New International VersionAbove him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying.
New Living TranslationAttending him were mighty seraphim, each having six wings. With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew.
English Standard VersionAbove him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew.
Berean Standard BibleAbove Him stood seraphim, each having six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying.
King James BibleAbove 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.
New King James VersionAbove it stood seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew.
New American Standard BibleSeraphim were standing above Him, each having six wings: with two each covered his face, and with two each covered his feet, and with two each flew.
NASB 1995Seraphim stood above Him, each having six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew.
NASB 1977Seraphim stood above Him, each having six wings; with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew.
Legacy Standard BibleSeraphim stood above Him, each having six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew.
Amplified BibleAbove Him seraphim (heavenly beings) stood; each one had six wings: with two wings he covered his face, with two wings he covered his feet, and with two wings he flew.
Christian Standard BibleSeraphim were standing above him; they each had six wings: with two they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew.
Holman Christian Standard BibleSeraphim were standing above Him; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew.
American Standard VersionAbove him stood the seraphim: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.
Contemporary English VersionFlaming creatures with six wings each were flying over him. They covered their faces with two of their wings and their bodies with two more. They used the other two wings for flying,
English Revised VersionAbove him stood the seraphim: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationAngels were standing above him. Each had six wings: With two they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew.
Good News TranslationAround him flaming creatures were standing, each of which had six wings. Each creature covered its face with two wings, and its body with two, and used the other two for flying.
International Standard VersionThe seraphim stood above him. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he was flying.
NET BibleSeraphs stood over him; each one had six wings. With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and they used the remaining two to fly.
New Heart English BibleAbove him stood the seraphim. Each one had six wings. With two he covered his face. With two he covered his feet. With two he flew.
Webster's Bible TranslationAbove it stood seraphim: each one had six wings; with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAbove Him stood seraphim, each having six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying.
World English BibleAbove him stood the seraphim. Each one had six wings. With two he covered his face. With two he covered his feet. With two he flew. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionSeraphim are standing above it: each one has six wings; with two [each] covers its face, and with two [each] covers its feet, and with two [each] flies.
Young's Literal Translation Seraphs are standing above it: six wings hath each one; with two each covereth its face, and with two each covereth its feet, and with two each flieth.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd seraphs standing from above to it; six wings, six wings to one; with two he will cover his face, and with two he will cover his feet, and with two he will fly. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleUpon it stood the seraphims: the one had six wings, and the other had six wings: with two they covered his face, and with two they covered his feet, and with two they flew.
Catholic Public Domain VersionThe Seraphims were standing above the throne. One had six wings, and the other had six wings: with two they were covering his face, and with two they were covering his feet, and with two they were flying.
New American BibleSeraphim were stationed above; each of them had six wings: with two they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they hovered.
New Revised Standard VersionSeraphs were in attendance above him; each had six wings: with two they covered their faces, and with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd above him stood the seraphim; each one had six wings; with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he did fly.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd Seraphim were standing above him, six wings to each of them, with two covering his face and with two covering his feet and with two they were flying OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Above Him stood the seraphim; each one had six wings: with twain he covered his face and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd seraphs stood round about him: each one had six wings: and with two they covered their face, and with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Isaiah's Vision of the Lord in His Glory1In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted; and the train of His robe filled the temple. 2AboveHimstoodseraphim,eachhaving sixwings:With two wingsthey coveredtheir faces,with twothey coveredtheir feet,and with twothey were flying.3And they were calling out to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; all the earth is full of His glory.”…
Cross References Revelation 4:8And each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around and within. Day and night they never stop saying: “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!”
Ezekiel 1:5-11and within it was the form of four living creatures. And this was their appearance: They had a human form, / but each had four faces and four wings. / Their legs were straight, and the soles of their feet were like the hooves of a calf, gleaming like polished bronze. ...
Revelation 5:11-12Then I looked, and I heard the voices of many angels encircling the throne, and the living creatures and the elders. And their number was myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands. / In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing!”
Daniel 7:9-10As I continued to watch, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took His seat. His clothing was white as snow, and the hair of His head was like pure wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze. / A river of fire was flowing, coming out from His presence. Thousands upon thousands attended Him, and myriads upon myriads stood before Him. The court was convened, and the books were opened.
Revelation 7:11And all the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. And they fell facedown before the throne and worshiped God,
1 Kings 22:19Micaiah continued, “Therefore hear the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on His throne, and all the host of heaven standing by Him on His right and on His left.
Psalm 99:1The LORD reigns; let the nations tremble! He is enthroned above the cherubim; let the earth quake!
Exodus 25:20And the cherubim are to have wings that spread upward, overshadowing the mercy seat. The cherubim are to face each other, looking toward the mercy seat.
Revelation 4:6-7And before the throne was something like a sea of glass, as clear as crystal. In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, covered with eyes in front and back. / The first living creature was like a lion, the second like a calf, the third had a face like a man, and the fourth was like an eagle in flight.
Ezekiel 10:1-22And I looked and saw above the expanse, above the heads of the cherubim, the likeness of a throne of sapphire. / And the LORD said to the man clothed in linen, “Go inside the wheelwork beneath the cherubim. Fill your hands with burning coals from among the cherubim and scatter them over the city.” And as I watched, he went in. / Now when the man went in, the cherubim were standing on the south side of the temple, and a cloud filled the inner court. ...
Hebrews 1:6And again, when God brings His firstborn into the world, He says: “Let all God’s angels worship Him.”
Psalm 80:1For the choirmaster. To the tune of “The Lilies of the Covenant.” A Psalm of Asaph. Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel, who leads Joseph like a flock; You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth
Luke 2:13-14And suddenly there appeared with the angel a great multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying: / “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests!”
Matthew 18:10See that you do not look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of My Father in heaven.
Psalm 103:20-21Bless the LORD, all His angels mighty in strength who carry out His word, who hearken to the voice of His command. / Bless the LORD, all His hosts, you servants who do His will.
Treasury of Scripture Above it stood the seraphim: each one had six wings; with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he did fly. stood 1 Kings 22:19
And he said, Hear thou therefore the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing by him on his right hand and on his left. Job 1:6
Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. Daniel 7:10
A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened. seraphims Psalm 104:4
Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire: Ezekiel 1:4
And I looked, and, behold, a whirlwind came out of the north, a great cloud, and a fire infolding itself, and a brightnesswas about it, and out of the midst thereof as the colour of amber, out of the midst of the fire. Hebrews 1:7
And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. wings Exodus 25:20
And the cherubims shall stretch forththeir wings on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their facesshall look one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubims be. Exodus 37:9
And the cherubims spread outtheir wings on high,and covered with their wings over the mercy seat, with their faces one to another;even to the mercy seatward were the faces of the cherubims. 1 Kings 6:24,27
And five cubitswas the one wing of the cherub, and five cubits the other wing of the cherub: from the uttermost part of the one wing unto the uttermost part of the otherwere ten cubits… covered his face Genesis 17:3
And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying, Exodus 3:6
Moreover he said, Iam the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God. 1 Kings 19:13
And it wasso, when Elijah heardit, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold,there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah? his feet Job 4:18
Behold, he put no trust in his servants; and his angels he charged with folly: Job 15:15
Behold, he putteth no trust in his saints; yea, the heavens are not clean in his sight. Ezekiel 1:11
Thuswere their faces: and their wingswere stretched upward; twowings of every onewere joined one to another, and two covered their bodies. Jump to Previous CoveredCoverethCoveringFaceFacesFeedFeetFlewFliethFlightFlyFlyingOnesSeraphimSeraphimsSeraphsSixStandingStoodTwainWingedWingsJump to Next CoveredCoverethCoveringFaceFacesFeedFeetFlewFliethFlightFlyFlyingOnesSeraphimSeraphimsSeraphsSixStandingStoodTwainWingedWingsIsaiah 6 1.Isaiah, in a vision of the Lord in his glory5.Being terrified, has apprehensions removed8.He offers himself, and is sent to show the obstinacy of the people13.A remnant shall be savedAbove Him stood seraphimThe seraphim are celestial beings associated with the presence of God, often understood as a high order of angels. Their position "above Him" signifies their role in the heavenly hierarchy, serving and worshiping God. The term "seraphim" is derived from a Hebrew root meaning "to burn," indicating their fiery nature and purity. This vision of seraphim is unique to Isaiah, emphasizing the holiness and majesty of God. In the broader biblical context, angels often appear in significant moments of divine revelation, such as in Genesis 28:12 and Revelation 4:8. each having six wings
The six wings of the seraphim symbolize their readiness and ability to serve God. This imagery is echoed inRevelation 4:8, where the living creatures around God's throne also have six wings. The number six, often associated with imperfection in biblical numerology, here highlights the completeness of their service and worship, as they are fully equipped to fulfill their divine roles. With two wings they covered their faces
Covering their faces signifies reverence and humility before God's overwhelming holiness and glory. Even these exalted beings cannot gaze directly upon the divine presence, underscoring the transcendence and otherness of God. This act of covering is reminiscent of Moses covering his face after speaking with God (Exodus 34:33-35), illustrating the profound respect required in the presence of the divine. with two they covered their feet
Covering their feet suggests modesty and the acknowledgment of their creatureliness before the Creator. In the ancient Near Eastern context, feet were often considered unclean or a symbol of one's earthly journey. By covering their feet, the seraphim demonstrate their awareness of their position as created beings, despite their exalted status. and with two they were flying
The act of flying indicates their readiness to act on God's commands, symbolizing swift obedience and service. This imagery reflects the biblical theme of angels as messengers and servants of God, as seen in passages likePsalm 103:20, where angels are described as mighty ones who do God's bidding. The continuous motion of flying also suggests the ceaseless nature of their worship and service. Persons / Places / Events 1. IsaiahThe prophet who receives the vision of the Lord seated on a high and exalted throne. Isaiah is a major prophet in the Old Testament, known for his messages of judgment and hope. 2. SeraphimAngelic beings described in Isaiah's vision. The term "seraphim" comes from the Hebrew root "saraph," meaning "to burn," indicating their fiery nature and purity. They are depicted as having six wings and are positioned above the throne of God. 3. The Throne of GodThe central place in Isaiah's vision, symbolizing God's sovereignty, holiness, and majesty. The throne is high and exalted, emphasizing God's supreme authority. 4. The TempleThe setting of Isaiah's vision, representing the place of God's presence and worship. The temple is filled with smoke, indicating the glory and holiness of God. 5. The VisionA divine revelation given to Isaiah, showcasing the holiness and majesty of God, and the worship of the seraphim. Teaching Points The Holiness of GodThe seraphim's actions of covering their faces and feet highlight the overwhelming holiness of God. We are reminded to approach God with reverence and awe. Worship and ServiceThe seraphim's continuous worship and service to God serve as a model for believers. Our lives should be marked by worship and a willingness to serve God wholeheartedly. God's SovereigntyThe vision of God on His throne underscores His ultimate authority and control over all creation. Trusting in God's sovereignty brings peace and assurance in uncertain times. Purity and HumilityThe seraphim's covering of their faces and feet can symbolize purity and humility. As believers, we are called to live pure lives and walk humbly before God. Responding to God's CallIsaiah's vision leads to his commissioning as a prophet. We should be open to God's call in our lives and ready to respond in obedience. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 6
Isaiah 6:2 – Are there any historical or archaeological indications of six-winged seraphim, or are these beings purely symbolic?
What are seraphim in the Bible?
Do humans transform into angels after death?
What is the origin of angels?(2) Above it stood the seraphims . . .--It is noticeable that this is the only passage in which the seraphim are mentioned as part of the host of heaven. In Numbers 21:6, the word (the primary meaning of which is the burning ones) occurs as denoting the fiery serpents that attacked the people in the wilderness. Probably the brazen serpent which Hezekiah afterwards destroyed ( 2Kings 18:4) had preserved the name and its significance as denoting the instruments of the fiery judgments of Jehovah. Here, however, there is no trace of the serpent form, nor again, as far as the description goes, of the animal forms of the cherubim of Ezekiel 1:5-11, and of the "living creatures "of Revelation 4:7-8. The "burning ones" are in the likeness of men, with the addition of the six wings. The patristic and mediaeval distinction between the seraphim that excel in love, and the cherubim that excel in knowledge, rests apparently on the etymology of the former word. The "living creatures" of Revelation 4:7-8, seem to unite the forms of the cherubim of Ezekiel with the six wings of the seraphim of this passage. Symbolically the seraphim would seem to be as transfigured cherubim, representing the "flaming fire" of the lightning, as the latter did the storm-winds and other elemental forces of nature ( Psalm 104:4). . . . Verse 2. - Above it stood the seraphims; rather, above him were standing seraphim. The "seraphim" are introduced, not as well known, with the article, but without it, as unknown. The word means "fiery ones," and is supposed to denote the burning love of the blessed spirits spoken cf. They appeared to the prophet as standing above the King as he sat upon his throne - "standing" to show their readiness to minister; but why "above him" is not so clear. Perhaps, simply, as those that stand are "above" those that sit; perhaps as ready to fly through infinite space at the bidding of him who was seated in his palace, as it were upon the ground. Their form, as seen by the prophet, appears to have been human, and only distinguished from ordinary humanity by the wings. Thus, though in name they resembled those other "fiery ones," which had punished the Jews in the wilderness ( Numbers 21:6-9), there is nothing to show that Isaiah in any way connected the two. Each one had six wings. Gesenius is mistaken in saying that there are at Persepolis any six-winged figures ('Thesaurus,' p. 1342). The Persians not infrequently represented their genii with four wings ('Ancient Monarchies,' vol. 3. pp. 353, 354); but no six-winged figures have been found, so far as I know, among the Persian remains. With twain he covered his face, etc. The general idea of the six wings was probably rapid flight, the carrying out of God's behests "with speed swiftly." But, in the Divine presence, the wings were applied to a different use. One pair veiled the seraph's head from the intolerable effulgence of the Divine glory; another concealed the feet, soiled in their various ministrations, and unmeet for the all-pure presence; the third pair alone sustained the seraph in mid-air, as he hovered in readiness to depart on any errand on which Jehovah aright send him.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Aboveמִמַּ֙עַל֙(mim·ma·‘al)Preposition-m | Adverb
Strong's 4605:The upper part, with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the topHimל֔וֹ(lōw)Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrewstoodעֹמְדִ֤ים ׀(‘ō·mə·ḏîm)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 5975:To stand, in various relationsseraphim,שְׂרָפִ֨ים(śə·rā·p̄îm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 8314:Burning, poisonous, a saraph, symbolical creatureeachלְאֶחָ֑ד(lə·’e·ḥāḏ)Preposition-l | Number - masculine singular
Strong's 259:United, one, firsthaving sixשֵׁ֧שׁ(šêš)Number - feminine singular
Strong's 8337:Six (a cardinal number)wings:כְּנָפַ֛יִם(kə·nā·p̄a·yim)Noun - fd
Strong's 3671:An edge, extremity, a wing, a flap, a quarter, a pinnacleWith two [wings]בִּשְׁתַּ֣יִם ׀(biš·ta·yim)Preposition-b | Number - fd
Strong's 8147:Two (a cardinal number)they coveredיְכַסֶּ֣ה(yə·ḵas·seh)Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3680:To plump, fill up hollows, to covertheir faces,פָנָ֗יו(p̄ā·nāw)Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6440:The facewith twoוּבִשְׁתַּ֛יִם(ū·ḇiš·ta·yim)Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Number - fd
Strong's 8147:Two (a cardinal number)they coveredיְכַסֶּ֥ה(yə·ḵas·seh)Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3680:To plump, fill up hollows, to covertheir feet,רַגְלָ֖יו(raḡ·lāw)Noun - fdc | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7272:A foot, a step, the pudendaand with twoוּבִשְׁתַּ֥יִם(ū·ḇiš·ta·yim)Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Number - fd
Strong's 8147:Two (a cardinal number)they were flying.יְעוֹפֵֽף׃(yə·‘ō·w·p̄êp̄)Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5774:To fly, to faint
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OT Prophets: Isaiah 6:2 Above him stood the seraphim (Isa Isi Is) |
