Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 6:6
This word can mean flying or fainting, often due to darkness or gloom. It appears in books like Isaiah and Jeremiah, describing dramatic scenes.
Definition: v 1) to fly, fly about, fly away 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to fly, hover 1a2) to fly away 1b) (Hiphil) to cause to fly, light upon 1c) (Polel) 1c1) to fly about or to and fro 1c2) to cause to fly to and fro, brandish 1d) (Hithpolel) to fly away 2) (Qal) to cover, be dark
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: brandish, be (wax) faint, flee away, fly (away), [idiom] set, shine forth, weary. See also: Genesis 1:20; Proverbs 23:5; Psalms 18:11.
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
A seraph is a majestic being that appears in the Bible, with six wings and a powerful presence, like in Isaiah 6:1-3. The word means burning or fiery, and seraphs are often associated with God's throne and worship. They are symbolic creatures that represent God's power and glory.
Definition: 1) serpent, fiery serpent 1a) poisonous serpent (fiery from burning effect of poison)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: fiery (serpent), seraph. See also: Numbers 21:6; Isaiah 6:2; Isaiah 6:6.
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
A hot stone or live coal, also describing a decorative pavement, like the ones found in ancient temples.
Definition: pavement
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: live coal, pavement. See also: 2 Chronicles 7:3; Ezekiel 40:17; Isaiah 6:6.
Tongs or snuffers were used in the temple, as seen in Exodus, for handling hot items like altar coals or lamp wicks.
Definition: 1) snuffers, tongs 1a) tongs (for altar use) 1b) snuffers (for lamps in temple or tabernacle)
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: snuffers, tongs. See also: Exodus 25:38; 1 Kings 7:49; Isaiah 6:6.
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
An altar is a place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to God, as seen in the Bible's description of the tabernacle and temple. It was a central part of Israel's worship. The altar played a key role in the priestly rituals.
Definition: altar
Usage: Occurs in 338 OT verses. KJV: altar. See also: Genesis 8:20; Leviticus 7:2; 1 Kings 2:28.
Context — Isaiah’s Commission
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
Revelation 8:3–5 |
Then another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, along with the prayers of all the saints, on the golden altar before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, rose up before God from the hand of the angel. Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and hurled it to the earth; and there were peals of thunder, and rumblings, and flashes of lightning, and an earthquake. |
| 2 |
Hebrews 9:22–26 |
According to the law, in fact, nearly everything must be purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. So it was necessary for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ did not enter a man-made copy of the true sanctuary, but He entered heaven itself, now to appear on our behalf in the presence of God. Nor did He enter heaven to offer Himself again and again, as the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. Otherwise, Christ would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But now He has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of Himself. |
| 3 |
Ezekiel 10:2 |
And the LORD said to the man clothed in linen, “Go inside the wheelwork beneath the cherubim. Fill your hands with burning coals from among the cherubim and scatter them over the city.” And as I watched, he went in. |
| 4 |
Leviticus 16:12 |
Then he must take a censer full of burning coals from the altar before the LORD, and two handfuls of finely ground fragrant incense, and take them inside the veil. |
| 5 |
Hebrews 13:10 |
We have an altar from which those who serve at the tabernacle have no right to eat. |
| 6 |
Hebrews 1:7 |
Now about the angels He says: “He makes His angels winds, His servants flames of fire.” |
| 7 |
Isaiah 6:2 |
Above Him stood seraphim, each having six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. |
| 8 |
Daniel 9:21–23 |
while I was still praying, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me in swift flight about the time of the evening sacrifice. He instructed me and spoke with me, saying: “O Daniel, I have come now to give you insight and understanding. At the beginning of your petitions, an answer went out, and I have come to tell you, for you are highly precious. So consider the message and understand the vision: |
| 9 |
Hebrews 1:14 |
Are not the angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation? |
| 10 |
Matthew 3:11 |
I baptize you with water for repentance, but after me will come One more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. |
Isaiah 6:6 Summary
[In Isaiah 6:6, a seraphim, or angel, flies to the prophet Isaiah with a glowing coal from the altar, which is a powerful symbol of God's purifying power, as seen in Malachi 3:2-3. This coal is used to cleanse Isaiah's lips, preparing him to speak God's words to His people. Just as Isaiah needed purification, we too need God's cleansing power in our lives, as taught in 1 John 1:9. By recognizing our sinfulness and crying out to God, we can experience His mercy and restoration, as seen in Psalm 51:7.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the glowing coal in Isaiah 6:6?
The glowing coal represents the purifying power of God, as seen in Isaiah 6:7 where it is used to cleanse the prophet's lips, and is reminiscent of the refining fire in Malachi 3:2-3, which purifies God's people.
Why did the seraphim take the coal from the altar?
The altar in Isaiah 6:6 is likely the altar of incense, which symbolized the prayers of God's people rising to Him, as seen in Revelation 8:3-5, and the coal represents the acceptance of those prayers, which are then used to purify the prophet.
What can we learn from the seraphim's actions in this verse?
The seraphim's obedience to God's will, as seen in Isaiah 6:6, demonstrates the importance of submitting to God's commands, as taught in Jeremiah 7:23 and Matthew 28:20, and trusting in His power to accomplish His purposes.
How does this verse relate to our own lives as believers?
Just as the seraphim brought the coal to purify the prophet, God often uses His messengers and His Word to purify and prepare us for service, as seen in 2 Timothy 2:21 and 1 Peter 1:7, reminding us of our need for cleansing and our role in serving Him.
Reflection Questions
- What areas of my life need to be purified by God's refining fire, and how can I surrender them to Him?
- How can I, like the seraphim, be an instrument of God's purification and redemption in the lives of those around me?
- What does this verse teach me about God's desire to cleanse and restore His people, and how can I apply this to my own life and relationships?
- In what ways can I, like Isaiah, recognize my own sinfulness and need for purification, and cry out to God for mercy and cleansing?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 6:6
Then flew one of the seraphim unto me,.... When the prophet had confessed his sin; for upon that follows the application of pardon; and when the seraph, or minister of the Gospel, had an order from
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 6:6
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: Then flew one of the seraphim unto me. The seraph had been in the temple, Isaiah outside of it.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 6:6
Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, by God’ s command, having a live coal; both a token and an instrument of purification, as the next verse explains it. From off the altar of burnt-offering, which stood in the court of the priests near the porch, and which had always coals of fire upon it, ,13. Hence he took it, to show that men are to expect purification and expiation of sin only by such means as God hath appointed, and particularly by Christ, whom that altar did manifestly represent, .
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 6:6
Isaiah 6:6 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:Ver. 6. Then flew one of the seraphims unto me.] Relinquit chorum illum sanctissimum ut serviat polluto; He leaveth that holy company that he may do service to a poor polluted creature! The brightest angel in heaven thinketh not himself too good to serve the saints. If there come to us at any time a messenger, one of a thousand, to declare unto us our righteousness, to be unto us a minister of reconciliation, we are to receive him as an angel of God. Having a live coal in his hand.] A coal from the altar, shadowing the merit and Spirit of Christ purging his people from all sin. The tongs whereby this live coal of Christ’ s righteousness is applied to the soul is the grace of faith.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 6:6
(6) Then flew one of the seraphims.—In presenting the vision to our mind’s eye we have to think of the bright seraph form, glowing as with fire, and with wings like the lightning-flash, leaving his station above the throne, and coming to where the prophet stood in speechless terror. The altar from which he took the “live coal “—literally, stone, and interpreted by some critics of the stones of which the altar was constructed—is commonly thought of as belonging, like that of Rev 8:5; Revelation 9:13, to the heavenly Temple which was opened to the prophet’s view. There seems, however, a deeper meaning in the symbolism if we think of the seraph as descending from the height above the throne to the altar of incense, near which Isaiah actually stood. It was from that altar that the glowing charcoal was taken. What had seemed part of the material of a formal worship became quickened with a living power. The symbol became sacramental. So in Psalms 51:7, the prayer of the penitent is “Purge me with hyssop”—i.e., make the symbol a reality. Fire, it need hardly be said, is throughout the Bible the symbol at once of the wrath and the love of God, destroying the evil and purifying the good (Numbers 31:23; Malachi 3:2; Matthew 3:11; 1 Corinthians 3:15; Hebrews 12:29; 1 Peter 1:7). Isaiah passed, as it were, through the purgatory of an instantaneous agony.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 6:6
Verse 6. A live coal] The word of prophecy, which was put into the mouth of the prophet. From off the altar] That is, from the altar of burnt-offerings, before the door of the temple, on which the fire that came down at first from heaven (Leviticus 9:24; 2 Chronicles 7:1) was perpetually burning. It was never to be extinguished, Leviticus 6:12-13.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 6:6
6, 7. The ceremony of purification is in many respects unique, and seems to involve several ideas: (1) It shews that contact with the fire of the divine holiness is not necessarily destructive even to man. It is possible to “dwell with devouring fire” (ch. Isaiah 33:14). (2) It signifies the removal from the prophet of all in him which is incompatible with the holiness of Jehovah. Fire is both a symbol of holiness and an agent of purification (Numbers 31:23; Malachi 3:2). “As earthly fire burns away external impurity, so the heavenly fire burns away the defilement of sin, first from the lips, but through them from the whole man” (Dillmann). (3) It is not without significance that the fire is taken “from off the altar.” The hot stone (A. V. live coal) was an implement used in common life for transferring heat from the hearth to where it was required. The meaning of the Seraph’s act is that the atoning efficacy of the altar is conveyed to the person of Isaiah, to his lips in particular, because there the sin of his nature had seemed to be concentrated.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 6:6
Then flew - Isaiah is represented as standing out of the temple; the seraphim as in it. Having a live coal - The Vulgate renders this, ‘A stone.’ This is, probably, the original meaning of the word; see 1 Kings 19:6.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 6:6
6. Flew — The seraph spread his middle pair of wings and “flew” from the throne, first to the altar of incense, then to the prophet with a glowing coal.
Sermons on Isaiah 6:6
| Sermon | Description |
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True Revival - Part 1 (Cd Quality)
by Leonard Ravenhill
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In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a recent earthquake in Houston and connects it to the idea of the whole creation groaning, expressing dissatisfaction and a limit to materia |
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Message 12
by George Verwer
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In this sermon, the speaker highlights the impact of ordinary people in spreading the gospel. He mentions Mrs. Clamp and Danny's father as examples of normal Americans who were use |
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A Vision of Our Culture
by Dennis Kinlaw
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In this sermon, the preacher shares a powerful experience he had during a gathering where he noticed a wave of sound coming from the audience every time he mentioned the name of Je |
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I Saw the Lord!
by Steve Gallagher
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In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preparing one's heart to receive the word of God. He encourages listeners to consecrate themselves and not evade the reali |
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Fren-06 Prêtre Etprophète (Priest and Prophet)
by Art Katz
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In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of destruction and restoration in the kingdom of heaven. He refers to Acts 3:21, which speaks of the period of restoration of |
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Edgar's Personal Testimony
by Edgar Reich
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In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal vision he had where he found himself trapped in a grave, bound by ropes representing his sins. He realizes that if he goes to hell, it |
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Signs of the Times
by Brian Guerin
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Brian Guerin delivers a powerful sermon titled 'Signs of the Times,' emphasizing the urgency of spiritual awakening and the need for purity among believers. He shares prophetic dre |