Isaiah 64:6
But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
Isaiah 64:6 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Isaiah describes the sinful nature of humanity and the futility of trying to achieve righteousness on our own. The phrase "unclean thing" signifies our impurity and separation from God due to our sinfulness. The comparison of our righteousness to "filthy rags" emphasizes the worthlessness of our good deeds when they are tainted by our sinful nature. The imagery of fading like a leaf emphasizes the temporary nature of our lives and the inevitability of our eventual death. Our iniquities are likened to the wind, which can easily carry us away from God and lead us astray. This verse serves as a sobering reminder of our need for God's grace and mercy, as our own efforts to be righteous are ultimately insufficient. It points to the importance of recognizing our sinfulness and our dependence on God for salvation.
Theological Overview
The theological interpretation of this verse from the book of Isaiah highlights the profound understanding of human nature and our relationship with God. The imagery used here emphasizes the fallen state of humanity, illustrating how even our best efforts are inadequate in the eyes of God. The comparison of our righteousness to "filthy rags" underscores the idea that no matter how righteous we may think we are, it cannot compare to the purity and holiness of God. Furthermore, the mention of fading like a leaf and being taken away by iniquities like the wind emphasizes the transient and fleeting nature of human life in the face of sin. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of our desperate need for God's grace and mercy, as well as a call to humility and repentance before Him.
Isaiah 64:6 in other translations
American Standard Version
For we are all become as one that is unclean, and all our righteousnesses are as a polluted garment: and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.
World English Bible
For we have all become as one who is unclean, and all our righteousness is as a polluted garment: and we all fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.
Douay-Rheims
And we are all become as one unclean, and all our justices as the rag of a menstruous woman: and we have all fallen as a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
Geneva Bible (1599)
But we haue all bene as an vncleane thing, and all our righteousnes is as filthie cloutes, and we all doe fade like a leafe, and our iniquities like the winde haue taken vs away.