Isaiah 1:15

15 "When you lift your hands in prayer, I will not look at you. No matter how much you pray, I will not listen, for your hands are covered with blood.

Isaiah 1:15 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 1:15

And when ye spread forth your hands
That is, in prayer, this being a prayer gesture: hence the Targum paraphrases it,

``and when the priests spread out their hands to pray for you.''

I will hide mine eyes from you;
will not look upon them, nor regard their prayer; see ( Lamentations 3:42 ) yea, when ye make many prayers;
as the Scribes and Pharisees did in Christ's time, and thought to be heard for their much speaking, like the Gentiles, ( Matthew 6:7 ) I will not hear;
so as to give an answer, or fulfil their requests: the reason follows, your hands are full of blood;
of the prophets of the Lord, of Christ and his followers, whom they put to death.

Isaiah 1:15 In-Context

13 It's useless to bring your offerings. I am disgusted with the smell of the incense you burn. I cannot stand your New Moon Festivals, your Sabbaths, and your religious gatherings; they are all corrupted by your sins.

14 I hate your New Moon Festivals and holy days; they are a burden that I am tired of bearing.

15 "When you lift your hands in prayer, I will not look at you. No matter how much you pray, I will not listen, for your hands are covered with blood.

16 Wash yourselves clean. Stop all this evil that I see you doing. Yes, stop doing evil

17 and learn to do right. See that justice is done - help those who are oppressed, give orphans their rights, and defend widows."