King James Version

What Does Isaiah 64:6 Mean?

“But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.”

Context

For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him. seen: or, seen a God beside thee, which doeth so for him, etc

Thou meetest him that rejoiceth and worketh righteousness, those that remember thee in thy ways: behold, thou art wroth; for we have sinned: in those is continuance, and we shall be saved.

But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee: for thou hast hid thy face from us, and hast consumed us, because of our iniquities. consumed: Heb. melted because: Heb. by the hand

But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(6) **We are all as an unclean thing . . .**—Better, *as he who is unclean, scil., *like the leper of Leviticus 13:45. **Filthy rags **point to that which to the Israelite was the other extremest form of ceremonial uncleanness, as in Ezekiel 36:17. **Have taken us away**—*scil., *afar off from the light and favour of Jehovah.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 64:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.