King James Version

What Does Isaiah 56:3 Mean?

Isaiah 56:3 in the King James Version says “Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The LORD hath utterly separate... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 56 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree.

Isaiah 56:3 · KJV


Context

1

Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed. judgment: or, equity

2

Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil.

3

Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree.

4

For thus saith the LORD unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant;

5

Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God addresses two marginalized groups: 'the son of the stranger' (foreigner joined to Israel) and 'the eunuch' (castrated male excluded from assembly per Deuteronomy 23:1). Both feared exclusion: 'The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people' or 'I am a dry tree' (unable to have descendants). Grace overcomes these barriers.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Eunuchs often served in royal courts (see Ethiopian eunuch, Acts 8). Foreigners wondered if they could truly belong. Isaiah's message radically includes those Mosaic law seemed to exclude.

Reflection Questions

  1. Who today might feel excluded from God's people but whom God desires to include?
  2. How does the gospel overcome barriers that make people feel they cannot belong?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וְאַל1 of 20
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

יֹאמַר֙2 of 20

say

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

בֶּן3 of 20

Neither let the son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

הַנֵּכָ֗ר4 of 20

of the stranger

H5236

foreign, or (concretely) a foreigner, or (abstractly) heathendom

הַנִּלְוָ֤ה5 of 20

that hath joined

H3867

properly, to twine; also to borrow (as a form of obligation) or (causative) to lend

אֶל6 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוָ֖ה7 of 20

The LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

יֹאמַר֙8 of 20

say

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יַבְדִּילַ֛נִי9 of 20

hath utterly

H914

to divide (in variation senses literally or figuratively, separate, distinguish, differ, select, etc.)

יַבְדִּילַ֛נִי10 of 20

hath utterly

H914

to divide (in variation senses literally or figuratively, separate, distinguish, differ, select, etc.)

יְהוָ֖ה11 of 20

The LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

מֵעַ֣ל12 of 20
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

עַמּ֑וֹ13 of 20

me from his people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

וְאַל14 of 20
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

יֹאמַר֙15 of 20

say

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הַסָּרִ֔יס16 of 20

neither let the eunuch

H5631

a eunuch; by implication, valet (especially of the female apartments), and thus, a minister of state

הֵ֥ן17 of 20
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

אֲנִ֖י18 of 20
H589

i

עֵ֥ץ19 of 20

tree

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

יָבֵֽשׁ׃20 of 20

Behold I am a dry

H3002

dry


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 56:3 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 56:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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