King James Version

What Does Isaiah 1:6 Mean?

Isaiah 1:6 in the King James Version says “From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores:... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment. ointment: or, oil

Isaiah 1:6 · KJV


Context

4

Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward. laden: Heb. of heaviness gone: Heb. alienated, or, separated

5

Why should ye be stricken any more? ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. revolt: Heb. increase revolt

6

From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment. ointment: or, oil

7

Your country is desolate, your cities are burned with fire: your land, strangers devour it in your presence, and it is desolate, as overthrown by strangers. overthrown: Heb. the overthrow of

8

And the daughter of Zion is left as a cottage in a vineyard, as a lodge in a garden of cucumbers, as a besieged city.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The complete body survey from sole to head emphasizes total corruption with no sound part remaining. The three-fold description of wounds (fresh), bruises (swollen), and putrefying sores (infected and untreated) portrays progressively worsening spiritual condition. The lack of medical treatment indicates both the severity and the neglect of their moral state.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern medicine emphasized binding wounds and applying soothing oil. The absence of these treatments pictures a people who have abandoned even basic spiritual health practices.

Reflection Questions

  1. Are you addressing spiritual wounds promptly, or allowing them to fester?
  2. What does complete reliance on God's healing look like in your current circumstances?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
מִכַּף1 of 18

From the sole

H3709

the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-

רֶ֤גֶל2 of 18

of the foot

H7272

a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

וְעַד3 of 18
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

רֹאשׁ֙4 of 18

even unto the head

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

אֵֽין5 of 18
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

בּ֣וֹ6 of 18
H0
מְתֹ֔ם7 of 18

there is no soundness

H4974

wholesomeness; also (adverb) completely

פֶּ֥צַע8 of 18

in it but wounds

H6482

a wound

וְחַבּוּרָ֖ה9 of 18

and bruises

H2250

properly, bound (with stripes), i.e., a weal (or black-and-blue mark itself)

וּמַכָּ֣ה10 of 18

sores

H4347

a blow (in 2 chronicles 2:10, of the flail); by implication, a wound; figuratively, carnage, also pestilence

טְרִיָּ֑ה11 of 18

and putrifying

H2961

properly, dripping; hence, fresh (i.e., recently made such)

לֹא12 of 18
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

זֹ֙רוּ֙13 of 18

they have not been closed

H2115

to press together, tighten

וְלֹ֣א14 of 18
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

חֻבָּ֔שׁוּ15 of 18

neither bound up

H2280

to wrap firmly (especially a turban, compress, or saddle); figuratively, to stop, to rule

וְלֹ֥א16 of 18
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

רֻכְּכָ֖ה17 of 18

neither mollified

H7401

to soften (intransitively or transitively), used figuratively

בַּשָּֽׁמֶן׃18 of 18

with ointment

H8081

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Isaiah 1:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Isaiah 1:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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