Isaiah 6:2

Authorized King James Version

Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שְׂרָפִ֨ים
the seraphims
burning, i.e., (figuratively) poisonous (serpent); specifically, a saraph or symbolical creature (from their copper color)
#2
עֹמְדִ֤ים׀
it stood
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#3
מִמַּ֙עַל֙
Above
properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc
#4
ל֔וֹ
H0
#5
שֵׁ֥שׁ
had six
six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
#6
כְּנָפַ֖יִם
wings
an edge or extremity; specifically (of a bird or army) a wing, (of a garment or bedclothing) a flap, (of the earth) a quarter, (of a building) a pinna
#7
שֵׁ֥שׁ
had six
six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
#8
כְּנָפַ֖יִם
wings
an edge or extremity; specifically (of a bird or army) a wing, (of a garment or bedclothing) a flap, (of the earth) a quarter, (of a building) a pinna
#9
לְאֶחָ֑ד
each one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#10
וּבִשְׁתַּ֥יִם
and with twain
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#11
יְכַסֶּ֥ה
he covered
properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)
#12
פָנָ֗יו
his face
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#13
וּבִשְׁתַּ֥יִם
and with twain
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#14
יְכַסֶּ֥ה
he covered
properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)
#15
רַגְלָ֖יו
his feet
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
#16
וּבִשְׁתַּ֥יִם
and with twain
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#17
יְעוֹפֵֽף׃
he did fly
to fly; also (by implication of dimness) to faint (from the darkness of swooning)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Isaiah.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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