King James Version

What Does Isaiah 58:1 Mean?

Isaiah 58:1 in the King James Version says “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob t...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 58 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. aloud: Heb. with the throat”

Isaiah 58:1 · KJV

Context

1

Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. aloud: Heb. with the throat

2

Yet they seek me daily , and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God.

3

Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours. labours: or, things wherewith ye grieve others: Heb. griefs

Read Isaiah 58 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The command 'Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet' calls for bold, uncompromising proclamation of sin. The dual address 'shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins' indicates that covenant community needs regular confrontation with their rebellion. This establishes that faithful preaching includes exposing sin, not just positive encouragement. God's people need prophetic rebuke, not therapeutic affirmation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Isaiah's ministry included both comfort (ch. 40) and confrontation (ch. 58). The people maintained religious ritual (fasting, v. 3) while tolerating injustice, requiring prophetic exposure. True pastoral care includes 'crying aloud' against sin, as Jesus confronted Pharisees and apostles rebuked churches.

Reflection Questions

  1. How comfortable are you with preachers who 'cry aloud' exposing sin versus those who only encourage?
  2. What sins in your life need prophetic 'trumpet blast' rather than gentle suggestion?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
קְרָ֤א1 of 13

“Cry”

H7121

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

בְגָרוֹן֙2 of 13

“aloud”

H1627

the throat (as roughened by swallowing)

אַל3 of 13
H408

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

תַּחְשֹׂ֔ךְ4 of 13

“spare”

H2820

to restrain or (reflexive) refrain; by implication, to refuse, spare, preserve; to observe

כַּשּׁוֹפָ֖ר5 of 13

“like a trumpet”

H7782

a cornet (as giving a clear sound) or curved horn

הָרֵ֣ם6 of 13

“not lift”

H7311

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

קוֹלֶ֑ךָ7 of 13

“up thy voice”

H6963

a voice or sound

וְהַגֵּ֤ד8 of 13

“and shew”

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

לְעַמִּי֙9 of 13

“my people”

H5971

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

פִּשְׁעָ֔ם10 of 13

“their transgression”

H6588

a revolt (national, moral or religious)

וּלְבֵ֥ית11 of 13

“and the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יַעֲקֹ֖ב12 of 13

“of Jacob”

H3290

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

חַטֹּאתָֽם׃13 of 13

“their sins”

H2403

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

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 58:1 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 58:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Titus 2:15Hosea 8:1Acts 20:26-27Ezekiel 3:17-21Acts 7:51-52Matthew 3:7-9

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