King James Version

What Does Isaiah 58:7 Mean?

Isaiah 58:7 in the King James Version says “Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest ...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 58 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? cast: or, afflicted”

Isaiah 58:7 · KJV

Context

5

Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD? a day: or, to afflict his soul for a day?

6

Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? the heavy: Heb. the bundles of the yoke oppressed: Heb. broken

7

Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? cast: or, afflicted

8

Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward. be: Heb. gather thee up

9

Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity;

Read Isaiah 58 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The fast God chooses continues with practical expressions: "Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry?" Sharing food with the famished is basic covenant obligation (Deuteronomy 15:7-11, Leviticus 25:35-37). "That thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house?" means providing shelter for the homeless—the Hebrew merudim (cast out/wandering) describes those displaced and destitute. "When thou seest the naked, that thou cover him?" addresses clothing the exposed. The climactic phrase strikes at selfish isolation: "and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?" The Hebrew basar (flesh) means blood relatives, but the prophetic tradition extends this to all humanity (Genesis 9:6, Acts 17:26). This verse requires breaking through self-centered existence to genuine other-centered love. From a Reformed perspective, this reflects the second table of the law—love of neighbor flowing from love of God (Matthew 22:37-40). These aren't additions to faith but evidence of faith. Those justified by grace demonstrate transformation through works of mercy. This anticipates Jesus' sheep and goats judgment, where serving the hungry, homeless, and naked reveals true discipleship (Matthew 25:31-46).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The returned exiles faced economic hardship, and rather than sharing resources, many exploited their fellow Jews (Nehemiah 5:1-5). The wealthy pursued personal comfort while their brothers struggled—exactly what this verse condemns. The prophetic tradition consistently demanded economic justice and generosity toward the vulnerable (Ezekiel 18:7, Amos 2:6-8, Micah 2:1-2). The early church took this seriously, sharing possessions to ensure no one lacked (Acts 2:44-45, 4:32-35).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does our treatment of the physically needy reveal the genuineness of our faith?
  2. In what ways might we 'hide ourselves from our own flesh' through selective concern or willful blindness?
  3. What practical steps can we take to share bread, shelter, and clothing with those in need?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
הֲל֨וֹא1 of 15
H3808

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

פָרֹ֤ס2 of 15

“Is it not to deal”

H6536

to break in pieces, i.e., (usually without violence) to split, distribute

לָֽרָעֵב֙3 of 15

“to the hungry”

H7457

hungry (more or less intensely)

לַחְמֶ֔ךָ4 of 15

“thy bread”

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

וַעֲנִיִּ֥ים5 of 15

“the poor”

H6041

depressed, in mind or circumstances

מְרוּדִ֖ים6 of 15

“that are cast out”

H4788

an outcast; (abstractly) destitution

תָּ֣בִיא7 of 15

“and that thou bring”

H935

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

בָ֑יִת8 of 15

“to thy house”

H1004

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

כִּֽי9 of 15
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

תִרְאֶ֤ה10 of 15

“when thou seest”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

עָרֹם֙11 of 15

“the naked”

H6174

nude, either partially or totally

וְכִסִּית֔וֹ12 of 15

“that thou cover”

H3680

properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)

וּמִבְּשָׂרְךָ֖13 of 15

“not thyself from thine own flesh”

H1320

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

לֹ֥א14 of 15
H3808

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

תִתְעַלָּֽם׃15 of 15

“him and that thou hide”

H5956

to veil from sight, i.e., conceal (literally or figuratively)

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 58:7 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 58:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 25:35-45Ezekiel 18:7Luke 3:111 John 3:17-18Proverbs 28:27Proverbs 25:21

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Isaiah 58 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterIsaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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