Isaiah 6:3

KJV

And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, [is] the LORD of hosts: the whole earth [is] full of his glory.

KJV (with Strong's)

And one cried {H7121} unto another, and said {H559}, Holy {H6918}, holy {H6918}, holy {H6918}, is the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}: the whole earth {H776} is full {H4393} of his glory {H3519}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They were crying out to each other, "More holy than the holiest holiness is ADONAI-Tzva'ot! The whole earth is filled with his glory!"

Berean Standard Bible

And they were calling out to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; all the earth is full of His glory.”

American Standard Version

And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is Jehovah of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 6:3 captures a profound moment in the prophet Isaiah's call vision, revealing the transcendent holiness and omnipresent glory of God. Within the celestial throne room, seraphim ceaselessly declare the triune holiness of the "LORD of hosts," proclaiming that His majestic presence and inherent splendor permeate the entirety of creation, filling the earth with His divine radiance. This verse serves as a foundational declaration of God's character, setting the stage for Isaiah's prophetic ministry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 6:3 is an integral part of Isaiah's pivotal call narrative in [Isaiah 6](/isaiah/6 "Isaiah 6 - Isaiah's Call and Commissioning"). This chapter immediately follows five chapters of pronouncements of judgment against Judah and surrounding nations, highlighting the spiritual depravity that necessitates divine intervention. The vision of God's throne room, with the Lord "seated on a throne, high and exalted" ([Isaiah 6:1](/isaiah/6-1 "Isaiah 6:1 - God's Throne Vision")), serves as the divine backdrop for Isaiah's commissioning. The seraphim's cry in verse 3 establishes the absolute holiness of the God who is about to send Isaiah, underscoring the purity required for prophetic service and the profound nature of the message he is to deliver. This encounter is foundational, shaping Isaiah's understanding of God and his subsequent prophetic ministry, as seen in his confession of uncleanness in [Isaiah 6:5](/isaiah/6-5 "Isaiah 6:5 - Isaiah's Confession of Unworthiness").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The vision in [Isaiah 6](/isaiah/6 "Isaiah 6 - Isaiah's Call and Commissioning") occurs "in the year that King Uzziah died," around 740 BC. Uzziah's long and prosperous reign had brought stability but also spiritual complacency and moral decay to Judah. His death marked a period of significant political instability and vulnerability, particularly with the rising threat of the Assyrian Empire. In this turbulent era, the declaration of God as the "LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) would have been especially significant, affirming His ultimate sovereignty over all earthly powers and celestial armies, providing a divine anchor amidst human chaos. The imagery of the temple, with the train of God's robe filling it, would resonate deeply with Israelite understanding of God's presence among His people, yet simultaneously transcending any earthly dwelling.
* **Key Themes:** [Isaiah 6:3](/isaiah/6-3 "Isaiah 6:3 - The Seraphim's Cry") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Isaiah and biblical theology. First, it profoundly emphasizes **God's Absolute Holiness**, reiterated through the triadic repetition "Holy, holy, holy," which signifies the superlative degree of His moral purity and transcendence, setting Him apart from all creation and sin. Second, the title "**LORD of hosts**" underscores **God's Sovereignty and Omnipotence**, portraying Him as the supreme commander of all heavenly and earthly armies, an unchallengeable authority over all creation. This theme provides comfort and assurance in times of national crisis, as seen throughout Isaiah's prophecies. Third, the declaration that "the whole earth is full of his glory" highlights **God's Universal Presence and Manifestation**, indicating that His majesty, power, and inherent splendor are not confined to the heavenly realm but are universally displayed in His creation, His providential works, and His redemptive history. This concept echoes similar declarations found in passages like [Numbers 14:21](/numbers/14-21 "Numbers 14:21 - The Earth Filled with God's Glory") and [Habakkuk 2:14](/habakkuk/2-14 "Habakkuk 2:14 - The Earth Filled with the Knowledge of God's Glory"). Finally, the seraphim's ceaseless cry illustrates the theme of **Heavenly Worship**, showcasing the eternal adoration and reverence due to God in His unapproachable holiness, a scene powerfully paralleled in the heavenly worship described in [Revelation 4:8](/revelation/4-8 "Revelation 4:8 - Heavenly Worship of the Holy God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Holy (Hebrew, _qâdôwsh'_):** This word signifies sacredness, purity, and separation. When applied to God, it denotes His absolute moral perfection, His transcendence, and His complete distinctness from all that is common, defiled, or sinful. The repetition "Holy, holy, holy" functions as a superlative, emphasizing the ultimate degree of God's holiness, suggesting His inherent, essential nature as utterly pure and set apart.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the Tetragrammaton, the personal covenant name of God, often translated as Yahweh. It derives from the verb "to be" and conveys the idea of the self-existent, eternal, and unchanging God. In this context, it emphasizes God's personal relationship with His people and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, contrasting with the fleeting nature of human kings and empires.
* **hosts (Hebrew, _tsâbâʼ'_):** This term refers to a mass of persons or things, especially an organized army or multitude. When combined with "LORD" (Yᵉhôvâh tsâbâʼ), it identifies God as the supreme commander of all heavenly armies (angels, stars) and earthly forces. It speaks to His omnipotence, His absolute authority, and His ability to execute His will through all creation, whether in judgment or salvation.
* **glory (Hebrew, _kâbôwd'_):** Properly meaning "weight" or "heaviness," this word figuratively conveys splendor, honor, and copiousness. In the context of God, it refers to the visible manifestation of His inherent majesty, power, and perfection. God's glory is the outward expression of His inner being, His intrinsic worth and magnificent presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And one cried unto another, and said,":** This phrase describes the dynamic interaction between the seraphim, the six-winged angelic beings attending God's throne. Their "crying" and "saying" indicate a continuous, responsive, and communal act of worship, emphasizing the ceaseless and fervent nature of heavenly adoration. It portrays a living, active, and reverent atmosphere in the divine presence.
* **"Holy, holy, holy,":** This triadic repetition is a powerful Hebrew superlative, signifying the absolute, ultimate, and perfect holiness of God. It is not merely a quality God possesses, but His very essence—He is holiness itself. This declaration underscores His moral purity, His transcendence, and His utter separation from all sin and imperfection, making Him uniquely worthy of worship.
* **"is the LORD of hosts":** This identifies the object of the seraphim's worship. "The LORD" (Yahweh) is God's personal covenant name, emphasizing His self-existence and faithfulness. "Of hosts" (Sabaoth) denotes His supreme authority as the commander of all heavenly armies and earthly powers. Together, "LORD of hosts" proclaims His omnipotence and unchallenged sovereignty over all creation, both visible and invisible.
* **"the whole earth is full of his glory":** This declaration asserts the universal manifestation of God's majesty. While His holiness is transcendent, His glory is immanent, permeating all creation. It means that God's inherent splendor, power, and character are evident everywhere—in the vastness of the cosmos, the intricacies of nature, and the unfolding of human history. His presence and attributes are not confined to the heavenly throne room but are profoundly revealed throughout the entire world.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 6:3 is rich in **Theophany**, as the entire chapter describes a divine manifestation to Isaiah, allowing him to witness God's throne room. The most prominent literary device in this verse is **Triadic Repetition**, specifically the phrase "Holy, holy, holy." This is a Hebrew idiom used to express the superlative degree, signifying absolute, ultimate, or perfect holiness. It is the highest possible affirmation of God's purity and majesty, conveying a sense of overwhelming awe and transcendence. The declaration that "the whole earth is full of his glory" employs **Hyperbole** to emphasize the pervasive and undeniable nature of God's presence and splendor, suggesting that His majesty is so vast that it literally overflows and saturates every part of creation. This also functions as a form of **Metonymy**, where "glory" stands for the visible manifestation of God's attributes, implying that His power, wisdom, and goodness are everywhere apparent. The seraphim's "crying" and "saying" are examples of **Personification** or **Anthropomorphism** applied to angelic beings, attributing human-like actions to convey their active and vocal worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 6:3 stands as a cornerstone for understanding the biblical doctrine of God's character. The seraphim's declaration reveals a God who is both utterly transcendent in His holiness and immanently present in His glory. This tension between God's "otherness" (His separation from sin and creation) and His "nearness" (His pervasive presence) is central to biblical theology. The triple declaration of "Holy" emphasizes that holiness is not merely an attribute among many, but the very essence of who God is, the foundational quality from which all His other perfections flow. This profound holiness demands reverence and worship, while His universal glory invites humanity to recognize His hand in all of creation and history. The title "LORD of hosts" grounds God's holiness and glory in His sovereign power, assuring that His moral perfection is always accompanied by the might to uphold His standards and fulfill His purposes.

* [Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44-45 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy"): This passage directly commands God's people to "be holy, for I am holy," establishing a direct link between God's intrinsic nature and the expected conduct of His covenant people.
* [Psalm 29:1-2](/psalms/29-1-2 "Psalm 29:1-2 - Ascribe Glory to the LORD"): This psalm calls heavenly beings to "ascribe to the LORD glory and strength," echoing the heavenly worship scene in Isaiah 6:3 and reinforcing the universal recognition of God's majesty.
* [Revelation 4:8](/revelation/4-8 "Revelation 4:8 - Heavenly Worship Around the Throne"): This New Testament passage provides a powerful parallel, depicting four living creatures ceaselessly crying "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!" demonstrating the eternal and unchanging nature of heavenly worship.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Encountering the profound truth of Isaiah 6:3 calls us to a radical reorientation of our understanding of God and our place before Him. To grasp that the "LORD of hosts" is "Holy, holy, holy" and that "the whole earth is full of his glory" should evoke a deep sense of awe and humility, similar to Isaiah's own response of unworthiness. This vision challenges any casual or flippant approach to God, demanding instead a worship that reflects His transcendence and majesty. It compels us to pursue personal holiness, recognizing that as God's people, we are called to reflect His character in a world that desperately needs to see His glory. Furthermore, it instills profound confidence in His sovereignty; knowing that the God who commands heavenly armies fills the earth with His glory means that no earthly power or circumstance is beyond His control. This truth invites us to perceive His hand in creation, His providence in daily life, and His ultimate purpose unfolding in history, transforming our perspective from one of anxiety to one of worshipful trust.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the seraphim's declaration of "Holy, holy, holy" challenge or deepen your understanding of God's character?**
* **In what ways can you more intentionally recognize and respond to God's glory that "fills the whole earth" in your daily life?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a greater sense of reverence and awe in your personal worship and corporate gatherings?**
* **Considering God as the "LORD of hosts," how does this title bring comfort or challenge to your current circumstances or the state of the world?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the triple repetition "Holy, holy, holy"?**

Answer: The repetition "Holy, holy, holy" is a powerful Hebrew literary device known as a triadic repetition, used to express the superlative degree. It signifies not just holiness, but absolute, perfect, and ultimate holiness—beyond human comprehension or comparison. It emphasizes that holiness is not merely an attribute of God, but His very essence, the core of His being. This declaration underscores His complete moral purity, His transcendence, and His utter separation from all sin and imperfection, making Him uniquely worthy of all worship and adoration. This profound emphasis on God's holiness is echoed in other biblical passages, such as [Revelation 4:8](/revelation/4-8 "Revelation 4:8 - Heavenly Worship of the Holy God"), where similar cries are heard in the heavenly throne room.

**What does the title "LORD of hosts" mean?**

Answer: The title "LORD of hosts" translates the Hebrew phrase _Yahweh Sabaoth_. _Yahweh_ is God's personal covenant name, emphasizing His self-existence and faithfulness. _Sabaoth_ (hosts) refers to armies, multitudes, or organized forces. Therefore, "LORD of hosts" identifies God as the supreme commander of all heavenly armies (like the seraphim in [Isaiah 6:2](/isaiah/6-2 "Isaiah 6:2 - The Seraphim Attending God")) and earthly powers. It speaks to His omnipotence, His absolute authority over all creation, and His ability to execute His will through all forces, whether spiritual or physical. This title provides a powerful reminder of God's unchallenged sovereignty and strength, especially significant in times of human weakness or national turmoil, as seen frequently in the prophetic books like [Jeremiah 32:18](/jeremiah/32-18 "Jeremiah 32:18 - God, the LORD of Hosts").

**How is "the whole earth full of his glory"?**

Answer: The declaration that "the whole earth is full of his glory" signifies that God's inherent majesty, power, and perfection are not confined to heaven but are universally manifest and discernible throughout His creation. This "glory" refers to the visible expression of His attributes. It means that His wisdom, power, goodness, and beauty are evident in the vastness of the cosmos, the intricate design of nature, the unfolding of human history, and His providential care for all things. While His holiness is transcendent and separates Him, His glory is immanent and permeates everything. This concept is beautifully articulated in [Psalm 19:1](/psalms/19-1 "Psalm 19:1 - The Heavens Declare God's Glory"), which states, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The awe-inspiring vision of God's holiness and glory in [Isaiah 6:3](/isaiah/6-3 "Isaiah 6:3 - The Seraphim's Cry") finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the seraphim cry "Holy, holy, holy" before the transcendent God, the New Testament reveals that this very God, the "LORD of hosts," became flesh in the person of Jesus. John proclaims, "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Incarnation of the Word")). The unapproachable holiness and radiant glory witnessed by Isaiah are perfectly embodied in Christ, who is the "radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ, the Radiance of God's Glory")). The "LORD of hosts," the commander of all armies, is revealed in Jesus' authority over creation ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")), over demons ([Mark 1:27](/mark/1-27 "Mark 1:27 - Jesus' Authority Over Unclean Spirits")), and over death itself ([John 11:43-44](/john/11-43-44 "John 11:43-44 - Jesus Raises Lazarus")). Furthermore, the declaration that "the whole earth is full of his glory" is progressively fulfilled through the spread of the Gospel, as the knowledge of God's glory in the face of Christ fills the hearts of believers ([2 Corinthians 4:6](/2_corinthians/4-6 "2 Corinthians 4:6 - The Light of the Knowledge of God's Glory")). Ultimately, this vision points to the eschatological reality where every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Will Bow")), and the New Heavens and New Earth will be entirely permeated by His light and presence, with no need for sun or moon, "for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp" ([Revelation 21:23](/revelation/21-23 "Revelation 21:23 - The Glory of God in the New Jerusalem")). Thus, Isaiah's vision of divine holiness and pervasive glory finds its ultimate revelation and universal consummation in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

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.

Revelation 4:9

And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,

Psalms 72:19

And blessed [be] his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled [with] his glory; Amen, and Amen.

Ezra 3:11

And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the LORD; because [he is] good, for his mercy [endureth] for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.

Exodus 15:11

Who [is] like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who [is] like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful [in] praises, doing wonders?

Numbers 14:21

But [as] truly [as] I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD.

Psalms 57:11

Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: [let] thy glory [be] above all the earth.