Isaiah 6:5
Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.
Original Language Analysis
כִֽי
H3588
כִֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
4 of 23
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
נִדְמֵ֗יתִי
is me! for I am undone
H1820
נִדְמֵ֗יתִי
is me! for I am undone
Strong's:
H1820
Word #:
5 of 23
to be dumb or silent; hence, to fail or perish; trans. to destroy
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
6 of 23
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אִ֤ישׁ
because I am a man
H376
אִ֤ישׁ
because I am a man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
7 of 23
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
שְׂפָתַ֔יִם
lips
H8193
שְׂפָתַ֔יִם
lips
Strong's:
H8193
Word #:
9 of 23
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
וּבְתוֹךְ֙
in the midst
H8432
וּבְתוֹךְ֙
in the midst
Strong's:
H8432
Word #:
11 of 23
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
עַם
of a people
H5971
עַם
of a people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
12 of 23
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
שְׂפָתַ֔יִם
lips
H8193
שְׂפָתַ֔יִם
lips
Strong's:
H8193
Word #:
14 of 23
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
יוֹשֵׁ֑ב
and I dwell
H3427
יוֹשֵׁ֑ב
and I dwell
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
16 of 23
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
כִּ֗י
H3588
כִּ֗י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
17 of 23
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
18 of 23
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוָ֥ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֥ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
20 of 23
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
צְבָא֖וֹת
of hosts
H6635
צְבָא֖וֹת
of hosts
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
21 of 23
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
Cross References
Jeremiah 1:6Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.Exodus 6:30And Moses said before the LORD, Behold, I am of uncircumcised lips, and how shall Pharaoh hearken unto me?Exodus 4:10And Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.Isaiah 29:13Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:Exodus 6:12And Moses spake before the LORD, saying, Behold, the children of Israel have not hearkened unto me; how then shall Pharaoh hear me, who am of uncircumcised lips?Ezekiel 33:31And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness.
Historical Context
Isaiah had been prophesying Judah's sin, but encountering God's holiness revealed his own unworthiness. This pattern appears throughout Scripture—Job, Peter, John all respond similarly when confronting divine glory.
Questions for Reflection
- When did you last experience genuine conviction of sin before God's holiness?
- How does Isaiah's response challenge superficial views of sin as minor mistakes?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Isaiah's immediate response to God's holiness is 'Woe is me! for I am undone.' The Hebrew 'damah' (undone/destroyed) indicates not mere embarrassment but recognition of deserved judgment. He confesses being a man of 'unclean lips' dwelling among an unclean people—acknowledging both personal and corporate sin. Seeing God's holiness exposes human sinfulness. Only after conviction of sin can cleansing and commissioning follow (verse 6-8).