Is such the fast that I have chosen? the day for a man to afflict his soul? Is it to bow down his head as a rush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to Jehovah?

Have I given orders for such a day as this? a day for keeping yourselves from pleasure? is it only a question of the bent head, of putting on haircloth, and being seated in the dust? is this what seems to you a holy day, well-pleasing to the Lord?

Τοιαυτη ειναι η νηστεια, την οποιαν εγω εξελεξα; να ταλαιπωρη ο ανθρωπος την ψυχην αυτου μιαν ημεραν; να κλινη την κεφαλην αυτου ως σπαρτον και να υποστρονη σακκον και στακτην εις εαυτον; νηστειαν θελεις ονομασει τουτο και ημεραν δεκτην εις τον Κυριον;

Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the Lord?