Isaiah 6:5
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.
Isaiah 6:5 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse comes from the book of Isaiah, where the prophet Isaiah has a profound encounter with God. In this verse, Isaiah expresses a deep sense of unworthiness and humility upon seeing the glory and holiness of God. He recognizes his own sinful nature and acknowledges that he dwells among a people who are also sinful. The phrase "unclean lips" symbolizes impurity and sin, highlighting the gap between human weakness and divine perfection. By saying "Woe is me! for I am undone," Isaiah is expressing a deep sense of regret and sorrow for his own sinfulness in the presence of the Almighty God. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of humility and self-awareness in the presence of God's holiness.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the prophet Isaiah has a powerful encounter with the holiness of God. He immediately recognizes his own sinfulness and unworthiness in the presence of the Lord. The phrase "Woe is me!" expresses Isaiah's deep sense of regret and sorrow upon realizing his sinful state. By acknowledging that he is a man of unclean lips, Isaiah highlights the impurity of his speech and the need for confession and forgiveness. Additionally, Isaiah recognizes the sinfulness of the people around him, emphasizing the pervasive nature of sin in the world. The phrase "for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts" underscores the majesty and holiness of God that brings conviction and humility to Isaiah. This passage serves as a reminder of the importance of repentance, confession, and recognizing the sovereignty of the Lord in our lives.
Isaiah 6:5 in other translations
American Standard 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, Jehovah of hosts.
World English Bible
Then I said, “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 my eyes have seen the King, Yahweh of Armies!”
Douay-Rheims
And I said: Woe is me, because I have held my peace; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people that hath unclean lips, and I have seen with my eyes the King the Lord of hosts.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then I sayd, Wo is me: for I am vndone, because I am a man of polluted lips, and I dwell in the middes of a people of polluted lips: for mine eyes haue seene the King and Lord of hostes.