Isaiah 6 6

Isaiah 6:6 kjv

Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar:

Isaiah 6:6 nkjv

Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a live coal which he had taken with the tongs from the altar.

Isaiah 6:6 niv

Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar.

Isaiah 6:6 esv

Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar.

Isaiah 6:6 nlt

Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal he had taken from the altar with a pair of tongs.

Isaiah 6 verses

Isaiah 6 6 Meaning

Isaiah 6:6 describes a pivotal moment in the prophet Isaiah’s call vision. Following Isaiah’s confession of his profound unworthiness and "unclean lips" in the presence of the holy God, a seraph flies to him. This celestial being carries a live, burning coal, carefully removed from the divine altar with tongs. This act signifies God's direct intervention for purification, enabling Isaiah to fulfill his prophetic ministry by making his "unclean lips" suitable for speaking God’s pure message. The coal, originating from the holy altar, is an agent of sanctification.

Isaiah 6 6 Context

Isaiah 6:6 is part of a magnificent and terrifying vision described in Isaiah chapter 6, where the prophet encounters the Lord seated upon a high and exalted throne, His train filling the Temple. This divine encounter profoundly impacts Isaiah, revealing the stark contrast between God's absolute holiness and his own, and his people's, uncleanness. The seraphim, with their constant declaration of "Holy, holy, holy," further emphasize the divine standard. In response to this awe-inspiring holiness, Isaiah cries out in despair, acknowledging his "unclean lips" and his residence among a people with unclean lips. Verse 6 marks the moment of divine grace where purification is immediately provided, preparing Isaiah for the prophetic commission that follows (Isa 6:8-13). Historically, this vision occurred in the year of King Uzziah's death (740 BCE), a time of political instability and moral decline in Judah. The vision reaffirms God's sovereignty even amidst earthly turmoil and establishes the basis for Isaiah's demanding ministry to a disobedient nation.

Isaiah 6 6 Word analysis

• וַיָּעָף (vay-ya'af): "And he flew" or "then he flew." The Hebrew verb indicates swift, immediate, and decisive action by the seraph. It conveys a rapid and intentional movement toward Isaiah.
• אֵלַי (elay): "to me." Highlights the directness of the divine attention and the personalized nature of this act of purification towards Isaiah.
• אֶחָד (echad): "one." Specifies that a singular seraph performed this task. This emphasizes the individual agency within the heavenly host.
• מִן־הַשְּׂרָפִים (min-has-s'raphim): "from the seraphim."
  • הַשְּׂרָפִים (has-s'raphim): "the seraphim." These are celestial beings whose name (related to śāraf - "to burn") suggests fiery, consuming nature. In context, they attend God's throne, signifying divine majesty, purity, and execution of God's will. Their role here is sacerdotal, mediating a sacred ritual.
• וּבְיָדוֹ (u-viyado): "and in his hand." Signifies the direct carrying and handling of the coal by the seraph, emphasizing it as a deliberate act.
• רִצְפָּה (ritspah): "a burning coal," "a live coal," or "an ember." This term implies something intensely hot and alive, not merely ash. It is associated with both the destructive power and the refining capacity of fire, here signifying purification and consecration.
• בְּמֶלְקָחַיִם (b'melqachayim): "with tongs." This specific instrument for handling hot or sacred objects highlights the extreme holiness of the coal and its origin. It signifies precise, careful, and reverent handling, indicating the sacred nature of what is being touched.
• מֵעַל (me'al): "from upon." Denotes the specific elevated source from which the coal was taken.
• הַמִּזְבֵּחַ (ham-mizbe'ach): "the altar." In the context of the heavenly temple and Isaiah's subsequent prophetic utterance, this most likely refers to the Altar of Incense. This altar symbolized prayer, intercession, and atonement, where fire continually burned, symbolizing God's purifying presence and ongoing covenant. Its fire had cleansed the priest on the Day of Atonement. The coal's origin on this holy altar underscores its power to sanctify and purify.

Isaiah 6 6 Bonus section

The "unclean lips" confession is particularly significant because Isaiah is called to be a prophet – one who speaks God's word. The purification of his lips directly addresses the area of his service, empowering his communication with divine authority. The imagery of fire is multivalent throughout scripture: it represents God's holy presence (Exod 3), judgment (Gen 19), and refining purity (Mal 3). In this verse, its purifying aspect takes precedence, transforming Isaiah rather than consuming him. The fact that the coal is handled with "tongs" emphasizes the absolute reverence and distinction between divine holiness and human capacity. Even celestial beings must use implements when dealing with sacred items from God's presence. This detail underscores God's meticulous order and profound sanctity.

Isaiah 6 6 Commentary

Isaiah 6:6 is a profound display of divine grace and practical cleansing. Immediately following Isaiah's lamentation over his "unclean lips," the Holy God does not reject him but provides direct purification. The seraph, a fiery agent of God's presence, acts as a divine mediator, taking a live coal from the altar. This altar, perpetually ablaze with divine fire, is the source of atonement and God's holiness. The coal's heat represents God's refining fire, which purges impurities. By touching Isaiah’s lips, the source of his defilement and his future ministry, God both removes sin and consecrates him for prophetic speech. This purification is not earned but gifted, illustrating that those who serve God must first be made clean by Him. It empowers the human, sinful vessel to carry the divine, holy message, highlighting God’s ability to use imperfect people once they are sanctified by His grace. This scene lays the foundation for all future divine commission: cleansing must precede service.