Isaiah 66:3 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Sacrifices offered by those with unrepentant hearts are as defiling as killing a man.
The Context of Isaiah 66:3
Ritual without repentance becomes sin, not worship.
What Does Isaiah 66:3 Mean?
Isaiah levels a stark indictment: the proper sacrificial acts—slaying an ox, offering a lamb, presenting an oblation, burning incense—become abominations when offered by hearts that have turned from God. The prophet compares these religious acts to grave defilements: killing a person, slaughtering a dog, pouring swine's blood, or blessing an idol. External ritual divorced from internal obedience becomes sin itself.
The problem is not the sacrificial system but the worshippers. They have deliberately chosen their own ways over God's, and their souls delight in abominations. Religious observance cannot hide or excuse a heart set against God. This warns against assuming that going through religious motions satisfies God when the heart is far from Him.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 66:3
What does Isaiah 66:3 mean?
Sacrifices offered by those with unrepentant hearts are as defiling as killing a man.
What is the context of Isaiah 66:3?
Ritual without repentance becomes sin, not worship.