Isaiah 6:2

KJV

Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.

KJV (with Strong's)

Above {H4605} it stood {H5975} the seraphims {H8314}: each one {H259} had six {H8337} wings {H3671}; with twain {H8147} he covered {H3680} his face {H6440}, and with twain {H8147} he covered {H3680} his feet {H7272}, and with twain {H8147} he did fly {H5774}.

Complete Jewish Bible

S'rafim stood over him, each with six wings - two for covering his face, two for covering his feet and two for flying.

Berean Standard Bible

Above Him stood seraphim, each having six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying.

American Standard Version

Above him stood the seraphim: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 6:2 offers a profound glimpse into the divine throne room, describing the enigmatic seraphim who attend the Lord. This verse, part of Isaiah's pivotal commissioning vision, portrays these celestial beings with six wings, using two to cover their faces in reverence, two to cover their feet in humility, and two for flight, signifying their readiness for service. This detailed imagery underscores the transcendent holiness and majesty of God, revealing the appropriate posture of awe and submission even for exalted heavenly creatures in His presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 6:2 is an integral part of Isaiah's call narrative, which commences in [Isaiah 6:1](/isaiah/6-1 "Isaiah 6:1 - The Lord on His Throne") with the prophet's vision of the Lord seated on a high and exalted throne, with the train of His robe filling the temple. This setting immediately establishes a scene of overwhelming divine glory and sovereignty. The introduction of the seraphim in verse 2, followed by their proclamation of God's holiness in [Isaiah 6:3](/isaiah/6-3 "Isaiah 6:3 - Seraphim's Cry of Holiness"), intensifies the atmosphere of sanctity and awe. The seraphim's actions—covering their face and feet—are a direct response to the unapproachable light of God's presence, setting the stage for Isaiah's own confession of uncleanness and subsequent purification and commissioning in [Isaiah 6:5-8](/isaiah/6-5 "Isaiah 6:5 - Isaiah's Confession") and [Isaiah 6:8](/isaiah/6-8 "Isaiah 6:8 - Isaiah's Commissioning").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The vision occurs "in the year that King Uzziah died" ([Isaiah 6:1](/isaiah/6-1 "Isaiah 6:1 - The Death of King Uzziah")), a significant marker. Uzziah had been a long-reigning and generally prosperous king of Judah, but his reign ended with him afflicted by leprosy due to his presumption in offering incense in the temple ([2 Chronicles 26:16-21](/2_chronicles/26-16 "2 Chronicles 26:16-21 - Uzziah's Presumption and Leprosy")). This historical backdrop suggests a moment of political and spiritual uncertainty for Judah. Isaiah's vision, therefore, serves as a powerful reminder that despite earthly changes and human failings, the true King, Yahweh, remains enthroned in supreme power and holiness. The imagery of a throne room, celestial attendants, and a temple setting would have resonated with ancient Near Eastern royal courts, but here, the divine King far surpasses any earthly monarch in majesty and purity.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Isaiah and biblical theology. Firstly, it emphasizes the **transcendent holiness of God** (Qadosh), portraying Him as utterly separate and exalted above all creation, even heavenly beings. The seraphim's posture of reverence highlights this unapproachable purity. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **divine majesty and sovereignty**, as God is depicted as the supreme ruler, attended by powerful celestial beings who exist solely to serve and glorify Him. This reinforces the message that God is in control, regardless of earthly circumstances, a recurring comfort and challenge throughout [the book of Isaiah](/isaiah/1 "The Book of Isaiah"). Thirdly, the seraphim's actions of covering and flying illustrate the theme of **reverence and humble service**, providing a model for all creation, including humanity, in approaching the Almighty. Their readiness to fly also foreshadows their role as messengers and agents of God's will, as seen later in the chapter when one purifies Isaiah's lips ([Isaiah 6:6-7](/isaiah/6-6 "Isaiah 6:6-7 - Isaiah's Purification")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **seraphims (Hebrew, _sârâph'_):** From the root meaning "burning" or "fiery," this term (H8314) suggests the appearance or nature of these celestial beings. They are "burning ones," which could imply a radiant, fiery presence, or perhaps a connection to purification and judgment, as seen when a seraph uses a burning coal to cleanse Isaiah's lips in [Isaiah 6:6-7](/isaiah/6-6 "Isaiah 6:6-7 - Seraph's Purification of Isaiah"). This etymology highlights their intense, awe-inspiring nature in God's presence.
* **covered (Hebrew, _kâçâh'_):** This primitive root (H3680) means "to plump, i.e. fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)." The repeated use of "covered" for face and feet emphasizes an act of profound reverence and humility. The seraphim, despite their exalted status, cannot fully gaze upon God's glory or expose themselves entirely in His presence, demonstrating the unapproachable nature of divine holiness.
* **fly (Hebrew, _ʻûwph'_):** This primitive root (H5774) means "to cover (with wings or obscurity); hence (as denominative from עוֹף); to fly." The use of two wings for flight signifies readiness, swiftness, and obedience in executing God's commands. It contrasts with the covering actions, showing a balance between humble reverence and active service in the divine court.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Above it stood the seraphims:"** This clause establishes the position and presence of these celestial beings relative to the Lord's throne, which was described as "high and lifted up" in [Isaiah 6:1](/isaiah/6-1 "The Lord's Exalted Throne"). The seraphim are not merely present but "stood," implying an attentive, reverent posture of service or readiness. Their presence underscores the majesty and importance of the divine court.
* **"each one had six wings;"** This provides a specific physical detail about the seraphim, distinguishing them from other heavenly beings like cherubim (who often have four wings, as in [Ezekiel 1:6](/ezekiel/1-6 "Cherubim's Wings")) or living creatures (with four wings in [Revelation 4:8](/revelation/4-8 "Four Living Creatures")). The number six suggests completeness or perhaps a heightened capacity for the functions described.
* **"with twain he covered his face,"** This action signifies profound reverence and humility. Even these powerful, fiery beings cannot gaze directly upon the unapproachable glory of God. It is an act of self-abasement and awe in the presence of the Almighty, acknowledging His absolute transcendence and purity.
* **"and with twain he covered his feet,"** Covering the feet, in ancient Near Eastern culture, could signify modesty, humility, or respect, as feet were often considered the most defiled part of the body. It also suggests a covering of one's "private parts," indicating a posture of profound submission and unworthiness before the divine. This action further emphasizes their reverence and the sacredness of the divine space.
* **"and with twain he did fly."** This final action indicates readiness for swift movement and obedience. While two pairs of wings are used for reverence and humility, the third pair is dedicated to active service, demonstrating their perpetual readiness to carry out God's will and commands. It highlights their role as active agents in the divine economy.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 6:2 is rich in **Imagery**, painting a vivid picture of the seraphim with their six wings and specific actions. The description of covering the face and feet, and using the remaining wings to fly, provides concrete visual details that convey abstract theological truths. The **Symbolism** of the wings is profound: the two covering the face symbolize reverence and humility before God's unapproachable holiness; the two covering the feet symbolize modesty, submission, and acknowledgment of God's purity; and the two for flight symbolize readiness, swift obedience, and active service. The **Repetition** of "with twain" (twice) emphasizes the deliberate and purposeful use of each pair of wings, reinforcing the distinct functions and the complete dedication of the seraphim to their roles in God's presence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 6:2 offers a foundational theological insight into the nature of God and the appropriate response of creation to His presence. The seraphim's actions of covering their face and feet, even as they stand in God's immediate presence, powerfully communicate the absolute, unapproachable holiness and majesty of Yahweh. This scene underscores that God's purity is so intense that even exalted heavenly beings cannot fully behold or expose themselves before Him without profound reverence. Their readiness to fly further reinforces the theme of divine sovereignty, as these powerful beings are depicted as swift and obedient servants, always prepared to execute God's will. This vision serves as a theological anchor, reminding humanity that true worship and service flow from a deep understanding and awe of God's incomparable glory and transcendent nature.

* [Exodus 3:5](/exodus/3-5 "Exodus 3:5 - Moses and the Burning Bush")
* [Revelation 4:8](/revelation/4-8 "Revelation 4:8 - Holy, Holy, Holy")
* [Hebrews 12:28-29](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28-29 - Reverence and Awe")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The vision of the seraphim in Isaiah 6:2 provides a profound model for human reverence and worship. It challenges us to consider our own posture before God, reminding us that if even these glorious celestial beings approach the Almighty with such profound humility and awe, how much more should we, as finite and fallen creatures, do the same. This verse calls us to cultivate a deeper sense of God's transcendent holiness, moving beyond a casual or familiar approach to one marked by reverence, humility, and a recognition of His unapproachable glory. It encourages us to prioritize God's majesty in our worship, our daily lives, and our service, understanding that true service flows from a heart that is first overwhelmed by His holiness and then made ready to obey. The seraphim's balance of humble adoration and active readiness to serve inspires us to live lives that reflect both deep reverence for God's being and zealous dedication to His purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the seraphim's posture of covering their face and feet challenge your own understanding of reverence in worship?**
* **What does the seraphim's balance of humility and readiness to fly teach you about the nature of true service to God?**
* **In what areas of your life might you need to cultivate a greater sense of God's unapproachable holiness and majesty?**

### FAQ
**What are "seraphim" and how are they different from other biblical angels?**

Answer: The term "seraphim" (Hebrew: _sârâphîm_) literally means "burning ones" or "fiery ones," suggesting their radiant appearance or perhaps their role in purification. They are a unique class of celestial beings mentioned only in [Isaiah 6](/isaiah/6 "Isaiah 6 - Isaiah's Vision and Call"). Unlike other angels or cherubim, who are often described as messengers or guardians, the seraphim in Isaiah's vision appear to be primarily attendants of God's throne, focused on proclaiming His holiness and executing specific purifying acts, such as touching Isaiah's lips with a live coal ([Isaiah 6:6-7](/isaiah/6-6 "Isaiah 6:6-7 - Isaiah's Purification")). Their distinct feature is having six wings, used for specific purposes of reverence and flight, which sets them apart from the four-winged cherubim seen in [Ezekiel 1](/ezekiel/1 "Ezekiel 1 - Vision of the Cherubim").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 6:2 describes the seraphim attending the Father's throne, this vision ultimately points to the glory and holiness of God, a glory perfectly embodied in Jesus Christ. The unapproachable light and majesty before which the seraphim cover themselves are fully revealed and made accessible in the person of Christ, who is the "radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Radiance of God's Glory")). The seraphim's humble reverence foreshadows the posture of all creation before the Lamb on the throne in the New Heavens and New Earth, where "every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: 'To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!'" ([Revelation 5:13](/revelation/5-13 "Revelation 5:13 - Praise to God and the Lamb")). Furthermore, the seraphim's readiness to fly and serve prefigures the ultimate servant-hood of Christ, who, though God, "made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humility")). He came not to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). Thus, the awe and service displayed by the seraphim find their ultimate focus and fulfillment in the one who perfectly reveals God's holiness and perfectly executes His will.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Revelation 4:8

¶ And the four beasts had each of them six wings about [him]; and [they were] full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

Ezekiel 1:11

Thus [were] their faces: and their wings [were] stretched upward; two [wings] of every one [were] joined one to another, and two covered their bodies.

Psalms 104:4

Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire:

Psalms 103:20

Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.

Psalms 18:10

And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind.

Isaiah 6:6

Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, [which] he had taken with the tongs from off the altar:

1 Kings 6:24

And five cubits [was] the one wing of the cherub, and five cubits the other wing of the cherub: from the uttermost part of the one wing unto the uttermost part of the other [were] ten cubits.