Isaiah 64:6

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

But we are all as an unclean {H2931} thing, and all our righteousnesses {H6666} are as filthy {H5708} rags {H899}; and we all do fade {H5034}{H1101} as a leaf {H5929}; and our iniquities {H5771}, like the wind {H7307}, have taken us away {H5375}.

Complete Jewish Bible

All of us are like someone unclean, all our righteous deeds like menstrual rags; we wither, all of us, like leaves; and our misdeeds blow us away like the wind.

Berean Standard Bible

Each of us has become like something unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all wither like a leaf, and our iniquities carry us away like the wind.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 64:6 stands as a profound and humbling confession, articulating humanity's pervasive sinfulness and inherent inadequacy before the transcendent holiness of God. It starkly declares that all human attempts at righteousness are utterly defiled and unacceptable, likening them to ritually impure garments. The verse further emphasizes the transience and fragility of human life, illustrating how sin actively sweeps individuals away from God's presence, leading to spiritual decay, separation, and ultimately, divine judgment. This powerful lament underscores the desperate need for a righteousness that originates solely from God, as humanity is incapable of achieving it on its own.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a fervent communal prayer of lament, confession, and petition, spanning [Isaiah 63:7-64:12](/isaiah/63-7-64-12 "Isaiah 63:7-64:12 - A Prayer of Lament and Confession"). The prophet Isaiah, speaking on behalf of the exiled nation, articulates a deep sense of spiritual decline and national judgment, acknowledging the justness of God's disciplinary hand. The prayer begins by recounting God's past mercies and mighty acts of deliverance, particularly the Exodus, contrasting them sharply with Israel's persistent rebellion and unfaithfulness. This sets the stage for a desperate plea for God to [rend the heavens and come down](/isaiah/64-1 "Isaiah 64:1 - Plea for Divine Intervention") to restore His people. Isaiah 64:6 functions as the climactic confession within this prayer, laying bare the people's total unworthiness and the profound chasm between their spiritual state and God's holiness, thereby establishing the only possible basis for a petition for mercy: not human merit, but God's character and covenant faithfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for this prayer is likely a period of profound national distress, most plausibly during or after the Babylonian exile, when the people faced immense suffering, desolation, and the crushing weight of God's judgment due to their idolatry and widespread disobedience. Culturally, the potent imagery of "unclean thing" and "filthy rags" draws heavily from Israel's intricate Levitical purity laws, which meticulously outlined what rendered a person or object ritually impure (e.g., contact with a corpse, certain skin diseases, or menstrual discharge). Such impurity prevented participation in temple worship and required specific purification rites. By comparing their "righteousnesses" to "filthy rags," specifically garments defiled by menstrual blood (H5708, `ʻêd`), the prophet employs a culturally shocking and deeply offensive image. This hyperbole conveys the absolute loathsomeness and unsuitability of human self-righteousness in the eyes of a holy God, emphasizing its utter unacceptability for divine presence.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 64:6 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **universal sinfulness and total depravity** of humanity, asserting that no human being, regardless of perceived goodness or moral effort, can stand righteous before God on their own merit. This resonates profoundly with the New Testament's declaration that [all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - Universal Sinfulness"). Secondly, the verse underscores the **inadequacy of human righteousness**, demonstrating that even our best efforts are tainted by sin and are therefore unacceptable to God. This truth establishes the crucial need for a divine, imputed righteousness, a theme foundational to the Apostle Paul's teaching on justification by faith, where he contrasts human works with the righteousness that comes from God through faith in Christ ([Philippians 3:9](/philippians/3-9 "Philippians 3:9 - Righteousness Through Faith")). Finally, the imagery of fading leaves and being swept away by the wind emphasizes the **transience and fragility of human life** and the **destructive, separating power of sin**, which inevitably leads to judgment and alienation from God's life-giving presence, a concept echoed in passages like [Psalm 103:15-16](/psalms/103-15-16 "Psalm 103:15-16 - Frailty of Man").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Unclean (Hebrew, _ṭâmêʼ'_):** This word (H2931) is derived from a primitive root signifying to be foul in a religious sense. It denotes a state of ritual defilement or impurity, rendering a person or object unfit for sacred use or for approaching God in worship. It implies a moral and spiritual pollution that separates one from the holy, making them unacceptable in God's presence.
* **Filthy (Hebrew, _ʻêd'_):** This term (H5708) specifically refers to the menstrual flux, and by implication, the soiling or defilement associated with it. When combined with "rags" (H899, _beged'_), which means a covering or clothing, it creates an image of extreme ritual impurity, something utterly repulsive and abhorrent according to Levitical law. This emphasizes the profound loathsomeness and unacceptability of human self-righteousness in God's sight, highlighting its offensive nature.
* **Fade (Hebrew, _nâbêl'_):** This primitive root (H5034) means to wilt, fall away, or fail, commonly used in reference to plants withering. Figuratively, it denotes becoming foolish, morally wicked, or coming to nought. In this context, it powerfully conveys the fragility, transience, and inevitable decay of human life and strength when separated from God, akin to a leaf losing its vitality and falling from the tree.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But we are all as an unclean [thing]":** This opening clause serves as a stark, universal confession of humanity's inherent spiritual state. It acknowledges that every individual, without exception, is fundamentally defiled and ritually impure in the sight of a perfectly holy God. This is not merely a statement about specific sinful acts but about a pervasive state of spiritual pollution that renders humanity unfit for divine fellowship on its own terms, emphasizing a deep-seated corruption.
* **"and all our righteousnesses [are] as filthy rags":** This is arguably the most striking and potent image in the verse. It declares that even humanity's best attempts at goodness, morality, religious observance, or self-justification are not only insufficient but are utterly repulsive to God. The comparison to "filthy rags," specifically garments soiled by menstrual discharge, conveys extreme defilement, unacceptability, and an offensive stench in the divine presence, highlighting the vast, unbridgeable chasm between human imperfect efforts and God's absolute, unblemished holiness.
* **"and we all do fade as a leaf":** This clause shifts the imagery to the natural world, emphasizing human mortality, fragility, and the transient nature of life. Just as a leaf withers, loses its vibrancy, and falls from the tree, so too do human beings decline and perish. This speaks to the brevity of life and the inherent weakness and vulnerability of humanity, further compounded by the corrosive and decaying effects of sin.
* **"and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away":** The concluding clause vividly portrays the active, forceful, and inescapable consequence of sin. "Iniquities" (H5771, _ʻâvôn'_) refers to perversity or moral evil, and their effect is likened to a powerful "wind" (H7307, _rûwach'_), which "takes us away" (H5375, _nâsâʼ'_). This signifies that sin is not passive but an active, irresistible force that sweeps people away from God's presence, blessings, and protection, leading inevitably to judgment, spiritual exile, and profound alienation from the source of life.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 64:6 is rich in **Simile**, employing multiple comparisons to convey its profound message. The opening "as an unclean thing" immediately establishes a state of ritual impurity. The most impactful simile, "all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags," uses a culturally specific and deeply repulsive image to underscore the utter inadequacy and defilement of human attempts at goodness before God. Further similes, "we all do fade as a leaf" and "our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away," vividly portray human transience and the active, sweeping power of sin. The verse also utilizes **Hyperbole** in the "filthy rags" imagery to emphasize the extreme contrast between human sinfulness and divine holiness, making the point with shocking intensity. The overall structure functions as a **Confession** and **Lament**, a heartfelt admission of guilt and a desperate cry for mercy, characteristic of prophetic prayers during times of national distress.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 64:6 stands as a cornerstone passage for understanding the biblical doctrine of human depravity and the pervasive nature of sin. It unequivocally asserts that sin is not merely a collection of wrong actions but a pervasive state that affects every aspect of human existence, rendering even our best efforts at goodness tainted and unacceptable to God. This truth profoundly highlights God's absolute holiness and the infinite standard of righteousness required for genuine fellowship with Him. The verse dismantles any notion of human merit or self-salvation, driving home the theological necessity of divine grace and an alien righteousness—one that originates entirely outside of humanity. It prepares the reader for the New Testament's glorious revelation of salvation as a sovereign gift, not a reward earned by human endeavor.

* [Romans 3:10-12](/romans/3-10-12 "Romans 3:10-12 - None is Righteous")
* [Titus 3:5](/titus/3-5 "Titus 3:5 - Not by Works of Righteousness")
* [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Saved by Grace Through Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 64:6 serves as a profound mirror, reflecting the stark reality of our spiritual condition apart from God's grace. It calls us to a deep humility, dismantling any illusion of self-sufficiency or inherent goodness. Recognizing that even our "righteousnesses" are "filthy rags" before God should cultivate a spirit of utter dependence on Him, fostering genuine repentance and a profound appreciation for the undeserved favor we receive. This verse compels us to abandon all attempts to earn God's approval through our own efforts and instead to cling to the perfect righteousness provided by Christ alone. It reminds us that our fleeting lives, like fading leaves, are utterly vulnerable to the destructive power of sin unless anchored in God's eternal truth and mercy. This sobering truth should lead us to live lives of profound gratitude, continually seeking God's transforming power and imputed righteousness rather than relying on our own strength or perceived merits.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of "filthy rags" challenge your understanding of personal merit or self-righteousness, and what does it reveal about God's holiness?**
* **In what ways does this verse deepen your appreciation for the grace and mercy of God in salvation, given humanity's utter inability to save itself?**
* **Considering that our iniquities "like the wind, have taken us away," what practical steps can you take to remain anchored in God's presence and resist the sweeping, separating power of sin in your daily life?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean all good deeds are worthless?**

Answer: No, the verse does not mean that good deeds are inherently worthless in a human or societal sense. Rather, it speaks to their value in the sight of a perfectly holy God when presented as a means of earning salvation or meriting divine favor. In this context, even our best efforts are tainted by sin and fall infinitely short of God's perfect standard, rendering them unacceptable as a basis for righteousness before Him. The point is about the *source* and *purpose* of righteousness—human efforts cannot achieve salvation, which must come from God's grace. Good deeds, when done out of love for God and neighbor, and as a response to God's transforming grace, are pleasing to Him and are the fruit of salvation, not its cause ([Ephesians 2:10](/ephesians/2-10 "Ephesians 2:10 - Created for Good Works")).

**How can our righteousness be "filthy rags" if God commands us to be righteous?**

Answer: This apparent paradox highlights the crucial distinction between human righteousness and divine righteousness. God commands us to be righteous because He is inherently righteous, and He desires His people to reflect His character and holiness. However, due to the Fall, humanity is inherently sinful ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")), and even our most sincere attempts at righteousness are imperfect, tainted by self-interest, pride, or a desire for self-justification. Isaiah 64:6 underscores that our *own* righteousness, derived from our fallen nature, is utterly insufficient to meet God's perfect standard. It's a call to recognize our profound inability to achieve salvation through works and to humbly embrace the perfect righteousness that God graciously provides through faith in Christ ([Philippians 3:9](/philippians/3-9 "Philippians 3:9 - Righteousness Through Faith")).

**What is the significance of the "filthy rags" imagery?**

Answer: The imagery of "filthy rags" (specifically garments defiled by menstrual discharge, H5708, `ʻêd`) is profoundly significant because it evokes the strongest possible sense of ritual impurity and defilement in ancient Israelite culture. According to Levitical law, anything touched by such impurity became unclean and had to be purified, rendering it unfit for sacred use or for approaching God. By using this vivid, culturally shocking, and repulsive comparison, Isaiah conveys the absolute loathsomeness and unacceptability of human self-righteousness in the eyes of a holy God. It's not merely that human efforts are inadequate; they are actively offensive, polluting, and utterly unfit to be presented before a pure and holy God. This hyperbole emphasizes the vast, unbridgeable chasm between God's perfect holiness and humanity's pervasive sinfulness, highlighting the desperate need for a divine solution to the problem of sin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 64:6, with its stark confession of human depravity and the utter inadequacy of self-righteousness, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The prophet's lament that "we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags" perfectly sets the stage for the Gospel's redemptive message. Humanity, utterly unable to cleanse itself or produce any righteousness acceptable to God, desperately needed a divine intervention and a perfect substitute. This profound need was met in Christ, who, though knowing no sin, was [made to be sin for us](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us"), so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. He perfectly fulfilled all righteousness on our behalf, living a sinless life and offering Himself as the spotless [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His shed blood cleanses us from all impurity ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")), replacing the "filthy rags" of our self-effort with His pure, imputed righteousness, freely given to all who believe ([Romans 5:19](/romans/5-19 "Romans 5:19 - Righteousness Through One Act")). Thus, what Isaiah laments as a universal human condition, Christ graciously and completely redeems, offering a perfect and eternal standing before God that no human effort could ever achieve.

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

Romans 7:18

For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but [how] to perform that which is good I find not.

Romans 7:24

O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

Ephesians 2:1

¶ And you [hath he quickened], who were dead in trespasses and sins;

Ephesians 2:2

Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

Zechariah 3:3

Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel.

Isaiah 53:6

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Revelation 3:17

Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: