Isaiah 1:15 Meaning
And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.
Context Explained
13Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting.
14Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them.
15And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.
16Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;
17Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.
Key Themes
Related Cross References
Matthew 15:8
Jesus quotes Isaiah to highlight the disconnect between outward worship and true devotion.
James 4:3
James discusses the futility of prayers that stem from selfish motives.
Micah 3:4
Micah similarly warns that God will not hear the prayers of those who act unjustly.
Source: Isaiah 1:15