Isaiah Chapter 56

Isaiah 56 - English translation

Translation: THE JPS TANAKH: Gender-Sensitive Edition. Verse numbers match the Hebrew text below.

1. 1Thus said G OD : Observe what is right and do what is just; For soon My salvation shall come, And My deliverance be revealed.
2. 2Happy is the mortal who does this, The one who holds fast to it: Who keeps the sabbath and does not profane it, And holds back from doing any evil.
3. 3Let not the foreigner say, Who is joined to G OD , “ G OD will keep me apart from the covenanted people”; And let not the eunuch say, “I am a withered tree.”
4. 4For thus said G OD : “As for the eunuchs who keep My sabbaths, Who have chosen what I desire And hold fast to My covenant—
5. 5I will give them, in My House And within My walls, A monument and a name Better than sons or daughters. I will give them an everlasting name That shall not perish.
6. 6As for the foreigners Who are joined to G OD , To render service, And to love G OD ’s name, To be devoted servants— All who keep the sabbath and do not profane it, And who hold fast to My covenant—
7. 7I will bring them to My sacred mount And let them rejoice in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices Shall be welcome on My altar; For My House shall be called A house of prayer for all peoples.”
8. 8Thus declares my Sovereign G OD , Who gathers the dispersed of Israel: “I will gather still more to those already gathered.”
9. 9All you wild beasts, come and devour, All you beasts of the forest!
10. 10The lookouts are blind, all of them, They perceive nothing. They are all dumb dogs That cannot bark; They lie sprawling, They love to drowse.
11. 11Moreover, the dogs are greedy; They never know satiety. As for the shepherds, they know not What it is to give heed. ).” Cf. hon in Prov. 30.15, 16. Everyone has turned their own way, Every last one seeks their own advantage.
12. 12“Come, I’ll get some wine; Let us swill liquor. And tomorrow will be just the same, Or even much grander!”

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