused thee to serve with an offering, nor wearied thee with incense. small: Heb. lambs, or, kids

24

Thou hast bought me no sweet cane with money, neither hast thou filled me with the fat of thy sacrifices: but thou hast made me to serve with thy sins, thou hast wearied me with thine iniquities. filled: Heb. made me drunk, or, abundantly moistened

25

I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God lists Israel's failures: not bringing burnt offerings, not honoring with sacrifices. Yet God didn't burden them with offerings or weary them with incense requirements. The Hebrew 'abad' (serve/labor) with negative shows God didn't impose excessive demands—their failure was voluntary neglect.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This addresses potential excuse that ceremonial law was too burdensome. God shows He made worship manageable, requiring heart engagement, not grudging compliance. Their failure was willful, not compelled.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you turn worship and service to God into burdensome obligation rather than joyful response?
  2. What excuses do you make for neglecting spiritual disciplines God designed to bless you?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
לֹֽא1 of 14
H3808

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

הֵבֵ֤יאתָ2 of 14

Thou hast not brought

H935

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

לִּי֙3 of 14
H0
שֵׂ֣ה4 of 14

me the small cattle

H7716

a member of a flock, i.e., a sheep or goat

עֹלֹתֶ֔יךָ5 of 14

of thy burnt offerings

H5930

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

וּזְבָחֶ֖יךָ6 of 14

me with thy sacrifices

H2077

properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

לֹ֣א7 of 14
H3808

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

כִבַּדְתָּ֑נִי8 of 14

neither hast thou honoured

H3513

to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same

לֹ֤א9 of 14
H3808

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

הֶעֱבַדְתִּ֙יךָ֙10 of 14

I have not caused thee to serve

H5647

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

בְּמִנְחָ֔ה11 of 14

with an offering

H4503

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

וְלֹ֥א12 of 14
H3808

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

הוֹגַעְתִּ֖יךָ13 of 14

nor wearied

H3021

properly, to gasp; hence, to be exhausted, to tire, to toil

בִּלְבוֹנָֽה׃14 of 14

thee with incense

H3828

frankincense (from its whiteness or perhaps that of its smoke)


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 43:23 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 43:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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