Isa 58:5 | NET2full | 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? ^{▼▼tn Heb “choose” (so NASB, NRSV); NAB “wish.”}
Do I want a day when people merely humble themselves, ^{▼▼tn 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 ^{▼▼tn Or “making [their] bed.”} on sackcloth and ashes?
Is this really what you call a fast,
a day that is pleasing to the Lord?