Isaiah 6:11
Then said I, Lord, how long? And he answered, Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate,
Original Language Analysis
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
2 of 18
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
מָתַ֖י
H4970
מָתַ֖י
Strong's:
H4970
Word #:
3 of 18
properly, extent (of time); but used only adverbially (especially with other particle prefixes), when (either relative or interrogative)
עַ֣ד
H5704
עַ֣ד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
6 of 18
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
אֲשֶׁר֩
H834
אֲשֶׁר֩
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
7 of 18
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
8 of 18
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
עָרִ֜ים
Until the cities
H5892
עָרִ֜ים
Until the cities
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
10 of 18
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
מֵאֵ֣ין
H369
יוֹשֵׁ֗ב
without inhabitant
H3427
יוֹשֵׁ֗ב
without inhabitant
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
12 of 18
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
וּבָתִּים֙
and the houses
H1004
וּבָתִּים֙
and the houses
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
13 of 18
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
מֵאֵ֣ין
H369
אָדָ֔ם
without man
H120
אָדָ֔ם
without man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
15 of 18
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
Cross References
Isaiah 1:7Your country is desolate, your cities are burned with fire: your land, strangers devour it in your presence, and it is desolate, as overthrown by strangers.Psalms 94:3LORD, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked triumph?Isaiah 3:26And her gates shall lament and mourn; and she being desolate shall sit upon the ground.Psalms 90:13Return, O LORD, how long? and let it repent thee concerning thy servants.Leviticus 26:31And I will make your cities waste, and bring your sanctuaries unto desolation, and I will not smell the savour of your sweet odours.
Historical Context
The Babylonian exile (586 BC, 150+ years future) fulfilled this literally—Jerusalem destroyed, population exiled, land desolate for 70 years. The scope of judgment matched the depth of rebellion.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's patience before judgment demonstrate both His mercy and the seriousness of sin?
- What does it mean that God sometimes must completely tear down before He can rebuild?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Isaiah asks the duration question: 'Lord, how long?' God's answer is devastating: until complete desolation—cities without inhabitants, houses without people, land utterly desolate. This prophesies the Babylonian exile but also looks forward to eschatological judgment. The thoroughness ('utterly desolate') emphasizes comprehensive judgment, not partial chastisement. Only after utter devastation will restoration come.