Isaiah 64:6
But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
Original Language Analysis
וַנְּהִ֤י
H1961
וַנְּהִ֤י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 13
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כֻּלָּ֔נוּ
H3605
כֻּלָּ֔נוּ
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 13
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עִדִּ֖ים
are as filthy
H5708
עִדִּ֖ים
are as filthy
Strong's:
H5708
Word #:
5 of 13
the menstrual flux (as periodical); by implication (in plural) soiling
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
6 of 13
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
צִדְקֹתֵ֑ינוּ
thing and all our righteousnesses
H6666
צִדְקֹתֵ֑ינוּ
thing and all our righteousnesses
Strong's:
H6666
Word #:
7 of 13
rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)
וַנָּ֤בֶל
and we all do fade
H5034
וַנָּ֤בֶל
and we all do fade
Strong's:
H5034
Word #:
8 of 13
to wilt; generally, to fall away, fail, faint
כֶּֽעָלֶה֙
as a leaf
H5929
כֶּֽעָלֶה֙
as a leaf
Strong's:
H5929
Word #:
9 of 13
a leaf (as coming up on a tree); collectively, foliage
כֻּלָּ֔נוּ
H3605
כֻּלָּ֔נוּ
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
10 of 13
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
Romans 7:18For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.Romans 7:24O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?Zechariah 3:3Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel.Isaiah 53:6All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.Titus 3:3For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.Job 14:4Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one.Job 25:4How then can man be justified with God? or how can he be clean that is born of a woman?Philippians 3:9And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:Isaiah 46:12Hearken unto me, ye stouthearted, that are far from righteousness:Psalms 51:5Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
Historical Context
This profound confession demolishes self-righteousness. If the best human efforts are defiling, salvation must come from outside humanity entirely - pointing to Christ's righteousness.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse address any residual self-righteousness?
- What does it mean that even our righteousnesses are 'filthy rags'?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
'But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.' The Hebrew 'tame' (unclean) indicates ritual defilement. Even 'righteousnesses' (plural - best efforts) are 'filthy rags' ('ed' - menstrual cloths, ceremonially defiling). Sin's effects are universal ('all') and comprehensive.