Old Testament
Isaiah 66:3
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
He who kills an ox is like one who kills a man; he who sacrifices a lamb is like one who breaks a dog's neck; he who offers a grain offering is like one who offers pig's blood; he who burns incense is like one who blesses an idol. Yes, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delights in their abominations.
Compare translations
He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as if he cut off a dog’s neck; he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swine’s blood; he that burneth incense, as if he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations.
What Isaiah 66:3 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Isaiah 66:3, the prophet conveys a strong message about the futility of empty religious rituals. The verse compares various sacrifices to heinous acts, suggesting that God values the heart behind the offering more than the act itself. Killing an ox or sacrificing a lamb is equated to killing a man or breaking a dog's neck, highlighting that these actions, when done without true devotion, are equally abhorrent. The people have chosen their own ways, indulging in practices that are detestable to God. This reflects a broader theme of hypocrisy in worship, where outward rituals do not align with inner righteousness. The verse serves as a warning against superficial faith and emphasizes the importance of genuine devotion and obedience to God’s commands.
How to apply Isaiah 66:3 to your life
This verse challenges us to examine our own worship practices. Are we engaging in rituals without true devotion? It encourages us to seek a genuine relationship with God, ensuring our actions reflect our faith and commitment to His ways.
Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from David's story: Samuel Anoints David (1 Samuel 16:1–13)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
David
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Isaiah 66:3
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Isaiah 66:3
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Isaiah
- Author
- Isaiah the prophet
- Written
- Around 700 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah and the surrounding nations
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Isaiah 66:3 mean?
Isaiah 66:3 emphasizes that God values the sincerity of our hearts over mere rituals. The verse compares various sacrifices to serious offenses, indicating that empty worship is unacceptable to God.
What is the meaning of 'empty rituals' in Isaiah 66:3?
In Isaiah 66:3, 'empty rituals' refer to religious practices performed without genuine devotion. The verse illustrates that such actions are as offensive to God as heinous acts, highlighting the importance of true faith.
How does Isaiah 66:3 relate to true devotion?
Isaiah 66:3 relates to true devotion by contrasting empty rituals with heartfelt worship. It teaches that God desires authenticity in our relationship with Him rather than mere compliance with religious practices.
What themes are present in Isaiah 66:3?
Isaiah 66:3 presents themes of hypocrisy in worship, the importance of inner righteousness, and the consequences of choosing one's own ways over God's commands. It highlights God's displeasure with insincere offerings.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.