Isa 58:3-5 | NET2full | STEP | They lament, ‘ Why don’t you notice when we fast ? Why don’t you pay attention when we humble ourselves ?’ Look , at the same time you fast , you satisfy your selfish desires , you oppress your workers .

Isaiah 58:3-5

3 They lament, ^{▼▼tn The words “they lament” are supplied in the translation for clarification.} ‘Why don’t you notice when we fast?
Why don’t you pay attention when we humble ourselves?’
Look, at the same time you fast, you satisfy your selfish desires, ^{▼▼tn Heb “you find pleasure”; NASB “you find your desire.”}
you oppress your workers. ^{▼▼tn Or perhaps, “debtors.” See HALOT 865 s.v. * עָצֵב.}
4 Look, your fasting is accompanied by ^{▼▼tn Heb “you fast for” (so NASB); NRSV “you fast only to quarrel.”} arguments, brawls,
and fistfights. ^{▼▼tn Heb “and for striking with a sinful fist.”}
Do not fast as you do today,
trying to make your voice heard in heaven.
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?