Yesaya 58:4-5

58:4 Look, your fasting is accompanied by ¹  arguments, brawls,

and fistfights. ² 

Do not fast as you do today,

trying to make your voice heard in heaven.

58:5 Is this really the kind of fasting I want? ³ 

Do I want a day when people merely humble themselves, ⁴ 

bowing their heads like a reed

and stretching out ⁵  on sackcloth and ashes?

Is this really what you call a fast,

a day that is pleasing to the Lord?

[58:4]  ¹ tn Heb “you fast for” (so NASB); NRSV “you fast only to quarrel.”

[58:4]  ² tn Heb “and for striking with a sinful fist.”

[58:5]  ³ tn Heb “choose” (so NASB, NRSV); NAB “wish.”

[58:5]  ⁴ tn Heb “a day when man humbles himself.” The words “Do I want” are supplied in the translation for stylistic reasons.

[58:5]  ⁵ tn Or “making [their] bed.”