Isaiah 6:5

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וָאֹמַ֞ר

H559

Then said

to say (used with great latitude)

אֽוֹי

H188

I Woe

lamentation; also interjectionally oh!

לִ֣י

כִֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

נִדְמֵ֗יתִי

H1820

is me! for I am undone

to be dumb or silent; hence, to fail or perish; trans. to destroy

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אִ֤ישׁ

H376

because I am a man

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)

טְמֵ֣א

H2931

of unclean

foul in a religious sense

שְׂפָתַ֔יִם

H8193

lips

the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)

#10

אָנֹ֔כִי

H595

#11

וּבְתוֹךְ֙

H8432

in the midst

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

#12

עַם

H5971

of a people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#13

טְמֵ֣א

H2931

of unclean

foul in a religious sense

#14

שְׂפָתַ֔יִם

H8193

lips

the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)

#15

אָנֹכִ֖י

H595

#16

יוֹשֵׁ֑ב

H3427

and I dwell

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

#17

כִּ֗י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#18

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#19

הַמֶּ֛לֶךְ

H4428

the King

a king

#20

יְהוָ֥ה

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#21

צְבָא֖וֹת

H6635

of hosts

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

#22

רָא֥וּ

H7200

have seen

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

#23

עֵינָֽי׃

H5869

for mine eyes

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Isaiah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

Related Resources

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