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Isaiah 1:3
ESV The ox knows its owner, and the donkey its master 's crib, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand."
NIV The ox knows its master, the donkey its owner’s manger, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand."
NASB An ox knows its owner, And a donkey its master’s manger, But Israel does not know, My people do not understand.'
CSB The ox knows its owner, and the donkey its master’s feeding trough, but Israel does not know; my people do not understand."
NLT Even an ox knows its owner, and a donkey recognizes its master’s care — but Israel doesn’t know its master. My people don’t recognize my care for them.'
KJV The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider.
NKJV The ox knows its owner And the donkey its master’s crib; But Israel does not know, My people do not consider.”

What does Isaiah 1:3 mean?

God is laying out His case against His people Israel (Isaiah 1:1–2) as a lawyer would present a case in a lawsuit over a broken contract. He has described these children of His as living in rebellion against Him.

Now the Lord compares Israel's willful ignorance to livestock. Donkeys, especially, were known to be stubborn animals. Even donkeys, though, understand who feeds them. Even donkeys know who owns and provides for them.

God insists that the people of Israel have demonstrated by their behavior that they do not know where their sustenance comes from. They show their lack of understanding by rebelling against the one who provides what they need to live. They don't show even basic awareness that if they succeed in pushing the Lord away, they will lose everything else, as well.
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