King James Version

What Does Isaiah 43:24 Mean?

Isaiah 43:24 in the King James Version says “Thou hast bought me no sweet cane with money, neither hast thou filled me with the fat of thy sacrifices: but thou hast ... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 43 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Isaiah 43:24 · KJV


Context

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.

26

Put me in remembrance: let us plead together: declare thou, that thou mayest be justified.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Israel bought God no sweet cane (incense) or filled Him with sacrifice fat, yet burdened Him with sins and wearied Him with iniquities. The Hebrew 'abad' (serve/make to serve) used ironically—they made God serve their sins rather than serving Him! The role reversal is striking and offensive.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This devastating indictment shows Israel inverted the proper relationship—instead of serving God, they made Him deal with their sins. Their persistent rebellion became God's burden, requiring His intervention.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do your sins burden God rather than your worship blessing Him?
  2. What does it mean that your iniquities weary the infinitely patient God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
לֹא1 of 14
H3808

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

קָנִ֨יתָ2 of 14

Thou hast bought

H7069

to erect, i.e., create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase (causatively, sell); by implication to own

לִּ֤י3 of 14
H0
בַכֶּ֙סֶף֙4 of 14

with money

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

קָנֶ֔ה5 of 14

me no sweet cane

H7070

a reed (as erect); by resemblance a rod (especially for measuring), shaft, tube, stem, the radius (of the arm), beam (of a steelyard)

וְחֵ֥לֶב6 of 14

me with the fat

H2459

fat, whether literally or figuratively; hence, the richest or choice part

זְבָחֶ֖יךָ7 of 14

of thy sacrifices

H2077

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

לֹ֣א8 of 14
H3808

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

הִרְוִיתָ֑נִי9 of 14

neither hast thou filled

H7301

to slake the thirst (occasionally of other appetites)

אַ֗ךְ10 of 14
H389

a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only

הֶעֱבַדְתַּ֙נִי֙11 of 14

but thou hast made me to serve

H5647

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

בְּחַטֹּאותֶ֔יךָ12 of 14

with thy sins

H2403

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

הוֹגַעְתַּ֖נִי13 of 14

thou hast wearied

H3021

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

בַּעֲוֺנֹתֶֽיךָ׃14 of 14

me with thine iniquities

H5771

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil


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 43:24 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 43:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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