Isaiah 55:2
Isaiah 55:2 in Multiple Translations
Why spend money on that which is not bread, and your labor on that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of foods.
Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.
Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labor for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.
Why do you give your money for what is not bread, and the fruit of your work for what will not give you pleasure? Give ear to me, so that your food may be good, and you may have the best in full measure.
Why are you spending money on what isn't food, and why work for something that doesn't satisfy you? Listen carefully to me: eat what is good, and you'll enjoy the very best food.
Wherefore doe ye lay out siluer and not for bread? and your labour without being satisfied? hearken diligently vnto me, and eate that which is good, and let your soule delite in fatnes.
Why do ye weigh money for that which is not bread? And your labour for that which is not for satiety? Hearken diligently unto me, and eat good, And your soul doth delight itself in fatness.
Why do you spend money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which doesn’t satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in richness.
Why do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labor for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently to me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.
Why do you spend money for that which is not breed, and your labour for that which doth not satisfy you? Hearken diligently to me, and eat that which is good, and your soul shall be delighted in fatness.
What you really need is to have a close relationship with me, so ◄why do you spend money to buy things that do not supply what you really need?/you should not spend money to buy things that do not supply what you really need.► [RHQ] ◄Why do you work hard to get money to buy things that do not <satisfy your inner beings/cause you to be happy>?► [RHQ] Pay attention to what I say and acquire what is really good [MET]! If you do that, then you will truly be happy [MET].
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 55:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Isaiah 55:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לָ֤/מָּה
תִשְׁקְלוּ
כֶ֨סֶף֙
בְּֽ/לוֹא
לֶ֔חֶם
וִ/יגִיעֲ/כֶ֖ם
בְּ/ל֣וֹא
לְ/שָׂבְעָ֑ה
שִׁמְע֨וּ
שָׁמ֤וֹעַ
אֵלַ/י֙
וְ/אִכְלוּ
ט֔וֹב
וְ/תִתְעַנַּ֥ג
בַּ/דֶּ֖שֶׁן
נַפְשְׁ/כֶֽם
לָ֤/מָּה
mâh
H4100
what?
Prep | Part
תִשְׁקְלוּ
shâqal
H8254
to weigh
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
כֶ֨סֶף֙
keçeph
H3701
silver
N-ms
בְּֽ/לוֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Prep | Part
לֶ֔חֶם
lechem
H3899
food
N-cs
וִ/יגִיעֲ/כֶ֖ם
yᵉgîyaʻ
H3018
toil
Conj | N-ms | Suff
בְּ/ל֣וֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Prep | Part
לְ/שָׂבְעָ֑ה
sobʻâh
H7654
satiety
Prep | N-fs
שִׁמְע֨וּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
שָׁמ֤וֹעַ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Ptc
אֵלַ/י֙
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
וְ/אִכְלוּ
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2mp
ט֔וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
וְ/תִתְעַנַּ֥ג
ʻânag
H6026
to delight
Conj | V-Hithpael-Imperf-3fs
בַּ/דֶּ֖שֶׁן
deshen
H1880
ashes
Prep | N-ms
נַפְשְׁ/כֶֽם
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 55:2
לָ֤/מָּה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Prep | Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
תִשְׁקְלוּ
shâqal
H8254
"to weigh"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
To weigh or measure something, like a merchant weighing goods, is what this Hebrew word means, as seen in Proverbs 16:11.
Definition: 1) to weigh, weigh out, pay out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to weigh 1a2) to weigh out (a price) 1a3) of grief (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be weighed 1b2) to be weighed out Aramaic equivalent: te.qal (תְּקַל "to weigh" H8625A)
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: pay, receive(-r), spend, [idiom] throughly, weigh. See also: Genesis 23:16; Esther 4:7; Isaiah 33:18.
כֶ֨סֶף֙
keçeph
H3701
"silver"
N-ms
Silver or money, often referring to payment or wealth, like the silver talents in Matthew 25. It can also describe silver as a valuable metal or ornament.
Definition: : money/payment/silver 1) silver, money 1a) silver 1a1) as metal 1a2) as ornament 1a3) as colour 1b) money, shekels, talents
Usage: Occurs in 343 OT verses. KJV: money, price, silver(-ling). See also: Genesis 13:2; Numbers 22:18; 2 Chronicles 1:17.
בְּֽ/לוֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Prep | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
לֶ֔חֶם
lechem
H3899
"food"
N-cs
This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.
Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.
וִ/יגִיעֲ/כֶ֖ם
yᵉgîyaʻ
H3018
"toil"
Conj | N-ms | Suff
This word refers to hard work or labor, and the things we produce as a result of our efforts. It can also mean the property or wealth we acquire through our work. The KJV translates it as 'labour' or 'work'.
Definition: 1) toil, work 2) product, produce, acquired property (as a result of work)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: labour, work. See also: Genesis 31:42; Psalms 128:2; Psalms 78:46.
בְּ/ל֣וֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Prep | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
לְ/שָׂבְעָ֑ה
sobʻâh
H7654
"satiety"
Prep | N-fs
Satiety refers to the feeling of being full or satisfied, having enough of something. It can also describe something that is never satisfied.
Definition: satisfaction, satiety, one's fill
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: (to have) enough, [idiom] till...be full, (un-) satiable, satisfy, [idiom] sufficiently. See also: Isaiah 23:18; Ezekiel 16:28; Isaiah 55:2.
שִׁמְע֨וּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
שָׁמ֤וֹעַ
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Ptc
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
אֵלַ/י֙
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
וְ/אִכְלוּ
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2mp
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
ט֔וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
וְ/תִתְעַנַּ֥ג
ʻânag
H6026
"to delight"
Conj | V-Hithpael-Imperf-3fs
Anag means to delight or be soft, and can also imply being effeminate or luxurious. It is used to describe being happy or taking delight in something, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) to be soft, be delicate, be dainty 1a) (Pual) to be delicate 1b) (Hithpael) 1b1) to be of dainty habit, be pampered 1b2) to be happy about, take exquisite delight 1b3) to make merry over, make sport of
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: delicate(-ness), (have) delight (self), sport self. See also: Deuteronomy 28:56; Isaiah 55:2; Psalms 37:4.
בַּ/דֶּ֖שֶׁן
deshen
H1880
"ashes"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to the ashes of sacrifices, mixed with fat, or to abundance and fertility, like the fatness of the land in Psalm 65. It symbolizes God's blessing and provision. The word is used to describe the richness of God's creation.
Definition: 1) fat ashes, fatness 1a) fatness 1a1) of fertility 1a2) of blessing (fig.) 1b) fat ashes (ashes of victims, mixed with the fat)
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: ashes, fatness. See also: Leviticus 1:16; Job 36:16; Psalms 36:9.
נַפְשְׁ/כֶֽם
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
Study Notes — Isaiah 55:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 55:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 55:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 55:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 55:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 55:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 55:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 55:2
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 55:2
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 55:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 55:2
- Sermons on Isaiah 55:2
Context — Invitation to the Needy
1“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you without money, come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost!
2Why spend money on that which is not bread, and your labor on that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of foods.
3Incline 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. 4Behold, I have made him a witness to the nations, a leader and commander of the peoples.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | John 6:48–58 | I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, yet they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that anyone may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And this bread, which I will give for the life of the world, is My flesh.” At this, the Jews began to argue among themselves, “How can this man give us His flesh to eat?” So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of Man, you have no life in you. Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For My flesh is real food, and My blood is real drink. Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood remains in Me, and I in him. Just as the living Father sent Me and I live because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on Me will live because of Me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your fathers, who ate the manna and died, the one who eats this bread will live forever.” |
| 2 | Jeremiah 2:13 | “For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living water, and they have dug their own cisterns— broken cisterns that cannot hold water. |
| 3 | Psalms 22:26 | The poor will eat and be satisfied; those who seek the LORD will praise Him. May your hearts live forever! |
| 4 | Psalms 36:8 | They feast on the abundance of Your house, and You give them drink from Your river of delights. |
| 5 | Romans 10:2–3 | For I testify about them that they are zealous for God, but not on the basis of knowledge. Because they were ignorant of God’s righteousness and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. |
| 6 | Hebrews 13:9 | Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace and not by foods of no value to those devoted to them. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 31:14 | I will fill the souls of the priests abundantly, and will fill My people with My goodness,” declares the LORD. |
| 8 | Habakkuk 2:13 | Is it not indeed from the LORD of Hosts that the labor of the people only feeds the fire, and the nations weary themselves in vain? |
| 9 | Mark 7:14 | Once again Jesus called the crowd to Him and said, “All of you, listen to Me and understand: |
| 10 | Isaiah 51:7 | Listen to Me, you who know what is right, you people with My law in your hearts: Do not fear the scorn of men; do not be broken by their insults. |
Isaiah 55:2 Summary
[This verse, Isaiah 55:2, is an invitation from God to stop wasting our time and energy on things that don't truly satisfy us, and instead, to listen to Him and find nourishment for our souls. By focusing on God and His Word, we can find the richest of foods, which is a deep and lasting satisfaction that comes from knowing and following Him (as seen in Matthew 4:4). This means prioritizing our relationship with God and seeking to understand His voice, rather than getting caught up in worldly pursuits. By doing so, we can experience a sense of delight and fulfillment that comes from being in a right relationship with our Creator.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to spend money on that which is not bread?
This phrase, found in Isaiah 55:2, refers to investing time, energy, and resources into things that do not truly satisfy or nourish our souls, much like the Israelites who turned to idols in Isaiah 44:9-20, only to find them lacking.
How can I listen carefully to God as mentioned in this verse?
To listen carefully to God, we must quiet our hearts and minds, focusing on His Word, as encouraged in Psalm 46:10, and seeking to understand His voice, as guided in John 10:27.
What is the richest of foods that our soul will delight in?
The richest of foods, as mentioned in Isaiah 55:2, refers to the spiritual nourishment and satisfaction that comes from knowing and following God, similar to the concept of feasting on God's Word in Jeremiah 15:16.
How does this verse relate to our daily lives?
This verse relates to our daily lives by reminding us to prioritize what truly satisfies and nourishes our souls, rather than wasting our time and energy on fleeting pleasures, as warned against in 1 John 2:15-17.
Reflection Questions
- What are some things in my life that I'm spending time and energy on that are not truly satisfying?
- How can I practically listen to God's voice and follow His guidance in my daily life?
- What are some spiritual disciplines, such as prayer or Bible reading, that I can practice to nourish my soul and delight in the richest of foods?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of seeking true satisfaction in God, rather than in worldly things, to my relationships and priorities?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 55:2
Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread?.... Lavish away time, opportunities, and strength, in reading and hearing false doctrine, which is not bread, but chaff; is not wholesome,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 55:2
Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 55:2
Money; all your time, and strength, and cost in seeking it. For that which is not bread; for those vain or foolish things which can never nourish or satisfy yea, such as worldly goods, or your own inventions, superstitions, and idolatries. Hearken diligently unto me; unto my doctrine and counsel. Eat ye that which is good; that which is truly, and solidly, and everlastingly good, and not such things which though they be called and seem to be good, yet really are evil, and most pernicious to men. In fatness; in this fat and most pleasant food of gospel enjoyments.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 55:2
Isaiah 55:2 Wherefore do ye spend money for [that which is] not bread? and your labour for [that which] satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye [that which is] good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.Ver. 2. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread?] Heb., For not bread; for that which can no more feed you than those husks could the hungry prodigal. “ Turpe est difficiles habere nugas: Et stultus labor est ineptiarum. ” - Martial. The saying of the Roman general to the soldier that kept the tents, when he should have been fighting in the field, Non amo nimium diligentes, I love not those that are too diligent, will be used of God, if, when he calleth us to the care of higher things, we busy ourselves only about matters of an inferior alloy. Surely, as Domitian the emperor spent his time in catching flies, and Artaxerxes in making hafts for knives, so do most men in trifles and lying vanities, neglecting the one thing necessary (with Martha), and preferring, as those Gergesites in the Gospel, haram domesticam arae Dominicae, a swine sty before a sanctuary. Between such and true believers there is as much difference as is between substantial merchants who deal in rich commodities, and those nugivenduli Agyrtae, who sell gaudes, rattles, and trangums; as is between spiders that catch flies, and eagles that hunt after hares and herons; as is between fowlers that follow after quails, and children that run after butterflies. Had men but tasted of God’ s bread, they would never set such a price upon dove’ s dung. Had they drunk of Christ’ s wine, (which is beyond the best nectar or ambrosia), they would never thirst again after the world’ s delights; which are such as whereof a man may break his neck before his fast. “ Clitorio quicunque sitim de fonte levarit, Vina fugit, gaudetque meris abstemius undis. ” - Ovid. Metam., lib. xv. And your labour for that which satisfieth not.] The world is full of pomp and pleasure, and yet it satisfieth not, because it is full of nothing but of emptiness; the creature is now, ever since the fall, as the husk without the grain, the shell without the kernel; yea, "the world passeth away and the lusts thereof," for a man cannot make his heart long to delight in the same things, but ipsa etiam vota, post usum, fastidio sunt, we loathe after a while what we greatly lusted after, as Amnon did Tamar. Therefore "love not the world," "labour not for the meat that perisheth," but hasten heavenward, saying, as that pilgrim did, who, travelling to Jerusalem, and by the way visiting many brave cities, with their rare monuments, and meeting with many friendly entertainments, would say eftsoons, I must not stay here, this is not Jerusalem.
Hearken diligently unto me.] Heb., Hearing, hear - i.e., Hear as for life, with utmost attention of body, intention of mind, and retention of memory.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 55:2
(2) Wherefore do ye spend money . . .—Here again the “bread” is that which sustains the true life of the soul. “Labour”-stands for the “earnings of labour.” Israel had given her money for that which was “not-bread,” she is called to accept the true bread for that which is “not-money,” scil., as the next verse shows, for the simple “hearing of faith.” “Fatness,” as in Isaiah 25:6, and the “fatted calf” of Luke 15:23, represents the exuberance of spiritual joy.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 55:2
Verse 2. Wherefore do ye spend] Why should ye be so zealously attached to a doctrine from which your souls derive neither comfort nor nourishment?
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 55:2
2. Whilst the religious life is a receiving without spending, the worldly life is a continual spending without lasting profit or satisfaction. spend money] lit. “weigh silver.” your labour] your earnings (as ch. Isaiah 45:14). hearken diligently &c.] Or, if ye but hearken to me ye shall eat good, and your soul shall &c. (see Davidson’s Syntax, § 86 c; and § 132 b). delight itself (ch. Isaiah 58:14, Isaiah 66:11) in fatness] the choicest and most nourishing food (cf. ch. Isaiah 25:6).
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 55:2
Wherefore do ye spend money - Margin, ‘Weigh.’ That is, in Hebrew, ‘weigh silver.’ Before money was coined, the precious metals were weighed, and hence, to make a payment is represented as weighing out silver Genesis 23:16.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 55:2
2. Wherefore do ye spend money — There is remonstrance here against earthliness: making much of that which is of the least importance. Which is not bread — Food to spirit, soul, and body.
Sermons on Isaiah 55:2
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Come, Buy, and Eat (Compilation) by Compilations | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for believers to forsake their wicked ways and unrighteous thoughts. He urges them not to conform to the ways of the world but to b |
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It's Time to Seek the Lord by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of seeking the Lord in good times. He refers to the story of King Asa in 2 Chronicles 14 as an example of seeking God's bless |
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Caleb - a Different Spirit by Gareth Evans | In this sermon, the speaker recounts a conversation with a young Chinese businessman who had a profound understanding of the concept of a perfect Lamb in Christianity. The speaker |
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Listening, Unburdening & Worshipping - Part 1 by Zac Poonen | This sermon focuses on the story of Mary of Bethany and how Jesus elevated women in society, emphasizing the importance of learning from godly women and embracing equality between |
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Dwelling in Ceiled Houses by David Dalton | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for individuals and the church as a whole to prioritize glorifying God rather than themselves. He highlights the importance of allo |
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Are You Walking the Walk or Talking the Walk - Part 4 by Will Graham | This sermon emphasizes the importance of true biblical faith that goes beyond mere intellectual understanding, highlighting the significance of speaking God's truth boldly even if |
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The Profit Motive - Part 1 by Joshua Daniel | This sermon delves into the concept of the profit motive and the story of Esau trading his birthright for a bowl of pottage, highlighting the temptation to prioritize immediate gai |