Devine Scripture

Isaiah 6:3

What does Isaiah 6:3 mean?

A plain-English look at Isaiah 6:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Isaiah 6:3 means

This verse describes a heavenly encounter where seraphim, angelic beings, proclaim God's holiness. The threefold repetition of "holy" (_qadosh_ in Hebrew) emphasizes God's absolute purity, uniqueness, and transcendence, setting Him apart from all creation. It highlights His moral perfection and awesome majesty. The declaration that "the whole earth is full of his glory" signifies that God's inherent splendor and honor are not confined to heaven but are revealed throughout the entire world, manifesting His presence and power everywhere. This imagery paints a picture of divine awe and universal recognition of God's supreme character.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is Jehovah of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is Jehovah of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And one said in a loud voice to another, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of armies: all the earth is full of his glory.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And this one hath called unto that, and hath said: `Holy, Holy, Holy, <FI>is<Fi> Jehovah of Hosts, The fulness of all the earth <FI>is<Fi> His glory.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And they cried one to another, and said: Holy, holy, holy, the Lord God of hosts, all the earth is full of his glory,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And one called to the other and said, Holy, holy, holy is Jehovah of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!

Context

This verse immediately follows Isaiah's vision of the Lord seated on a high and exalted throne in the temple, with the train of His robe filling it. The seraphim, present in this throne room, are speaking to one another, calling attention to God's profound holiness and omnipresent glory. This declaration serves as a foundational statement about the God Isaiah is about to serve, setting the stage for Isaiah's subsequent call, confession of uncleanness, and commissioning in the verses that follow within chapter 6. It establishes the nature of the Lord who is calling Isaiah to ministry.

v.2Above him stood the seraphim: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.

v.3This passage

v.4And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Psalms 24:7

    Lift up your heads, O ye gates; And be ye lifted up, ye everlasting doors: And the King of glory will come in.

  • Ezra 3:11

    And they sang one to another in praising and giving thanks unto Jehovah, saying, For he is good, for his lovingkindness endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised Jehovah, because the foundation of the house of Jehovah was laid.

  • Zechariah 14:9

    And Jehovah shall be King over all the earth: in that day shall Jehovah be one, and his name one.

  • Isaiah 40:5

    and the glory of Jehovah shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of Jehovah hath spoken it.

  • Habakkuk 2:14

    For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of Jehovah, as the waters cover the sea.

  • Psalms 57:11

    Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; Let thy glory be above all the earth.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Isaiah 6

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Isaiah 6.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Isaiah 6:3.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary