What does Isaiah 58:7 mean?
"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?" - Isaiah 58:7

Isaiah 58:7 (KJV): "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?"
In Isaiah 58:7, the prophet Isaiah delivers a powerful message from God about the importance of compassion and justice. This verse speaks to the core values of Christianity, emphasizing the need to care for those who are less fortunate and marginalized in society. It calls for believers to take concrete actions to help those in need, reflecting the love and compassion that God has for all people.
The verse begins with a rhetorical question, "Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry?" This question challenges the reader to consider the purpose of their actions and the true meaning of compassion. It emphasizes the fundamental human need for sustenance and the responsibility to provide for those who lack the basic necessities of life. This directive to "deal thy bread to the hungry" is a call to action, urging individuals to actively seek out and help those who are in need.
The verse goes on to instruct the reader to "bring the poor that are cast out to thy house." This emphasizes the importance of hospitality and care for the marginalized in society. It instructs believers to open their homes and hearts to those who have been cast out or pushed to the margins of society. This speaks to the broader theme of social justice and the need to address systemic issues of poverty and inequality.
The imagery of "the naked" in the verse conveys vulnerability and the need for clothing and protection. It calls on believers to provide for the basic physical needs of those who lack resources, highlighting the importance of meeting the immediate needs of those who are suffering. This directive to "cover him" underscores the importance of empathy and compassion, urging believers to provide care and protection for those who are in need.
The verse concludes with the admonition, "hide not thyself from thine own flesh." This serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of humanity and the inherent responsibility to care for one another. It challenges the reader to see all people as their own brothers and sisters, emphasizing the need for solidarity and care within the human family.
In a larger context, Isaiah 58:7 is part of a passage that addresses the hypocrisy of empty religious rituals and the true nature of authentic worship. The passage condemns performative acts of righteousness and calls for genuine acts of love, justice, and compassion. It reveals God's desire for His people to live out their faith by actively seeking justice and mercy for those who are oppressed and in need.
Symbolically, Isaiah 58:7 represents the heart of God for the marginalized and the call for believers to reflect that same heart in their actions. It symbolizes the broader theme of social justice and caring for the vulnerable in society. This verse challenges believers to live out their faith in a tangible way, demonstrating the love and compassion of God to a world in need.
In conclusion, Isaiah 58:7 holds a powerful message about the importance of compassion, justice, and hospitality. It calls for believers to actively seek out and care for those who are less fortunate, reflecting the love and compassion of God. This verse challenges individuals to examine the true nature of their actions and to live out their faith through genuine acts of love and mercy. It serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of humanity and the call to care for the marginalized and vulnerable in society.
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Isaiah 58:7 - "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?"
"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?" - Isaiah 58:7
Isaiah 58: 1-12
Numbers 7:58 - "One kid of the goats for a sin offering:"
Nehemiah 7:58 - "The children of Jaala, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel,"
Isaiah 58:10 - "And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday:"
Isaiah 58:6-7 - "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?"
Isaiah 58:4 - "Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high."
"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." - Isaiah 58:8
Isaiah 58:1 - "Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins."
"One kid of the goats for a sin offering:" - Numbers 7:58
Acts 7:58 - "And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul."
Isaiah 58:6 - "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 children of Jaala, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel," - Nehemiah 7:58
Isaiah 58:1"Cry aloud, spare not; Lift up your voice like a trumpet; Tell My people their transgression, And the house of Jacob their sins.
Isaiah 58:12 - "And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in."
Isaiah 58:2 - "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."
Isaiah 58:14 - "Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it."
Isaiah 58:8 - "¶ 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."
Isaiah 58:11 - "And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not."
Psalms 58:7 - "Let them melt away as waters which run continually: when he bendeth his bow to shoot his arrows, let them be as cut in pieces."
Isaiah 58:10 If you extend your soul to the hungry And satisfy the afflicted soul, Then your light shall dawn in the darkness, And your darkness shall be as the noonday.
Isaiah 58:5 - "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?"
Isaiah 58:9 - "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;"
Isaiah 58:3 - "¶ 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."
Isaiah 58:14 (KJV) Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.
Isaiah 58:5 Is it a fast that I have chosen, A day for a man to afflict his soul? Is it to bow down his head like a bulrush, And to spread out sackcloth and ashes? Would you call this a fast, And an acceptable day to the Lord?
Isaiah 58:13 - "¶ If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words:"
Isaiah 58:3 'Why have we fasted,' they say, 'and You have not seen? Why have we afflicted our souls, and You take no notice?' "In fact, in the day of your fast you find pleasure, And exploit all your laborers.
Isaiah 58:9 (KJVA) 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;