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◄ Isaiah 56:4►

New International Version
For this is what the LORD says: “To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths, who choose what pleases me and hold fast to my covenant—

New Living Translation
For this is what the LORD says: I will bless those eunuchs who keep my Sabbath days holy and who choose to do what pleases me and commit their lives to me.

English Standard Version
For thus says the LORD: “To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths, who choose the things that please me and hold fast my covenant,

Berean Standard Bible
For this is what the LORD says: “To the eunuchs who keep My Sabbaths, who choose what pleases Me and hold fast to My covenant—

King James Bible
For thus saith the LORD unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choosethe things that please me, and take hold of my covenant;

New King James Version
For thus says the LORD: “To the eunuchs who keep My Sabbaths, And choose what pleases Me, And hold fast My covenant,

New American Standard Bible
For this is what the LORD says: “To the eunuchs who keep My Sabbaths, And choose what pleases Me, And hold firmly to My covenant,

NASB 1995
For thus says the LORD, “To the eunuchs who keep My sabbaths, And choose what pleases Me, And hold fast My covenant,

NASB 1977
For thus says the LORD, “To the eunuchs who keep My sabbaths, And choose what pleases Me, And hold fast My covenant,

Legacy Standard Bible
For thus says Yahweh, “To the eunuchs who keep My sabbaths, And choose what pleases Me, And hold fast My covenant,

Amplified Bible
This is what the LORD says, “To the eunuchs who keep My Sabbaths And choose what pleases Me, And hold firmly to My covenant,

Christian Standard Bible
For the LORD says this: “For the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths, and choose what pleases me, and hold firmly to my covenant,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For the LORD says this:” For the eunuchs who keep My Sabbaths, and choose what pleases Me, and hold firmly to My covenant,

American Standard Version
For thus saith Jehovah of the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and hold fast my covenant:

Contemporary English Version
To them, I, the LORD, say: Respect the Sabbath, obey me completely, and keep our agreement.

English Revised Version
For thus saith the LORD of the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and hold fast by my covenant:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
This is what the LORD says: [I will remember] the castrated men who keep my days of worship, choose what pleases me, and faithfully observe the conditions of my promise.

Good News Translation
The LORD says to such a man, "If you honor me by observing the Sabbath and if you do what pleases me and faithfully keep my covenant,

International Standard Version
For this is what the LORD says: "To the eunuchs who observe my Sabbaths, who choose the things that please me, and who hold fast my covenant—

NET Bible
For this is what the LORD says: "For the eunuchs who observe my Sabbaths and choose what pleases me and are faithful to my covenant,

New Heart English Bible
For thus says the LORD, "To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and hold fast my covenant:

Webster's Bible Translation
For thus saith the LORD to the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant;

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
For this is what the LORD says: “To the eunuchs who keep My Sabbaths, who choose what pleases Me and hold fast to My covenant—

World English Bible
For Yahweh says, “To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths, choose the things that please me, and hold fast to my covenant,

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
For thus said YHWH: “To the eunuchs who keep My Sabbaths, "" And have fixed on that which I desired, "" And are keeping hold on My covenant:

Young's Literal Translation
For thus said Jehovah of the eunuchs, Who do keep My sabbaths, And have fixed on that which I desired, And are keeping hold on My covenant:

Smith's Literal Translation
For thus said Jehovah to the eunuchs who shall watch my Sabbaths, and choose in what I delighted, and taking hold upon my covenant;

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
For thus saith the Lord to the eunuchs, They that shall keep my sabbaths, and shall choose the things that please me, and shall hold fast my covenant:

Catholic Public Domain Version
For thus says the Lord to the eunuchs: They will keep my Sabbaths, and they will choose the things that I will, and they will hold to my covenant.

New American Bible
For thus says the LORD: To the eunuchs who keep my sabbaths, who choose what pleases me, and who hold fast to my covenant,

New Revised Standard Version
For thus says the LORD: To the eunuchs who keep my sabbaths, who choose the things that please me and hold fast my covenant,

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
For thus says the LORD: To the eunuchs who keep my sabbaths and choose the things that please me and take hold of my covenant,

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Because thus says LORD JEHOVAH to Eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths, and they choose the thing that I please, and they are empowered in my covenant:

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
For thus saith the LORD Concerning the eunuchs that keep My sabbaths, And choose the things that please Me, And hold fast by My covenant:

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Thus saith the Lord to the eunuchs, as many as shall keep my sabbaths, and choose the things which I take pleasure in, and take hold of my covenant;

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Salvation for Foreigners
…3Let no foreigner who has joined himself to the LORD say, “The LORD will utterly exclude me from His people.” And let the eunuch not say, “I am but a dry tree.”4For this is what the LORD says:“To the eunuchs who keep My Sabbaths,who choose what pleases Me and hold fast to My covenant—5I will give them, in My house and within My walls, a memorial and a name better than that of sons and daughters. I will give them an everlasting name that will not be cut off.…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

Acts 8:27-39
So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official in charge of the entire treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. He had gone to Jerusalem to worship, / and on his return was sitting in his chariot reading Isaiah the prophet. / The Spirit said to Philip, “Go over to that chariot and stay by it.” ...

Matthew 19:12
For there are eunuchs who were born that way; others were made that way by men; and still others live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it.”

Deuteronomy 23:1
No man with crushed or severed genitals may enter the assembly of the LORD.

Isaiah 56:5
I will give them, in My house and within My walls, a memorial and a name better than that of sons and daughters. I will give them an everlasting name that will not be cut off.

Isaiah 56:6-7
And the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD to minister to Him, to love the name of the LORD, and to be His servants—all who keep the Sabbath without profaning it and who hold fast to My covenant— / I will bring them to My holy mountain and make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on My altar, for My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations.”

Galatians 3:28
There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Isaiah 54:1
“Shout for joy, O barren woman, who bears no children; break forth in song and cry aloud, you who have never travailed; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband,” says the LORD.

1 Corinthians 7:32-34
I want you to be free from concern. The unmarried man is concerned about the work of the Lord, how he can please the Lord. / But the married man is concerned about the affairs of this world, how he can please his wife, / and his interests are divided. The unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the work of the Lord, how she can be holy in both body and spirit. But the married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world, how she can please her husband.

Jeremiah 31:33
“But this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD. I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people.

Romans 2:28-29
A man is not a Jew because he is one outwardly, nor is circumcision only outward and physical. / No, a man is a Jew because he is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man’s praise does not come from men, but from God.

Isaiah 55:3
Incline your ear and come to Me; listen, so that your soul may live. I will make with you an everlasting covenant—My loving devotion promised to David.

Isaiah 62:4
No longer will you be called Forsaken, nor your land named Desolate; but you will be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; for the LORD will take delight in you, and your land will be His bride.

John 14:15
If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.

Isaiah 45:22
Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.

Isaiah 61:8
For I, the LORD, love justice; I hate robbery and iniquity; in My faithfulness I will give them their recompense and make an everlasting covenant with them.

Treasury of Scripture

For thus said the LORD to the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant;

choose

Joshua 24:15
And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served thatwere on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

Psalm 119:111
Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for theyare the rejoicing of my heart.

Luke 10:42
But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

take hold

Isaiah 27:5
Or let him take hold of my strength,that he may make peace with me;and he shall make peace with me.

Isaiah 55:3
Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you,even the sure mercies of David.

2 Samuel 23:5
Although my housebe not so with God; yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in allthings, and sure: forthis is all my salvation, and allmy desire, although he makeit not to grow.

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Isaiah 56

1.The prophet exhorts to sanctification
3.He promises it shall be general, without respect of persons
9.He protests against blind watchmen

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

For this is what the LORD says:
This phrase introduces a divine proclamation, emphasizing the authority and importance of the message. In the prophetic literature, such declarations often precede significant revelations or promises from God. The use of "LORD" (YHWH) underscores the covenantal relationship between God and His people, reminding readers of His faithfulness and sovereignty.

To the eunuchs who keep My Sabbaths:
Eunuchs, often excluded from full participation in Israelite religious life due to their physical condition (Deuteronomy 23:1), are here specifically addressed, indicating a radical inclusion. Keeping the Sabbath is a sign of covenant faithfulness (Exodus 31:13), and this phrase highlights that obedience to God's commandments transcends physical or social status. The Sabbath, a day of rest and worship, symbolizes trust in God's provision and a commitment to His order.

who choose what pleases Me:
This phrase emphasizes the importance of intentionality in one's relationship with God. Choosing what pleases God involves aligning one's desires and actions with His will, as revealed in Scripture. This echoes the call to love God with all one's heart, soul, and strength (Deuteronomy 6:5), and reflects the biblical theme of free will in choosing to follow God's ways.

and hold fast to My covenant—
Holding fast to the covenant implies a steadfast commitment to the relationship established by God with His people. This covenantal language recalls the promises made to Abraham, Moses, and David, and points to the faithfulness required of God's people. It also foreshadows the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ, where faithfulness is demonstrated through belief in Him and adherence to His teachings (Hebrews 8:6-13).

Persons / Places / Events

1.The LORD
The speaker in this verse, representing God’s authority and covenant relationship with His people.

2.Eunuchs
Individuals who, in ancient times, were often excluded from certain religious and social privileges due to their physical condition. Here, they symbolize those who might feel marginalized or excluded.

3.Sabbaths
The holy days of rest and worship instituted by God, signifying a covenant relationship and obedience to God's commands.

4.Covenant
The binding agreement between God and His people, emphasizing faithfulness and obedience.

5.Isaiah
The prophet through whom God delivers this message, addressing the people of Israel and, by extension, all who seek to follow God.

Teaching Points

Inclusivity in God’s Kingdom
God’s promise extends to all who are faithful, regardless of their social or physical status. This challenges us to embrace inclusivity within our communities.

The Importance of Obedience
Keeping the Sabbaths and holding fast to God’s covenant are acts of obedience that reflect a heart aligned with God’s will. We are called to prioritize God’s commands in our lives.

Choosing What Pleases God
Our daily choices should reflect a desire to please God. This involves discernment and commitment to living according to His Word.

Covenant Relationship
Understanding our relationship with God as a covenant encourages us to remain faithful and committed, knowing that God honors His promises.

Redemption and Restoration
God’s message to the eunuchs is one of redemption and restoration, reminding us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace and love.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Isaiah 56:4?

2.How does Isaiah 56:4 encourage commitment to God's covenant for all believers?

3.What does "choose what pleases Me" in Isaiah 56:4 mean for daily life?

4.How does Isaiah 56:4 connect with New Testament teachings on faithfulness?

5.In what ways can we "hold fast to My covenant" today?

6.How can Isaiah 56:4 inspire inclusivity within the church community?

7.What does Isaiah 56:4 mean for eunuchs in the context of God's covenant?

8.How does Isaiah 56:4 reflect God's inclusivity in the Old Testament?

9.Why are eunuchs specifically mentioned in Isaiah 56:4?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 56?

11.How do scholars address potential inconsistencies between Isaiah 56 and post-exilic practices that seemingly excluded certain groups from Jewish worship?

12.What does the Bible say about eunuchs?

13.Does Isaiah 56:3–5 contradict Deuteronomy 23:1 by allowing eunuchs into God’s congregation?

14.Are children a blessing from God?

What Does Isaiah 56:4 Mean

For this is what the LORD says:

• The verse opens with God’s own declaration, assuring us that what follows carries His full authority (Isaiah 1:2;Jeremiah 1:9).

• Scripture repeatedly uses this formula to highlight divine reliability—what He speaks is certain and unchanging (Numbers 23:19;Isaiah 40:8).

To the eunuchs

• Under the Mosaic Law, eunuchs were barred from temple participation (Deuteronomy 23:1), a vivid reminder of human limitation.

• Here, God addresses them directly, showing that physical circumstance does not prevent anyone from entering His favor when they trust and obey Him (Acts 8:34-39;Galatians 3:28).

• This prophetic word foreshadows Christ’s inclusive work, welcoming those once on the margins.

who keep My Sabbaths,

• Sabbath-keeping was a covenant sign between God and His people (Exodus 31:12-17).

• By highlighting it, the verse stresses devoted worship and rest that honors the Creator (Genesis 2:3;Isaiah 58:13-14).

• True Sabbath observance flows from love for God, not mere ritual (Matthew 12:8).

who choose what pleases Me

• Choice reveals the heart. These eunuchs actively prefer God’s will over personal desire (Joshua 24:15;Psalm 40:8).

• Pleasing God is linked with walking in faith (Hebrews 11:6) and bearing fruit in every good work (Colossians 1:10).

• The verse underscores personal responsibility: obedience is never accidental.

and hold fast to My covenant—

• “Hold fast” pictures a firm grip on God’s promises and commands (Deuteronomy 10:20;John 15:7).

• Covenant loyalty, not lineage or bodily status, defines membership in God’s family (Isaiah 56:6;Romans 2:28-29).

• By clinging to the covenant, the eunuchs receive the same blessings promised to Israel, anticipating the unity of Jew and Gentile in Christ (Ephesians 2:13-19).

summary

Isaiah 56:4 shows God personally addressing eunuchs—people once excluded—promising honor to those who revere His Sabbath, choose what delights Him, and cling to His covenant. The verse declares that faithful obedience, not physical condition, opens the way to God’s house. In doing so, it foreshadows the gospel’s reach: everyone who trusts the Lord and walks in His ways is welcomed and granted an enduring place in His family.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 4. -The eunuchs that... take hold of my covenant. The law ofDeuteronomy 23:1 shall be abrogated under the new condition of things, for such as "take hold of God's covenant."

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

For
כִּי־(kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunction

this is what
כֹ֣ה ׀(ḵōh)
Adverb
Strong's 3541:Like this, thus, here, now

the LORD
יְהוָ֗ה(Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

says:
אָמַ֣ר(’ā·mar)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, say

“To the eunuchs
לַסָּֽרִיסִים֙(las·sā·rî·sîm)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5631:A eunuch, valet, a minister of state

who
אֲשֶׁ֤ר(’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

keep
יִשְׁמְרוּ֙(yiš·mə·rū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 8104:To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to

My Sabbaths,
שַׁבְּתוֹתַ֔י(šab·bə·ṯō·w·ṯay)
Noun - common plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 7676:Intermission, the Sabbath

who choose
וּבָֽחֲר֖וּ(ū·ḇā·ḥă·rū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 977:To try, select

what
בַּאֲשֶׁ֣ר(ba·’ă·šer)
Preposition-b | Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

pleases Me
חָפָ֑צְתִּי(ḥā·p̄ā·ṣə·tî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 2654:To incline to, to bend, to be pleased with, desire

and hold fast
וּמַחֲזִיקִ֖ים(ū·ma·ḥă·zî·qîm)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 2388:To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer

to My covenant—
בִּבְרִיתִֽי׃(biḇ·rî·ṯî)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 1285:A covenant

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OT Prophets: Isaiah 56:4 For thus says Yahweh of the eunuchs (Isa Isi Is)