Isaiah 6:5

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then said {H559} I, Woe {H188} is me! for I am undone {H1820}; because I am a man {H376} of unclean {H2931} lips {H8193}, and I dwell {H3427} in the midst {H8432} of a people {H5971} of unclean {H2931} lips {H8193}: for mine eyes {H5869} have seen {H7200} the King {H4428}, the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then I said, "Woe to me! I [too] am doomed! because I, a man with unclean lips, living among a people with unclean lips, have seen with my own eyes the King, ADONAI-Tzva'ot!"

Berean Standard Bible

Then I said: “Woe is me, for I am ruined, because I am a man of unclean lips dwelling among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of Hosts.”

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 6:5 records the prophet Isaiah's visceral reaction to a profound vision of God's transcendent holiness in the Temple. Overwhelmed by the Almighty's majesty and purity, Isaiah cries out in despair, recognizing his own and his people's deep sinfulness, particularly their "unclean lips," which symbolize their moral and spiritual impurity. This moment of acute self-awareness and conviction is a pivotal precursor to his divine cleansing and commissioning as God's prophet.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climax of Isaiah's initial, overwhelming encounter with God in the Temple, described in [Isaiah 6:1-4](/isaiah/6-1 "Isaiah's Vision of God's Throne"). Preceding this verse, Isaiah sees the LORD seated on a high and lifted-up throne, His train filling the Temple. Seraphim attend Him, crying out, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory." The very foundations of the Temple shake, and the house fills with smoke, signifying God's awesome presence and power. In the immediate aftermath of this direct confrontation with divine holiness, Isaiah's natural human response is one of utter despair and a profound recognition of his own unworthiness and that of his nation. This confession sets the stage for his subsequent cleansing and commissioning in [Isaiah 6:6-8](/isaiah/6-6 "Isaiah's Cleansing and Commissioning").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The vision occurs "in the year that King Uzziah died" ([Isaiah 6:1](/isaiah/6-1 "Isaiah 6:1 - The Year King Uzziah Died")). Uzziah had been a long-reigning and generally prosperous king, but his reign ended with him afflicted by leprosy due to his presumption in burning incense in the Temple, a priestly function ([2_chronicles/26-16](/2_chronicles/26-16 "2 Chronicles 26:16 - Uzziah's Presumption")). His death marked the end of an era of relative stability for Judah, ushering in a period of political uncertainty and spiritual decline. In this context of earthly leadership failing and human impurity, Isaiah's vision of the eternal, sovereign King, the LORD of hosts, provides a stark contrast and a profound theological statement about true authority and holiness. The Temple setting is significant, as it was the center of Israelite worship and the perceived dwelling place of God, making Isaiah's vision a direct, personal encounter within the sacred space.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme emerging from this verse is **Divine Holiness**, which is the catalyst for Isaiah's confession. The "Holy, holy, holy" cry of the seraphim in [Isaiah 6:3](/isaiah/6-3 "Isaiah 6:3 - The Thrice-Holy God") underscores God's absolute purity and separateness from all creation, especially from human sin. This divine holiness immediately exposes **Human Sinfulness**, leading Isaiah to a profound awareness of his own "unclean lips" and the collective impurity of his people. This recognition of unworthiness is not merely intellectual but deeply existential, leading to a sense of being "undone" or ruined. The experience also highlights the **Fear of the Lord**, which is not a cowering dread but a reverent awe and profound humility in the presence of God's majesty. Finally, this moment serves as a crucial step in **Prophetic Preparation**, demonstrating that a genuine encounter with God often begins with a deep conviction of sin, which is a necessary prerequisite for divine cleansing and effective service.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Woe (Hebrew, _ʼôwy'_):** This interjection expresses deep lamentation, despair, and a sense of impending doom. It is an outcry of anguish, signifying not just sorrow but a profound feeling of being in a terrible, hopeless state. Isaiah's use of "Woe is me!" conveys his utter brokenness and fear in the face of God's overwhelming holiness.
* **undone (Hebrew, _dâmâh'_):** This word carries the sense of being "cut off," "silenced," "perished," or "destroyed." It implies a state of utter ruin or cessation of being. Isaiah feels not merely in danger but already utterly ruined and incapable of existing in the presence of such purity. It's a recognition of his own spiritual death in the face of life-giving holiness.
* **unclean (Hebrew, _ṭâmêʼ'_):** This term signifies religious impurity or defilement. In the Old Testament, "unclean" refers to anything that makes one unfit for worship or contact with the holy. Isaiah's "unclean lips" symbolize not just impure speech, but a deeper moral and spiritual defilement that renders him unworthy to stand before a holy God or to speak on His behalf. The repetition of this term for himself and his people emphasizes a pervasive state of spiritual pollution.
* **King (Hebrew, _melek'_), the LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_), of hosts (Hebrew, _tsâbâʼ'_):** These titles collectively emphasize God's supreme sovereignty and power. "King" asserts His ultimate rule. "LORD" (Yahweh) is God's covenant name, signifying His self-existent, eternal nature. "of hosts" (Sabaoth) refers to His command over all heavenly armies and earthly powers, underscoring His omnipotence and universal dominion. This full title, "the King, the LORD of hosts," reveals the immeasurable gap between Isaiah's human frailty and God's infinite majesty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said I, Woe is me!":** This marks Isaiah's immediate, personal, and profoundly emotional response to the vision. The exclamation "Woe is me!" is a cry of despair, indicating a sudden and crushing realization of his own unworthiness and the dire consequences of standing in the presence of a holy God while being sinful.
* **"for I am undone;":** This clause explains the reason for his "woe." The Hebrew word implies being "cut off," "perished," or "destroyed." Isaiah perceives himself as utterly ruined, annihilated, or silenced by the overwhelming purity and power of God's presence, unable to survive the encounter.
* **"because I am a man of unclean lips,":** Here, Isaiah identifies the specific nature of his defilement. "Unclean lips" symbolize not only impure speech (lying, blasphemy, gossip) but also a broader spiritual and moral impurity that affects his ability to communicate with or represent God. Lips, as instruments of worship and prophecy, are particularly significant.
* **"and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips:":** Isaiah extends his confession beyond himself to include his entire nation. He recognizes that his personal sinfulness is not an isolated condition but is shared by the community in which he lives. This collective impurity further underscores the impossibility of either he or his people standing before a holy God.
* **"for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.":** This final clause provides the ultimate reason for Isaiah's despair. His direct visual encounter with God in His full glory, identified by His majestic titles "the King, the LORD of hosts," has illuminated the infinite chasm between divine perfection and human corruption, leading to his overwhelming sense of being undone.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 6:5 is rich in literary devices that amplify its theological impact. The most striking is **Hyperbole** in the phrase "I am undone," which vividly expresses Isaiah's extreme emotional and spiritual state, though not literally implying physical destruction, but rather a profound sense of spiritual ruin. **Symbolism** is central, with "unclean lips" representing not just impure speech but the pervasive moral and spiritual defilement of Isaiah and his people, highlighting their unfitness for divine encounter. There is a powerful **Contrast** established between the absolute holiness and majesty of "the King, the LORD of hosts" and the utter sinfulness and unworthiness of Isaiah and his "people of unclean lips." This stark juxtaposition underscores the gravity of sin in the presence of God. Finally, the **Repetition** of "unclean lips" emphasizes the pervasive nature of this defilement, both personally and corporately, reinforcing the desperate need for cleansing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah's profound confession in the face of God's holiness establishes a foundational biblical truth: a genuine encounter with the living God inevitably reveals the depth of human sinfulness. This conviction is not an end in itself but a necessary prerequisite for true repentance, spiritual transformation, and divine service. It teaches that proximity to God's glory exposes our defilement, creating a spiritual crisis that can only be resolved by divine intervention and grace. This experience of "woe" and being "undone" is a common pattern in the lives of those called by God, demonstrating that humility and a broken spirit are essential for receiving God's cleansing and commissioning.

* [Job 42:5-6](/job/42-5 "Job 42:5-6 - Job's Repentance")
* [Psalm 51:17](/psalms/51-17 "Psalm 51:17 - A Broken and Contrite Heart")
* [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah's experience in [Isaiah 6](/isaiah/6 "Isaiah 6 - Isaiah's Call and Commission") serves as a timeless mirror for believers, challenging us to consider the depth of our own understanding of God's holiness and its implications for our lives. Just as Isaiah felt utterly undone by the purity of God, we are called to cultivate a reverent awe that exposes our own shortcomings and leads us to genuine humility. This conviction of sin is not meant to condemn us to despair but to drive us to the foot of the cross, where cleansing and forgiveness are found. It prompts us to examine our "lips"—our words, our worship, our witness—and indeed our entire lives, asking if they truly reflect the holiness of the God we claim to serve. Like Isaiah, our recognition of unworthiness is the first step towards being purified and empowered for God's purposes, allowing His transforming grace to equip us for service in a world that desperately needs to see His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does a deeper understanding of God's absolute holiness impact your perception of your own sinfulness?**
* **In what areas of your life, particularly your speech, do you recognize "unclean lips" that need God's cleansing?**
* **What does it mean to be "undone" in the presence of God, and how might this experience lead to spiritual growth rather than despair?**
* **How does Isaiah's confession of corporate sin ("a people of unclean lips") challenge you to consider the spiritual state of your community or nation?**

### FAQ
**Why did Isaiah feel "undone" when he saw God?**

Answer: Isaiah's feeling of being "undone" (Hebrew: *dâmâh*, meaning to perish, be cut off, or destroyed) was a direct result of encountering God's absolute holiness and majesty. In the presence of such divine purity, Isaiah's own sinfulness and the sin of his people became glaringly apparent. This stark contrast between God's perfection and human imperfection led him to feel utterly unworthy and spiritually ruined, as if he could not survive the encounter without being consumed by God's glory. It was a profound moment of self-realization and conviction, a common response for biblical figures who experienced direct encounters with the Almighty, such as Job in [Job 42:5-6](/job/42-5 "Job 42:5-6 - Job's Repentance") or Peter in [Luke 5:8](/luke/5-8 "Luke 5:8 - Peter's Confession").

**What is the significance of "unclean lips" in this verse?**

Answer: "Unclean lips" (Hebrew: *ṭâmêʼ sâphâh*) symbolize more than just impure speech (lying, gossip, blasphemy). In a culture where the mouth was the primary instrument of worship, prophecy, and covenant-making, "unclean lips" represented a pervasive spiritual and moral defilement that rendered Isaiah and his people unfit to stand before a holy God or to speak on His behalf. It pointed to a broader state of spiritual impurity that affected their ability to communicate with God, offer acceptable worship, or proclaim His truth. This specific focus on the lips highlights the critical role of human expression in reflecting or defiling God's image, and thus the urgent need for divine purification before one can serve as God's messenger, as seen in [Isaiah 6:6-7](/isaiah/6-6 "Isaiah's Cleansing and Commissioning").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah's profound experience of being "undone" by the holiness of "the King, the LORD of hosts" finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ. While Isaiah's vision revealed the insurmountable chasm between a holy God and sinful humanity, the New Testament proclaims that this gap has been bridged through the atoning work of Christ. Isaiah's need for a seraph to touch his lips with a burning coal for cleansing ([Isaiah 6:6-7](/isaiah/6-6 "Isaiah 6:6-7 - Isaiah's Cleansing")) foreshadows the perfect and complete purification offered by Christ's sacrifice. We, who are also "men and women of unclean lips" and dwell "in the midst of a people of unclean lips," no longer need a ritualistic cleansing or fear being "undone" by God's presence. Through faith in Jesus, our sins are not merely atoned for but are completely removed, allowing us to approach God's throne of grace with confidence ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")). Christ, as the ultimate High Priest, has entered the true heavenly sanctuary, not with the blood of animals, but with His own blood, securing eternal redemption ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ Our High Priest")). He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), making us holy and blameless in God's sight ([Colossians 1:22](/colossians/1-22 "Colossians 1:22 - Reconciled in Christ")). Thus, Isaiah's cry of despair is transformed into a song of praise for those who are in Christ, for through Him, we are no longer undone but made new, empowered to speak of God's glory with clean lips and pure hearts ([2_corinthians/5-17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in 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

Luke 5:8

When Simon Peter saw [it], he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.

Luke 5:9

For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken:

James 3:6

And the tongue [is] a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

James 3:10

Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

Jeremiah 9:3

And they bend their tongues [like] their bow [for] lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 9:8

Their tongue [is as] an arrow shot out; it speaketh deceit: [one] speaketh peaceably to his neighbour with his mouth, but in heart he layeth his wait.

Jeremiah 1:6

Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I [am] a child.