Isaiah 6:7 Meaning and Explanation
“And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The coal touches Isaiah's lips, and his guilt and sin are removed, preparing him for prophetic speech.
The Context of Isaiah 6:7
The coal cleanses Isaiah, removing his guilt and making him fit to speak for God.
What Does Isaiah 6:7 Mean?
The seraph applies the burning coal directly to Isaiah's lips—the very part he judged unclean. Remarkably, instead of burning him, the coal cleanses. Isaiah's iniquity (deliberate rebellion) and sin (both deed and nature) are removed in an instant. This is not gradual reformation or behavioral correction; it is a decisive act of restoration.
With his uncleanness purged, Isaiah is fit to speak God's word. The action of touching his lips with sacred fire connects cleansing to speech—his voice is now aligned with the holy message he must deliver. This priestly act, performed by the seraph rather than a human priest, indicates that Isaiah's cleansing comes directly from God's presence, not through institutional mediation alone.
Isaiah 6:7 in the Original Language
kipparet (כִּפְּרַת), 'purged'—from the root for atonement, indicating a covering or removal of sin through a divine act.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 6:7
What does Isaiah 6:7 mean?
The coal touches Isaiah's lips, and his guilt and sin are removed, preparing him for prophetic speech.
What is the context of Isaiah 6:7?
The coal cleanses Isaiah, removing his guilt and making him fit to speak for God.