Isaiah 66:3
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.
Isaiah 66:3 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Isaiah condemns the actions of those who go through the motions of religious practices without a true understanding or reverence for God. The verse compares the killing of an ox to slaying a man, the sacrificing of a lamb to cutting off a dog's neck, and the offering of an oblation to offering swine's blood. It emphasizes that these acts, which are meant to be offerings of worship, are actually seen as abominations in the eyes of God because they are not done with sincerity or true devotion. The verse goes on to say that those who partake in these actions have chosen their own ways, indicating that they have strayed from the path of righteousness and chosen their own selfish desires over following God's commandments. The verse concludes by stating that their souls delight in these abominations, highlighting the sinful nature of their actions and attitudes. It serves as a warning against empty religious rituals devoid of true faith and obedience to God.
Theological Overview
Through a theological interpretation of this verse, it is clear that God is expressing his displeasure with the people's empty religious practices. The verse highlights the contrast between the outward acts of sacrifice and worship that the people were engaging in, and the condition of their hearts. The Lord is essentially saying that the people's actions are meaningless and offensive to Him because their hearts are not in the right place. The comparison of killing an ox to slaying a man, sacrificing a lamb to cutting off a dog's neck, offering an oblation to giving swine's blood, and burning incense to blessing an idol, all serve to emphasize the severity of the people's sin in God's eyes. The verse concludes by stating that the people have chosen their own ways and take pleasure in their abominations, showing that their actions are rooted in selfishness and disobedience. This passage serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of genuine worship and obedience to God's will.
Isaiah 66:3 in other translations
American Standard Version
He that killeth an ox is as he that slayeth a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as he that breaketh a dog's neck; he that offereth an oblation, [as he that offereth] swine's blood; he that [ burneth frankincense, as he that blesseth an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations:
World English Bible
He who kills an ox is as he who kills a man; he who sacrifices a lamb, as he who breaks a dog’s neck; he who offers an offering, as he who offers pig’s blood; he who burns frankincense, as he who blesses an idol. Yes, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delights in their abominations:
Douay-Rheims
He that sacrificeth an ox, is as if he slew a man: he that killeth a sheep in sacrifice, as if he should brain a dog: he that offereth an oblation, as if he should offer swine's blood; he that remembereth incense, as if he should bless an idol. All these things have they chosen in their ways, and their soul is delighted in their abominations.
Geneva Bible (1599)
He that killeth a bullocke, is as if he slewe a man: he that sacrificeth a sheepe, as if he cut off a dogges necke: he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swines blood: he that remembreth incense, as if he blessed an idole: yea, they haue chosen their owne wayes, and their soule deliteth in their abominations.