Isaiah 6:4 - The foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke.

Generated Verse: Isaiah 6:4

What does "Isaiah 6:4" mean?


Isaiah 6:4 describes a powerful, awe-inspiring vision of God's holiness. Let's break down the verse to understand its meaning:

"The foundations of the thresholds shook...": Thresholds are the entrances to rooms or buildings. Shaking thresholds symbolize a profound disturbance or upheaval. The stability of the temple (God's house) is disrupted, indicating the immense power and impact of God's presence.

"...at the voice of him who called...": The voice is likely that of one of the seraphim mentioned earlier in the chapter. Their call emphasizes God's holiness and glory. The voice is so powerful it causes physical tremors.

"...and the house was filled with smoke.": Smoke is a common symbol of God's presence and glory in the Old Testament (e.g., the cloud filling the tabernacle). It represents God's holiness, which is often described as consuming or overwhelming. It also signifies mystery and the inability to fully comprehend God.

Overall Meaning:

The verse portrays a dramatic and terrifying encounter with the divine. It signifies:

God's immense power and holiness: The shaking foundations and the overwhelming smoke convey a sense of God's absolute power and the unapproachable holiness of His presence.
Disruption and transformation: The shaking suggests that things cannot remain the same after this encounter with God. It foreshadows the transformation Isaiah will undergo as a prophet.
The mystery of God: The smoke shrouds God in mystery, reminding us that He is beyond human comprehension.
A sense of judgment: Smoke can also be associated with God's judgment and purification.

In context, this verse sets the stage for Isaiah's encounter with God. It highlights the profound and potentially overwhelming nature of divine revelation. The shaking and the smoke prepare Isaiah (and the reader) for the weight of the message he is about to receive and the task he is being called to undertake.