Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. New Living Translation Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal he had taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. English Standard Version Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. Berean Standard Bible Then one of the seraphim flew to me, and in his hand was a glowing coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. Berean Literal Bible And flew to me one from the seraphim, and in his hand was a hot coal he had taken from the altar with tongs. King James Bible 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: New King James Version Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a live coal which he had taken with the tongs from the altar. New American Standard Bible Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal in his hand, which he had taken from the altar with tongs. NASB 1995 Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal in his hand, which he had taken from the altar with tongs. NASB 1977 Then one of the seraphim flew to me, with a burning coal in his hand which he had taken from the altar with tongs. Legacy Standard Bible Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal in his hand, which he had taken from the altar with tongs. Amplified Bible Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal in his hand, which he had taken from the altar with tongs. Berean Annotated Bible Then one of the seraphim flew to me, and in his hand was a glowing coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. Christian Standard Bible Then one of the seraphim flew to me, and in his hand was a glowing coal that he had taken from the altar with tongs. Holman Christian Standard Bible Then one of the seraphim flew to me, and in his hand was a glowing coal that he had taken from the altar with tongs. American Standard Version Then flew one of the seraphim unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: Contemporary English Version One of the flaming creatures flew over to me with a burning coal that it had taken from the altar with a pair of metal tongs. English Revised Version Then flew one of the seraphim unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: GOD'S WORD® Translation Then one of the angels flew to me. In his hand was a burning coal that he had taken from the altar with tongs. Good News Translation Then one of the creatures flew down to me, carrying a burning coal that he had taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. International Standard Version Then one of the seraphim flew to me, carrying a burning coal in his hand that he had taken from the altar with tongs. NET Bible But then one of the seraphs flew toward me. In his hand was a hot coal he had taken from the altar with tongs. New Heart English Bible Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar. Webster's Bible Translation Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen one of the seraphim flew to me, and in his hand was a glowing coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. World English Bible Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd one of the seraphim flees to me, and in his hand—a burning coal (with tongs he has taken [it] from off the altar), Berean Literal Bible And flew to me one from the seraphim, and in his hand was a hot coal he had taken from the altar with tongs. Young's Literal Translation And flee unto me doth one of the seraphs, and in his hand a burning coal, (with tongs he hath taken it from off the altar,) Smith's Literal Translation And one from the seraphs will fly to me, and in his hand a hot stone, he took with the tongs from off the altar: Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd one of the seraphims flew to me, and in his hand was a live coal, which he had taken with the tongs off the altar. Catholic Public Domain Version And one of the Seraphims flew to me, and in his hand was a burning coal, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. New American Bible Then one of the seraphim flew to me, holding an ember which he had taken with tongs from the altar. New Revised Standard Version Then one of the seraphs flew to me, holding a live coal that had been taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen one of the seraphim flew to me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar; Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And one of the Seraphim flew to me, and in his hand he took a coal from the altar with tongs OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Then flew unto me one of the seraphim, with a glowing stone in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar; Brenton Septuagint Translation And there was sent to me one of the seraphs, and he had in his hand a coal, which he had taken off the altar with the tongs: Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Isaiah's Vision of the Lord in His Glory…5Then 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.” 6Then one of the seraphim flew to me, and in his hand was a glowing coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. 7And with it he touched my mouth and said: “Now that this has touched your lips, your iniquity is removed and your sin is atoned for.”… Cross References Then one of the seraphim flew to me, Daniel 9:21 while I was still praying, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me in swift flight about the time of the evening sacrifice. Revelation 14:6 Then I saw another angel flying overhead, with the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation and tribe and tongue and people. Revelation 8:13 And as I observed, I heard an eagle flying overhead, calling in a loud voice, “Woe! Woe! Woe to those who dwell on the earth, because of the trumpet blasts about to be sounded by the remaining three angels!” and in his hand was a glowing coal Ezekiel 10:2 And the LORD said to the man clothed in linen, “Go inside the wheelwork beneath the cherubim. Fill your hands with burning coals from among the cherubim and scatter them over the city.” And as I watched, he went in. Ezekiel 10:7 Then one of the cherubim reached out his hand and took some of the fire that was among them. And he put it into the hands of the man clothed in linen, who received it and went out. Ezekiel 1:13 In the midst of the living creatures was the appearance of glowing coals of fire, or of torches. Fire moved back and forth between the living creatures; it was bright, and lightning flashed out of it. that he had taken with tongs from the altar. Leviticus 16:12 Then he must take a censer full of burning coals from the altar before the LORD, and two handfuls of finely ground fragrant incense, and take them inside the veil. Revelation 8:5 Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and hurled it to the earth; and there were peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning, and an earthquake. 2 Chronicles 4:21 the flowers, lamps, and tongs of gold—of purest gold; Revelation 8:3-5 Then another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, along with the prayers of all the saints, on the golden altar before the throne. / And the smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, rose up before God from the hand of the angel. / Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and hurled it to the earth; and there were peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning, and an earthquake. Numbers 16:46-48 Moses said to Aaron, “Take your censer, place fire from the altar in it, and add incense. Go quickly to the congregation and make atonement for them, because wrath has come out from the LORD; the plague has begun.” / So Aaron took the censer as Moses had ordered and ran into the midst of the assembly. And seeing that the plague had begun among the people, he offered the incense and made atonement for the people. / He stood between the living and the dead, and the plague was halted. Malachi 3:2-3 But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He will be like a refiner’s fire, like a launderer’s soap. / And He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver. Then they will present offerings to the LORD in righteousness. 1 Kings 19:5-7 Then he lay down under the broom tree and fell asleep. Suddenly an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” / And he looked around, and there by his head was a cake of bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. So he ate and drank and lay down again. / A second time the angel of the LORD returned and touched him, saying, “Get up and eat, or the journey will be too much for you.” Zechariah 3:1-5 Then the angel showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, with Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. / And the LORD said to Satan: “The LORD rebukes you, Satan! Indeed, the LORD, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebukes you! Is not this man a firebrand snatched from the fire?” / Now Joshua was dressed in filthy garments as he stood before the angel. … Psalm 51:7 Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Jeremiah 1:9 Then the LORD reached out His hand, touched my mouth, and said to me: “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth. Treasury of Scripture Then flew one of the seraphim to me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: flew Isaiah 6:2 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. Daniel 9:21-23 Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation… Hebrews 1:7,14 And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire… having, etc. Ezekiel 10:2 And he spake unto the man clothed with linen, and said, Go in between the wheels, even under the cherub, and fill thine hand with coals of fire from between the cherubims, and scatter them over the city. And he went in in my sight. Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: Acts 2:3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. which Leviticus 16:12 And he shall take a censer full of burning coals of fire from off the altar before the LORD, and his hands full of sweet incense beaten small, and bring it within the vail: Hebrews 9:22-26 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission… Hebrews 13:10 We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle. Jump to Previous Altar Burning Coal Flee Flew Glowing Hand Live Seraphim Seraphims Seraphs Stone Tongs WingedJump to Next Altar Burning Coal Flee Flew Glowing Hand Live Seraphim Seraphims Seraphs Stone Tongs WingedIsaiah 6 1. Isaiah, in a vision of the Lord in his glory5. Being terrified, has apprehensions removed 8. He offers himself, and is sent to show the obstinacy of the people 13. A remnant shall be saved Then one of the seraphim flew to me The seraphim are angelic beings associated with the presence of God, often depicted as having six wings. Their role in this passage highlights the holiness and majesty of God. The act of flying to Isaiah signifies divine intervention and the urgency of the message. The seraphim's presence underscores the heavenly realm's involvement in earthly matters, emphasizing God's sovereignty and the importance of Isaiah's prophetic mission. and in his hand was a glowing coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar Persons / Places / Events 1. IsaiahThe prophet who receives a vision of the Lord in the temple. He is the central human figure in this passage, experiencing a profound moment of cleansing and commissioning. 2. Seraphim Angelic beings present in the heavenly vision. They are described as having six wings and are involved in the purification of Isaiah. 3. The Altar Represents the place of sacrifice and atonement. The glowing coal taken from the altar signifies purification and the removal of sin. 4. The Temple The setting of Isaiah's vision, symbolizing the presence of God and His holiness. 5. The Glowing Coal A symbol of purification and cleansing, used by the seraphim to touch Isaiah's lips, signifying the removal of his guilt. Teaching Points Holiness of GodGod's holiness is overwhelming and awe-inspiring, as seen in Isaiah's reaction to the vision. We are called to approach God with reverence and humility. Need for Purification Just as Isaiah needed cleansing, we too require purification from sin. This is fulfilled through Christ's atoning sacrifice. Divine Commissioning After purification, Isaiah is ready to be sent by God. Our cleansing leads to a readiness to serve and fulfill God's purposes. Symbolism of the Altar The altar represents sacrifice and atonement. In our lives, it points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, who cleanses us from all unrighteousness. Role of Angels The seraphim serve as messengers and agents of God's will, reminding us of the spiritual realities and the unseen work of God in our lives. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Isaiah 6:6?2. How does Isaiah 6:6 illustrate God's provision for cleansing and forgiveness? 3. What role do angels play in Isaiah 6:6 and throughout Scripture? 4. How can Isaiah's cleansing experience inspire personal repentance and spiritual renewal today? 5. In what ways does Isaiah 6:6 connect to Christ's atoning sacrifice? 6. How can believers apply the concept of divine purification in their daily lives? 7. What is the significance of the seraphim touching Isaiah's lips with a coal in Isaiah 6:6? 8. How does Isaiah 6:6 illustrate the concept of purification and atonement? 9. Why is the imagery of fire used in Isaiah 6:6 for cleansing? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 6? 11. Do angels possess wings? 12. Proverbs 25:21–22 – Does instructing believers to “heap burning coals” on an enemy’s head conflict with later biblical teachings on compassion and forgiveness? 13. What are seraphim in the Bible? 14. What does "heap burning coals" on someone's head mean? What Does Isaiah 6:6 Mean Then one of the seraphim flew to me• The word “Then” links Isaiah’s cry of despair in 6:5 with God’s immediate answer, showing the Lord’s eagerness to redeem (Psalm 34:18; James 4:8). • A seraphim—one of the fiery attendants who continually proclaim, “Holy, holy, holy” (Isaiah 6:2-3; Revelation 4:8)—leaves his worship post and moves toward Isaiah. This flight signals divine initiative; heaven bridges the gap we cannot cross (Hebrews 1:14; Luke 15:20). • The motion is purposeful and swift, reminding us of Gabriel’s “swift flight” to Daniel (Daniel 9:21). God sends help at the right moment, not a second too soon or too late (Psalm 46:1). and in his hand was a glowing coal • The coal is “glowing,” alive with fire. Fire in Scripture often pictures God’s holiness that consumes impurity and refines what is precious (Exodus 3:2; Malachi 3:2-3; 1 Peter 1:7). • A coal rather than a sword meets Isaiah; judgment gives way to cleansing grace (Isaiah 1:18; John 3:17). • Held in the angel’s hand, the coal becomes a tangible token of God’s willingness to touch the prophet personally—echoing Jesus’ later ministry of healing by touch (Matthew 8:3; Mark 7:33). that he had taken with tongs from the altar • The seraph does not create the coal; he retrieves it from the altar before God’s throne (Revelation 8:3-5). The altar is the place of sacrifice and atonement (Leviticus 16:12-13), foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Christ (Hebrews 9:22-24). • Tongs signify reverence: even a holy angel handles the coal carefully (Exodus 19:18; 1 Kings 19:12-13). If the angel approaches the fire with respect, how much more should we approach the Holy One with awe (Hebrews 12:28-29). • What happens next (Isaiah 6:7) proves the coal’s mission: it touches Isaiah’s lips, removes guilt, and prepares him for service (2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 John 1:9). Cleansing precedes calling; purity empowers proclamation (Jeremiah 1:9; 2 Timothy 2:21). summary Isaiah 6:6 shows heaven taking decisive action to cleanse a repentant sinner. A seraph swiftly brings a live coal from God’s own altar, picturing the Lord’s holy yet gracious nature. The fiery coal, rooted in sacrifice, foreshadows Christ’s atoning work that purifies and equips believers for service. (6) Then flew one of the seraphims.--In presenting the vision to our mind's eye we have to think of the bright seraph form, glowing as with fire, and with wings like the lightning-flash, leaving his station above the throne, and coming to where the prophet stood in speechless terror. The altar from which he took the "live coal "--literally, stone, and interpreted by some critics of the stones of which the altar was constructed--is commonly thought of as belonging, like that of Revelation 8:5; Revelation 9:13, to the heavenly Temple which was opened to the prophet's view. There seems, however, a deeper meaning in the symbolism if we think of the seraph as descending from the height above the throne to the altar of incense, near which Isaiah actually stood. It was from that altar that the glowing charcoal was taken. What had seemed part of the material of a formal worship became quickened with a living power. The symbol became sacramental. So in Psalm 51:7, the prayer of the penitent is "Purge me with hyssop"--i.e., make the symbol a reality. Fire, it need hardly be said, is throughout the Bible the symbol at once of the wrath and the love of God, destroying the evil and purifying the good (Numbers 31:23; Malachi 3:2; Matthew 3:11; 1Corinthians 3:15; Hebrews 12:29; 1Peter 1:7). Isaiah passed, as it were, through the purgatory of an instantaneous agony. . . . Verse 6. - A live coal; or, a glowing stone, as Gesenius, Rosenmüller, Knobel, and Mr. Cheyne understand (comp. 1 Kings 19:6, where a cognate word is used). The tongs... the altar. The presence of an altar in the heavenly dwelling, with the usual appurtenances, is assumed (comp. Revelation 6:9; Revelation 8:3). The altar is, no doubt, an altar of incense, and of gold, not of stone; but the incense is burnt upon stones heated to a glow, and it is one of these stones which the angel takes with the golden tongs of the sanctuary (Exodus 25:38).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Then oneאֶחָד֙ (’e·ḥāḏ) Number - masculine singular Strong's 259: United, one, first of מִן־ (min-) Preposition Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of the seraphim הַשְּׂרָפִ֔ים (haś·śə·rā·p̄îm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 8314: Burning, poisonous, a saraph, symbolical creature flew וַיָּ֣עָף (way·yā·‘āp̄) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5774: To fly, to faint to me, אֵלַ֗י (’ê·lay) Preposition | first person common singular Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to and in his hand וּבְיָד֖וֹ (ū·ḇə·yā·ḏōw) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 3027: A hand was a glowing coal רִצְפָּ֑ה (riṣ·pāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 7531: A hot stone, a tessellated pavement that he had taken לָקַ֖ח (lā·qaḥ) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3947: To take with tongs בְּמֶ֨לְקַחַ֔יִם (bə·mel·qa·ḥa·yim) Preposition-b | Noun - md Strong's 4457: Tongs, snuffers from מֵעַ֥ל (mê·‘al) Preposition-m Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against the altar. הַמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃ (ham·miz·bê·aḥ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4196: An altar Links Isaiah 6:6 NIVIsaiah 6:6 NLT Isaiah 6:6 ESV Isaiah 6:6 NASB Isaiah 6:6 KJV Isaiah 6:6 BibleApps.com Isaiah 6:6 Biblia Paralela Isaiah 6:6 Chinese Bible Isaiah 6:6 French Bible Isaiah 6:6 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Isaiah 6:6 Then one of the seraphim flew (Isa Isi Is) |



