Isaiah 6:5

Translations

Modern

Then I said: “Woe is me, for I am ruined, because I am a man of unclean lips dwelling among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of Hosts.”

Traditional

Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.

Literal

And I said, “Woe to me, for I am finished! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I am dwelling in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for the King YHWH of Hosts, my eyes have seen!”

Latin

Et dixi: Væ mihi, quia tacui, quia vir pollutus labiis ego sum, et in medio populi polluta labia habentis ego habito, et regem Dominum exercituum vidi oculis meis.

Original

Hebrew

English

Then I said: “Woe is me, for I am ruined, because I am a man of unclean lips dwelling among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of Hosts.”

Notes

Isaiah 6:5

Woe is me, for I am ruined: The prophet felt unworthy of the vision. He was painfully aware of his personal uncleanness (unclean lips) when compared to the holiness of God. Isaiah knew that he was unworthy to speak the pure word of God, as were his people.

Isaiah 6:1–13

Isaiah’s great vision of the Lord as King on his throne was a turning point in his life. This vision shaped his work as a prophet.

Scholars understand the historical setting of this event in two main ways:

Some see Isaiah 6 as Isaiah's original call to ministry. This would mean Isaiah 1–5 and 7–12 belong to the time of King Ahaz. Ahaz began to rule after King Uzziah died(Isaiah 6:1).
If this is correct, Isaiah’s call did not appear at the beginning of the book for literary reasons. Perhaps the author placed the call in chapter 6 to end chapters 1–5 and introduce chapters 7–12.
Isaiah’s personal cleansing and commissioning show what the whole nation needed. The people also needed to turn back to God if they were to fulfill their calling to be God’s light to the world.
Others believe that chapters 1–12 follow a chronological order (in the order events happened).
In this view, chapter 6 does not describe Isaiah’s first call. Instead, it describes a recommissioning. This means God sent Isaiah again to serve in a new way.
This new stage of ministry took place during the time of Ahaz. During this period, people would reject Isaiah’s message.
Supporters of this interpretation refer to Isaiah 2:7–9; 3:16–24; and 5:8–14. They argue that these sections describe a time of wealth, military strength, pride, and luxury. These conditions fit the reign of Uzziah but not the reign of Ahaz.

Theme notes and profiles

Isaiah God’s Absolute Holiness Salvation in Isaiah The Glory of God The Holy One of Israel The New Order Visions

Events

Prophecies of Isaiahc. 759 BC

Related verses

Luke 5:8–9
When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees. “Go away from me, Lord,” he said, “for I am a sinful man.”
James 3:6–10
The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
Jeremiah 1:6
“Ah, Lord GOD,” I said, “I surely do not know how to speak, for I am only a child!”
Jeremiah 9:3–8
“They bend their tongues like bows; lies prevail over truth in the land. For they proceed from evil to evil, and they do not take Me into account,” declares the LORD.
Matthew 12:34–37
You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.
Exodus 6:30
But in the LORD’s presence Moses replied, “Since I am unskilled in speech, why would Pharaoh listen to me?”
Exodus 4:10
“Please, Lord,” Moses replied, “I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since You have spoken to Your servant, for I am slow of speech and tongue.”
Ezekiel 2:6–8
But you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words. Do not be afraid, though briers and thorns surround you, and you dwell among scorpions. Do not be afraid of their words or dismayed by their presence, though they are a rebellious house.
Isaiah 29:13
Therefore the Lord said: “These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is but rules taught by men.
Ezekiel 33:31
So My people come to you as usual, sit before you, and hear your words; but they do not put them into practice. Although they express love with their mouths, their hearts pursue dishonest gain.
Revelation 1:16–17
He held in His right hand seven stars, and a sharp double-edged sword came from His mouth. His face was like the sun shining at its brightest.
Exodus 6:12
But in the LORD’s presence Moses replied, “If the Israelites will not listen to me, then why would Pharaoh listen to me, since I am unskilled in speech?”

Parallels

Matthew 13:10–17 Mark 4:10–12 Acts 28:16–31

People

LORD: Names or title used to refer to God

Glossary

Angel Apocalyptic Atonement Burning Bush Cleanness and Uncleanness, Regulations Concerning Ezekiel, Book of Host, Host of Heaven Humility Incense Isaiah, Book of Kingdom of God, Kingdom of Heaven Ordain, Ordination Prayer Presence of God Prophecy Prophet, Prophetess Seraph, Seraphim Vision, Visions

Topics

Christian Minister: Character and Attributes of Company: Evil Conviction of Sin God: Appearances of To Isaiah God: Glory of Humility: Exemplified Humility: Isaiah Ministers: Qualified by God Missionary Work by Ministers: God Qualifies For Prayer: Confession In Prophets: Inspiration of Remorse: General Scriptures Concerning Repentance: Exemplified Sin: Confession of Speaking: Evil The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As King Visions: To Isaiah

Isaiah 6:5

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