Isa 58:5 | NETfull | STEP | Is this really the kind of fasting I want? Do I want a day when people merely humble themselves, bowing their heads like a reed and stretching out on sackcloth and ashes? Is this really what you call a fast, a day that is pleasing to the Lord ?

Isaiah 58:5

5 Is this really the kind of fasting I want? ^{▼▼ Heb “choose” (so NASB, NRSV); NAB “wish.”}
Do I want a day when people merely humble themselves, ^{▼▼ Heb “a day when man humbles himself.” The words “Do I want” are supplied in the translation for stylistic reasons.}
bowing their heads like a reed
and stretching out ^{▼▼ Or “making [their] bed.”} on sackcloth and ashes?
Is this really what you call a fast,
a day that is pleasing to the Lord?