Isaiah 6:7 - He touched my mouth with it, and said, “Behold, this has touched your lips; and your iniquity is taken away, and your sin forgiven.”

Generated Verse: Isaiah 6:7

What does "Isaiah 6:7" mean?


This verse, Isaiah 6:7, is a powerful and symbolic moment in the prophet Isaiah's calling. Let's break down its meaning:

Context: This verse is part of Isaiah's vision in the Temple. He sees the Lord high and lifted up, surrounded by seraphim (angelic beings). He's overwhelmed by his own sinfulness and cries out, "Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!" (Isaiah 6:5).

"He touched my mouth with it": A seraph takes a burning coal (or ember) from the altar and touches Isaiah's mouth. The "it" refers to this burning coal. The altar is where sacrifices were made to atone for sins.

"Behold, this has touched your lips": The seraph declares that the touch of the burning coal has a cleansing effect.

"And your iniquity is taken away, and your sin forgiven": This is the core of the verse. The touch of the coal symbolizes atonement and purification. Isaiah's "iniquity" (a broader term for wickedness and moral perversion) is removed, and his specific "sin" (the act of transgression) is forgiven.

Meaning and Significance:

Purification: The burning coal represents the purifying power of God's holiness. It's a symbolic act of cleansing from sin and unworthiness. The burning aspect symbolizes the painful, transformative nature of dealing with sin.
Atonement: The altar is a place of sacrifice, and the coal comes from it. This connects the act to the concept of atonement, where something is offered to cover or make amends for sin.
Divine Initiative: God takes the initiative in cleansing Isaiah. It's not something Isaiah earns or achieves on his own. This highlights God's grace and willingness to forgive.
Preparation for Service: Isaiah's cleansing is directly connected to his prophetic calling. He needs to be purified before he can effectively speak God's message. The cleansing removes the barrier of sin that would hinder his ministry.
Authority and Power: The coal comes from the altar of God and is delivered by a seraph. This emphasizes the divine authority and power behind the cleansing.
Symbolic vs. Literal: While the vision is described literally, the burning coal is understood to be primarily symbolic. It points to the deeper spiritual reality of God's power to cleanse and forgive.

In Summary:

Isaiah 6:7 depicts a powerful moment of cleansing and forgiveness. It symbolizes God's initiative in purifying His servants, removing the stain of sin, and preparing them for service. The verse highlights the themes of holiness, atonement, and the transformative power of God's grace.