King James Version

What Does Isaiah 6:1 Mean?

Isaiah 6:1 in the King James Version says “In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled th... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. his: or, the skirts thereof

Isaiah 6:1 · KJV


Context

1

In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. his: or, the skirts thereof

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.

3

And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. one: Heb. this cried to this the whole: Heb. his glory is the fulness of the whole earth


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Isaiah's temple vision occurred 'in the year that king Uzziah died' (740 BC), a time of national transition and uncertainty. Uzziah's 52-year prosperous reign ended with his judgment for priestly presumption (2 Chronicles 26). Isaiah's vision of the true King 'sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up' contrasted earthly kingship's failure with divine sovereignty. The train of His robe filling the temple emphasizes overwhelming glory and majesty.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This pivotal moment launched Isaiah's prophetic ministry. The temple theophany echoes Moses's Sinai encounter and anticipates Ezekiel's similar vision. Isaiah's experience demonstrates that effective ministry flows from encountering God's holiness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do earthly disappointments or transitions drive you to seek God's unchanging presence?
  2. What does it mean practically that God is enthroned over all earthly kingdoms and powers?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
בִּשְׁנַת1 of 16

In the year

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

מוֹת֙2 of 16

died

H4194

death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin

הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ3 of 16

that king

H4428

a king

עֻזִּיָּ֔הוּ4 of 16

Uzziah

H5818

uzzijah, the name of five israelites

וָאֶרְאֶ֧ה5 of 16

I saw

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֶת6 of 16

also

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֲדֹנָ֛י7 of 16

the Lord

H136

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

יֹשֵׁ֥ב8 of 16

sitting

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

עַל9 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כִּסֵּ֖א10 of 16

upon a throne

H3678

properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)

רָ֣ם11 of 16

high

H7311

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

וְנִשָּׂ֑א12 of 16

and lifted up

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

וְשׁוּלָ֖יו13 of 16

and his train

H7757

a skirt; by implication, a bottom edge

מְלֵאִ֥ים14 of 16
H4390

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

אֶת15 of 16

also

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַהֵיכָֽל׃16 of 16

the temple

H1964

a large public building, such as a palace or temple


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 6:1 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 6:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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