Isaiah 6:1
In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.
Original Language Analysis
מוֹת֙
died
H4194
מוֹת֙
died
Strong's:
H4194
Word #:
2 of 16
death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin
וָאֶרְאֶ֧ה
I saw
H7200
וָאֶרְאֶ֧ה
I saw
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
5 of 16
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֶת
also
H853
אֶת
also
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יֹשֵׁ֥ב
sitting
H3427
יֹשֵׁ֥ב
sitting
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
8 of 16
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
9 of 16
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כִּסֵּ֖א
upon a throne
H3678
כִּסֵּ֖א
upon a throne
Strong's:
H3678
Word #:
10 of 16
properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)
רָ֣ם
high
H7311
רָ֣ם
high
Strong's:
H7311
Word #:
11 of 16
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
וְנִשָּׂ֑א
and lifted up
H5375
וְנִשָּׂ֑א
and lifted up
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
12 of 16
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
מְלֵאִ֥ים
H4390
מְלֵאִ֥ים
Strong's:
H4390
Word #:
14 of 16
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
Cross References
John 12:41These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him.Revelation 15:8And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled.Daniel 7:9I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.Psalms 113:5Who is like unto the LORD our God, who dwelleth on high,Matthew 25:31When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:John 1:18No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.Isaiah 66:1Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?Psalms 108:5Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: and thy glory above all the earth;Revelation 3:21To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.Revelation 4:2And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.
Historical Context
This pivotal moment launched Isaiah's prophetic ministry. The temple theophany echoes Moses's Sinai encounter and anticipates Ezekiel's similar vision. Isaiah's experience demonstrates that effective ministry flows from encountering God's holiness.
Questions for Reflection
- How do earthly disappointments or transitions drive you to seek God's unchanging presence?
- What does it mean practically that God is enthroned over all earthly kingdoms and powers?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Isaiah's temple vision occurred 'in the year that king Uzziah died' (740 BC), a time of national transition and uncertainty. Uzziah's 52-year prosperous reign ended with his judgment for priestly presumption (2 Chronicles 26). Isaiah's vision of the true King 'sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up' contrasted earthly kingship's failure with divine sovereignty. The train of His robe filling the temple emphasizes overwhelming glory and majesty.