For thus saith the LORD unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant;

ISAIAH 56:4KJV
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Isaiah 56:4 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 56:4 mean?

Isaiah 56:4 says that the LORD promises acceptance and blessing to eunuchs who keep His sabbaths, choose what pleases Him, and hold firmly to His covenant. This verse shows that even those who might feel excluded can belong to God’s people if they are faithful to Him.

In this verse, the prophet Isaiah is relaying God’s message to eunuchs—men who, because of their physical condition, were often excluded from full participation in Israel’s religious life. God is speaking directly to them, assuring them that their devotion and obedience matter more than their status or background. The focus is on their choice to honor God’s sabbaths, seek what pleases Him, and cling to His covenant, highlighting God’s inclusive care for all who are faithful.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 56:4

  • "eunuchs" (סָרִיסִים, sarisim): This word refers to men who had been castrated, often serving in royal courts. In ancient Israel, eunuchs were usually excluded from temple worship, so this promise is especially striking.
  • "keep" (שָׁמַר, shamar): This word means to guard or observe carefully. The emphasis is on intentional, faithful observance of God’s sabbaths, not just outward compliance.
  • "choose" (בָּחַר, bachar): This verb highlights a deliberate decision to seek what pleases God, stressing personal commitment rather than mere tradition.
  • "hold" (חָזַק, chazaq): This word means to take hold of or cling to something tightly. Here, it suggests a strong, determined grip on God’s covenant, showing deep loyalty and perseverance.

Why Isaiah 56:4 matters

  • Isaiah 56:4 corrects the idea that physical status or past exclusion can keep someone from God’s promises if they are faithful to Him.
  • The verse emphasizes that God values devotion, obedience, and personal choice over ritual purity or social standing.
  • Isaiah 56:4 sets up the wider theme in this chapter that God’s invitation is open to all, including foreigners and others who might have been considered outsiders in Israel.

Where else these words appear

“eunuchs” Hebrew H5631 · used in 42 verses

  • Genesis 37:36 And the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, and captain of the guard.
  • 1 Chronicles 28:1 And David assembled all the princes of Israel, the princes of the tribes, and the captains of the companies that ministered to the king by course, and the captains over the thousands, and captains over the hundreds, and the stewards over all the substance and possession of the king, and of his sons, with the officers, and with the mighty men, and with all the valiant men, unto Jerusalem.
  • Isaiah 39:7 And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.

“please” Hebrew H2654 · used in 71 verses

  • Genesis 34:19 And the young man deferred not to do the thing, because he had delight in Jacob's daughter: and he was more honourable than all the house of his father.
  • Job 13:3 Surely I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to reason with God.
  • Ecclesiastes 8:3 Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him.

“sabbaths” Hebrew H7676 · used in 89 verses

  • Exodus 16:23 And he said unto them, This is that which the LORD hath said, To morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the LORD: bake that which ye will bake to day, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning.
  • Leviticus 26:35 As long as it lieth desolate it shall rest; because it did not rest in your sabbaths, when ye dwelt upon it.
  • Nehemiah 13:21 Then I testified against them, and said unto them, Why lodge ye about the wall? if ye do so again, I will lay hands on you. From that time forth came they no more on the sabbath.