Isaiah 64:6
Isaiah 64:6 in Multiple Translations
Each of us has become like something unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all wither like a leaf, and our iniquities carry us away like the wind.
But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
For we are all become as one that is unclean, and all our righteousnesses are as a polluted garment: and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.
For we have all become like an unclean person, and all our good acts are like a dirty robe: and we have all become old like a dead leaf, and our sins, like the wind, take us away.
We've all become unclean, and all the good things we do are like dirty rags. We wither and die like autumn leaves, and our sins, like the wind, blow us away.
But we haue all bene as an vncleane thing, and all our righteousnes is as filthie cloutes, and we all doe fade like a leafe, and our iniquities like the winde haue taken vs away.
And we are as unclean — all of us, And as a garment passing away, all our righteous acts; And we fade as a leaf — all of us. And our iniquities as wind do take us away.
For we have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteousness is like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.
But we are all as an unclean thing , and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
And we are all become as one unclean, and all our justices as the rag of a menstruous woman: and we have all fallen as a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
We have all become people who are not fit to worship you; all of the good things that we have done are only like [SIM] filthy/blood-stained rags. Because of our sins, we are like [SIM] leaves that dry up and are blown away by the wind.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 64:6
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Isaiah 64:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אֵין
קוֹרֵ֣א
בְ/שִׁמְ/ךָ֔
מִתְעוֹרֵ֖ר
לְ/הַחֲזִ֣יק
בָּ֑/ךְ
כִּֽי
הִסְתַּ֤רְתָּ
פָנֶ֨י/ךָ֙
מִמֶּ֔/נּוּ
וַ/תְּמוּגֵ֖/נוּ
בְּ/יַד
עֲוֺנֵֽ/נוּ
וְ/אֵין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Conj | Part
קוֹרֵ֣א
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
V-Qal
בְ/שִׁמְ/ךָ֔
shêm
H8034
name
Prep | N-ms | Suff
מִתְעוֹרֵ֖ר
ʻûwr
H5782
to rouse
V-r
לְ/הַחֲזִ֣יק
châzaq
H2388
to strengthen
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
בָּ֑/ךְ
Prep | Suff
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
הִסְתַּ֤רְתָּ
çâthar
H5641
to hide
V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms
פָנֶ֨י/ךָ֙
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp | Suff
מִמֶּ֔/נּוּ
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
וַ/תְּמוּגֵ֖/נוּ
mûwg
H4127
to melt
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2ms | Suff
בְּ/יַד
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs
עֲוֺנֵֽ/נוּ
ʻâvôn
H5771
iniquity
N-cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 64:6
וְ/אֵין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Conj | Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
קוֹרֵ֣א
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
בְ/שִׁמְ/ךָ֔
shêm
H8034
"name"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
מִתְעוֹרֵ֖ר
ʻûwr
H5782
"to rouse"
V-r
To rouse means to wake up or stir someone into action. It can also mean to be excited or triumphant, and is used in the Bible to describe God stirring up his people. This word is about being awakened or energized.
Definition: 1) to rouse oneself, awake, awaken, incite 1a) (Qal) to rouse oneself, awake 1b) (Niphal) to be roused 1c) (Polel) to stir up, rouse, incite 1d) (Hithpolel) to be excited, be triumphant 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to rouse, stir up 1e2) to act in an aroused manner, awake
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: (a-) wake(-n, up), lift up (self), [idiom] master, raise (up), stir up (self). See also: Deuteronomy 32:11; Isaiah 10:26; Psalms 7:7.
לְ/הַחֲזִ֣יק
châzaq
H2388
"to strengthen"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
To strengthen means to be strong or courageous, and can also mean to seize or conquer, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: : strengthen/support/encourage 1) to strengthen, prevail, harden, be strong, become strong, be courageous, be firm, grow firm, be resolute, be sore 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be strong, grow strong 1a1a) to prevail, prevail upon 1a1b) to be firm, be caught fast, be secure 1a1c) to press, be urgent 1a1d) to grow stout, grow rigid, grow hard (bad sense) 1a1e) to be severe, be grievous 1a2) to strengthen 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make strong 1b2) to restore to strength, give strength 1b3) to strengthen, sustain, encourage 1b4) to make strong, make bold, encourage 1b5) to make firm 1b6) to make rigid, make hard 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make strong, strengthen 1c2) to make firm 1c3) to display strength 1c4) to make severe 1c5) to support 1c6) to repair 1c7) to prevail, prevail upon 1c8) to have or take or keep hold of, retain, hold up, sustain, support 1c9) to hold, contain 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to strengthen oneself 1d2) to put forth strength, use one's strength 1d3) to withstand 1d4) to hold strongly with
Usage: Occurs in 266 OT verses. KJV: aid, amend, [idiom] calker, catch, cleave, confirm, be constant, constrain, continue, be of good (take) courage(-ous, -ly), encourage (self), be established, fasten, force, fortify, make hard, harden, help, (lay) hold (fast), lean, maintain, play the man, mend, become (wax) mighty, prevail, be recovered, repair, retain, seize, be (wax) sore, strengthen (self), be stout, be (make, shew, wax) strong(-er), be sure, take (hold), be urgent, behave self valiantly, withstand. See also: Genesis 19:16; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 27:14.
בָּ֑/ךְ
""
Prep | Suff
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
הִסְתַּ֤רְתָּ
çâthar
H5641
"to hide"
V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms
This word means to hide or conceal something, like covering it up. It can also mean to keep something secret or hidden from others, as in Psalm 27:5.
Definition: 1) to hide, conceal 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to hide oneself 1a2) to be hidden, be concealed 1b) (Piel) to hide carefully 1c) (Pual) to be hidden carefully, be concealed 1d) (Hiphil) to conceal, hide 1e) (Hithpael) to hide oneself carefully Aramaic equivalent: se.tar (סְתַר "to hide" H5642A)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: be absent, keep close, conceal, hide (self), (keep) secret, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 4:14; Psalms 55:13; Psalms 10:11.
פָנֶ֨י/ךָ֙
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
מִמֶּ֔/נּוּ
min
H4480
"from"
Prep | Suff
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.
וַ/תְּמוּגֵ֖/נוּ
mûwg
H4127
"to melt"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2ms | Suff
To melt means to soften or dissolve, and can also describe feeling faint or fearful. In the Bible, it is used to describe times when people are overwhelmed or weakened, such as in the book of Psalms.
Definition: 1) to melt, cause to melt 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to melt, faint 1a2) to cause to melt 1b) (Niphal) to melt away 1c) (Polel) to soften, dissolve, dissipate 1d) (Hithpolel) to melt, flow
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: consume, dissolve, (be) faint(-hearted), melt (away), make soft. See also: Exodus 15:15; Psalms 107:26; Psalms 46:7.
בְּ/יַד
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs
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.
עֲוֺנֵֽ/נוּ
ʻâvôn
H5771
"iniquity"
N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means moral evil or sin, like the kind God sees in people's hearts. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Psalms. This concept is key to understanding human nature.
Definition: : crime 1) perversity, depravity, iniquity, guilt or punishment of iniquity 1a) iniquity 1b) guilt of iniquity, guilt (as great), guilt (of condition) 1c) consequence of or punishment for iniquity
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: fault, iniquity, mischeif, punishment (of iniquity), sin. See also: Genesis 4:13; Psalms 107:17; Psalms 18:24.
Study Notes — Isaiah 64:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 64:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 64:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 64:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 64:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 64:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 64:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 64:6
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 64:6
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 64:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 64:6
- Sermons on Isaiah 64:6
Context — A Prayer for God’s Power
4From ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides You, who acts on behalf of those who wait for Him.
5You welcome those who gladly do right, who remember Your ways. Surely You were angry, for we sinned. How can we be saved if we remain in our sins?
6Each of us has become like something unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all wither like a leaf, and our iniquities carry us away like the wind.
7No one calls on Your name or strives to take hold of You. For You have hidden Your face from us and delivered us into the hand of our iniquity. 8But now, O LORD, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You are the potter; we are all the work of Your hand.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Romans 7:18 | I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh; for I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. |
| 2 | Romans 7:24 | What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? |
| 3 | Ephesians 2:1–2 | And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you used to walk when you conformed to the ways of this world and of the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit who is now at work in the sons of disobedience. |
| 4 | Zechariah 3:3 | Now Joshua was dressed in filthy garments as he stood before the angel. |
| 5 | Revelation 3:17–18 | You say, ‘I am rich; I have grown wealthy and need nothing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, white garments so that you may be clothed and your shameful nakedness not exposed, and salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. |
| 6 | Isaiah 53:6 | We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all. |
| 7 | Titus 3:3 | For at one time we too were foolish, disobedient, misled, and enslaved to all sorts of desires and pleasures—living in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. |
| 8 | Job 42:5–6 | My ears had heard of You, but now my eyes have seen You. Therefore I retract my words, and I repent in dust and ashes.” |
| 9 | Job 25:4 | How then can a man be just before God? How can one born of woman be pure? |
| 10 | Job 14:4 | Who can bring out clean from unclean? No one! |
Isaiah 64:6 Summary
[This verse, Isaiah 64:6, tells us that even when we try to do good, our sin makes our efforts imperfect and unacceptable to God, like filthy rags. Our lives are fragile and fleeting, like a leaf that withers and falls, as seen in Psalms 90:5-6. But God loves us and wants to save us from our sins, as seen in John 3:16 and Romans 5:8. We can find true righteousness and eternal life in Him, not through our own efforts, but through faith in His love and grace.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for our righteous acts to be like filthy rags?
This phrase, found in Isaiah 64:6, means that even our best efforts to be good and do good deeds are tainted by our sin and are not enough to make us righteous in God's eyes, as seen in Romans 3:20 and Ephesians 2:8-9.
Why does the Bible say we wither like a leaf in Isaiah 64:6?
This is a metaphor that describes how our lives and efforts are fragile and fleeting, much like a leaf that withers and falls from a tree, as also seen in Psalms 90:5-6 and James 1:10-11.
How can we be saved if our iniquities carry us away like the wind, as mentioned in Isaiah 64:6?
This verse emphasizes our need for salvation through faith in God, as seen in Ephesians 2:8-9 and Romans 5:8, where it is written that God demonstrates His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
What is the significance of being like something unclean in Isaiah 64:6?
This phrase highlights our spiritual uncleanness and separation from God due to sin, as seen in Leviticus 11:44-45 and Revelation 21:27, where it is written that nothing unclean shall enter the kingdom of God.
Reflection Questions
- How do I recognize the 'filthy rags' of my own self-righteousness and turn to God for true righteousness?
- In what ways do I see my own life withering like a leaf, and how can I find eternal life in Christ?
- What are some iniquities in my life that are carrying me away like the wind, and how can I surrender them to God?
- How can I remember that my salvation is not based on my own efforts, but on God's love and grace, as seen in Isaiah 64:6 and other scriptures?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 64:6
But we are all as an unclean thing,.... Or "we have been" (t); so all men are in a state of nature: man was made pure and holy, but by sinning became impure; and this impurity is propagated by
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 64:6
But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 64:6
We are all as an unclean thing: he alludes either to things unclean under the ceremonial law, wherein the leprosy was found, and was to be burnt, ; or rather to persons unclean. They compare their present state with the former: q.d. Formerly there were some that feared thee, and walked uprightly before thee, and were in thy favour; but now we are all as one polluted mass, nothing of good left in us, by reason of a universal degeneracy, ,6. Our righteousnesses: this, according to the most commentators, refers either to the observances of the rites and ceremonies of the law, wherein they thought their righteousnesses did much consist; or to the best work and actions that can be performed by us; or to our natural, universal depravities: but the best interpreters, and such aim at the peculiar sense of the place, refer it to the gross provocations that this people were guilty of, causing God to cast them out of their habitations; or else to their persons, i.e. the most righteous among us; and being plural, it raiseth it up to the highest degree, the Scripture frequently putting the abstract for the concrete, as wisdoms for the greatest wisdom, , and many the like instances formerly given; so that the meaning is, the very best of us all are no better than the uncleanest things or persons; see ; and the rather, because he lived about the time of Isaiah. As filthy rags; a cloth made up of patches, or such as come from a putrid sore, or defiled with the menstruous blood of a woman; the LXX., as a rag of one that sits down, possibly alluding to Rachel, ,35, or whatever may be most filthy. As a leaf blown off the tree, and so withers. Taken us away; carried us away to Babylon from our habitations, as leaves hurried away by a boisterous wind; our iniquities have been the procuring cause.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 64:6
Isaiah 64:6 But we are all as an unclean [thing], and all our righteousnesses [are] as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.Ver. 6. But we are all as an unclean thing.] Both our persons and our actions are so; for "who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean?" What a mercy is it then that God should look upon such walking dunghills as we are, and accept the work of our hands? And all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags.] Or, As a coat of patches, a beggar’ s coat, vestis centonum, vestis e vilibus paniculis consuta. Heb. A cloth of separations, a matury rag, a menstruous clout, nauseous and odious, such as a man would loathe to touch, much more to take up. Such are our best works as they proceed from us; when there springeth up any sweet fountain of grace within us, our hearts closely cast in their filthy dirt, as the Philistines dealt by Isaac; they drop down from their impure hands some filth upon that pure web the Spirit weaveth, and make it a menstruous cloth. Where, then, are justiciaries, our merit mongers? &c. Those that seek to be saved by their works, Luther fitly calleth the devil’ s martyrs; they suffer much, and take great pains to go to hell. We are all apt to weave a web of righteousness of our own, to spin a thread of our own to climb up to heaven by, but that cannot be. We must do all righteousnesses, rest in none but Christ’ s, disclaiming our own best as spotted and imperfect.
And we all fade as a leaf.] That falleth to the ground in autumn. The poet could say, “Oιηπερφυλλωνγενεη, τοιηδεκαιανδρων.” - Hom. And our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.] Out of thy presence; and will hurry us to hell, if thou forefend not. Panno ancumulentae. - Scultet.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 64:6
(6) We are all as an unclean thing . . .—Better, as he who is unclean, scil., like the leper of Lev 13:45. Filthy rags point to that which to the Israelite was the other extremest form of ceremonial uncleanness, as in Ezekiel 36:17. Have taken us away—scil., afar off from the light and favour of Jehovah.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 64:6
Verse 6. As filthy rags] עדים iddim. Rab. Mosheh ben Maimon interpretatur עדים iddim, vestes quibus mulier se abstergit post congressum cum marito suo. Alii pannus menstruatus. Alii panni mulieris parientis. - And we ben made as unclene alle we: and as the cloth of the woman rooten blode flowing, all our rigtwisnesses. - Old MS. Bible. If preachers knew properly the meaning of this word, would they make such a liberal use of it in their public ministry? And why should any use a word, the meaning of which he does not understand? How many in the congregation blush for the incautious man and his "filthy rags!"
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 64:6
4–7. This difficult passage contains (1) an appeal to that which distinguishes Jehovah from all other deities: He is the only God who works for them that wait for Him in the way of righteousness; (2) a confession of the people’s sinful condition due to the persistency of the divine wrath. A contrast between these thoughts is probably intended; the severity of Jehovah’s dealings with Israel seems at variance with His known character. But the text is in some places hopelessly corrupt, and the exact sense is somewhat uncertain. For since the beginning … heard] Lit. “And from of old they have not heard.” It is tempting (with Duhm) to take this as a relative clause parallel to and continuing Isaiah 64:3 (“… terrible things which we hoped not for, and which from of old men have not heard”). There is an awkwardness, however, in commencing a new sentence with the next clause, and still greater difficulty in carrying on the sentence of Isa 64:3 to the word “seen” (Hitzig). Accepting the traditional division, Isaiah 64:4 will read nearly as in R.V., And from of old men have not heard, have not perceived by the ear, no eye hath seen a God beside Thee, Who worketh for him that waiteth for Him. The rendering of A.V. is partly accommodated to St Paul’s language in 1 Corinthians 2:9, where, however, a different text (not the LXX.) seems to be followed. Jerome says that the Apostle’s words are found in certain Apocalyptic books, although he will not admit that they are quoted from them. “Worketh for”=“sheweth Himself active on behalf of”; without obj., as Genesis 30:30; Psalms 37:5.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 64:6
But we are all as an unclean thing - We are all polluted and defiled.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 64:6
6, 7. We are all — As a nation. An unclean thing — Polluted, defiled. Our righteousnesses — Even our religious acts are such as the Holy One of Israel cannot accept, being neither appointed nor sincere.
Sermons on Isaiah 64:6
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A Craving for the Presence of the Lord by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes the importance of being a watchman and warning the body of Christ. He acknowledges that while there will be encouraging messages about communi |
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An Appeal to Sinners by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the benevolence of God and His desire to save sinners. He describes how Jesus, out of love and sorrow, willingly went to the grave in mortal |
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Great Men by the Grace of God by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the cultural significance of the film "What Dreams May Come" and how it portrays heaven. He emphasizes that even in our modern culture, ther |
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Dependence Upon the Lord by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the destruction of a printing press and the loss of valuable materials. He emphasizes the importance of humility and exalting God in all asp |
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Sermon at Barbara Washer's (Paul's Mother) Funeral Service by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of a prince in C.S. Lewis' book "The Silver Chair" who is captured by a wicked witch. The prince lives a life of luxury and enterta |
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A Tree and Its Fruit by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of producing apples in a garden as a metaphor for spiritual growth. He emphasizes the importance of planting good seeds in order |
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(Basics) 6. Why Christ Had to Die by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of ensuring that our lives are right with God and that our sins are forgiven before Jesus Christ returns to judge the world. |