King James Version

What Does Isaiah 64:6 Mean?

Isaiah 64:6 in the King James Version says “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 ou... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 64 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Isaiah 64:6 · KJV


Context

4

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

5

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.

6

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.

7

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

8

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'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.' The Hebrew 'tame' (unclean) indicates ritual defilement. Even 'righteousnesses' (plural - best efforts) are 'filthy rags' ('ed' - menstrual cloths, ceremonially defiling). Sin's effects are universal ('all') and comprehensive.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This profound confession demolishes self-righteousness. If the best human efforts are defiling, salvation must come from outside humanity entirely - pointing to Christ's righteousness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse address any residual self-righteousness?
  2. What does it mean that even our righteousnesses are 'filthy rags'?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וַנְּהִ֤י1 of 13
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כַטָּמֵא֙2 of 13

But we are all as an unclean

H2931

foul in a religious sense

כֻּלָּ֔נוּ3 of 13
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

וּכְבֶ֥גֶד4 of 13

rags

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

עִדִּ֖ים5 of 13

are as filthy

H5708

the menstrual flux (as periodical); by implication (in plural) soiling

כָּל6 of 13
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

צִדְקֹתֵ֑ינוּ7 of 13

thing and all our righteousnesses

H6666

rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)

וַנָּ֤בֶל8 of 13

and we all do fade

H5034

to wilt; generally, to fall away, fail, faint

כֶּֽעָלֶה֙9 of 13

as a leaf

H5929

a leaf (as coming up on a tree); collectively, foliage

כֻּלָּ֔נוּ10 of 13
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

וַעֲוֺנֵ֖נוּ11 of 13

and our iniquities

H5771

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

כָּר֥וּחַ12 of 13

like the wind

H7307

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

יִשָּׂאֻֽנוּ׃13 of 13

have taken us away

H5375

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


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 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.

Cross-References

Verses related to Isaiah 64:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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