Isaiah 6:7
And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.
Isaiah 6:7 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, the prophet Isaiah describes a vision he had where a seraphim touched a burning coal from the altar to his mouth, symbolizing the purification of his lips. This act represents the forgiveness of his sins and the removal of his iniquity, ultimately purging him of any wrongdoing. The touching of his lips with the coal is a powerful symbol of cleansing and transformation, allowing Isaiah to be cleansed of his impurity and made pure before God. This verse serves as a reminder of the power of God's grace and forgiveness, showing that through repentance and acceptance of God's mercy, one can be purified and renewed. It is a message of hope and redemption, demonstrating God's willingness to forgive sins and restore those who humbly seek His forgiveness.
Theological Overview
One theological interpretation of the verse comes from the understanding of the act of purging sin through a divine encounter. In this passage, the burning coal represents the purifying power of God's forgiveness. By placing the coal on Isaiah's lips, God symbolically removes his iniquity and cleanses him from sin. This act not only signifies the forgiveness of sins but also reflects the transformative power of God's grace. The imagery of the coal touching Isaiah's lips highlights the intimate nature of forgiveness and restoration in the relationship between God and his people. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's willingness to forgive and cleanse those who come to him in repentance. Furthermore, the word study of 'iniquity' and 'purged' reveals the depth of God's redemptive work, emphasizing the complete removal and atonement of sin through his mercy and love.
Isaiah 6:7 in other translations
American Standard Version
and he touched my mouth with it, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin forgiven.
World English Bible
He touched my mouth with it, and said, “Behold, this has touched your lips; and your iniquity is taken away, and your sin forgiven.”
Douay-Rheims
And he touched my mouth, and said: Behold this hath touched thy lips, and thy iniquities shall be taken away, and thy sin shall be cleansed.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And he touched my mouth, and sayd, Loe, this hath touched thy lips, and thine iniquitie shall be taken away, and thy sinne shalbe purged.