King James Version

What Does Isaiah 6:11 Mean?

Isaiah 6:11 in the King James Version says “Then said I, Lord, how long? And he answered, Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man,... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Then said I, Lord, how long? And he answered, Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate, utterly: Heb. desolate with desolation

Isaiah 6:11 · KJV


Context

9

And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not. indeed, but understand: or, without ceasing, etc: Heb. in hearing, etc

10

Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.

11

Then said I, Lord, how long? And he answered, Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate, utterly: Heb. desolate with desolation

12

And the LORD have removed men far away, and there be a great forsaking in the midst of the land.

13

But yet in it shall be a tenth, and it shall return, and shall be eaten: as a teil tree, and as an oak, whose substance is in them, when they cast their leaves: so the holy seed shall be the substance thereof. and it: or, when it is returned, and hath been broused substance: or, stock, or, stem


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Isaiah asks the duration question: 'Lord, how long?' God's answer is devastating: until complete desolation—cities without inhabitants, houses without people, land utterly desolate. This prophesies the Babylonian exile but also looks forward to eschatological judgment. The thoroughness ('utterly desolate') emphasizes comprehensive judgment, not partial chastisement. Only after utter devastation will restoration come.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Babylonian exile (586 BC, 150+ years future) fulfilled this literally—Jerusalem destroyed, population exiled, land desolate for 70 years. The scope of judgment matched the depth of rebellion.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's patience before judgment demonstrate both His mercy and the seriousness of sin?
  2. What does it mean that God sometimes must completely tear down before He can rebuild?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וַיֹּ֡אמֶר1 of 18

Then said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

עַד2 of 18
H5704

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

מָתַ֖י3 of 18
H4970

properly, extent (of time); but used only adverbially (especially with other particle prefixes), when (either relative or interrogative)

אֲדֹנָ֑י4 of 18

I Lord

H136

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

וַיֹּ֡אמֶר5 of 18

Then said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

עַ֣ד6 of 18
H5704

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

אֲשֶׁר֩7 of 18
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

אִם8 of 18
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

תִּשָּׁאֶ֥ה9 of 18

be wasted

H7582

to rush; by implication, to desolate

עָרִ֜ים10 of 18

Until the cities

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

מֵאֵ֣ין11 of 18
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

יוֹשֵׁ֗ב12 of 18

without inhabitant

H3427

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

וּבָתִּים֙13 of 18

and the houses

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

מֵאֵ֣ין14 of 18
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

אָדָ֔ם15 of 18

without man

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

וְהָאֲדָמָ֖ה16 of 18

and the land

H127

soil (from its general redness)

תִּשָּׁאֶ֥ה17 of 18

be wasted

H7582

to rush; by implication, to desolate

שְׁמָמָֽה׃18 of 18

be utterly

H8077

devastation; figuratively, astonishment


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 6:11 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 6:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study