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Isaiah 6:11

Isaiah 6:11 in Multiple Translations

Then I asked: “How long, O Lord?” And He replied: “Until the cities lie ruined and without inhabitant, until the houses are left unoccupied and the land is desolate and ravaged,

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,

Then said I, Lord, how long? And he answered, Until cities be waste without inhabitant, and houses without man, and the land become utterly waste,

Then I said, Lord, how long? And he said in answer, Till the towns are waste and unpeopled, and the houses have no men, and the land becomes completely waste,

Then I asked, “How long will this last, Lord?” He replied, “Until towns are ruined and empty, houses are abandoned, and the land is devastated and destroyed;

Then sayd I, Lord, howe long? And he answered, Vntill the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be vtterly desolate,

And I say, 'Till when, O Lord?' And He saith, 'Surely till cities have been wasted without inhabitant, And houses without man, And the ground be wasted — a desolation,

Then I said, “Lord, how long?” He answered, “Until cities are waste without inhabitant, houses without man, the land becomes utterly waste,

Then said I, Lord, how long? And he answered, Until the cities shall be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate;

And I said: How long, O Lord? And he said: Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land shall be left desolate.

Then I said, “How long do you want me to continue to do that?” He replied, “Do it until their cities are ruined by their enemies, until no one is living in their houses, do it until all the crops are stolen from their fields and the fields are ruined.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 6:11

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Isaiah 6:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וָ/אֹמַ֕ר עַד מָתַ֖י אֲדֹנָ֑/י וַ/יֹּ֡אמֶר עַ֣ד אֲשֶׁר֩ אִם שָׁא֨וּ עָרִ֜ים מֵ/אֵ֣ין יוֹשֵׁ֗ב וּ/בָתִּים֙ מֵ/אֵ֣ין אָדָ֔ם וְ/הָ/אֲדָמָ֖ה תִּשָּׁאֶ֥ה שְׁמָמָֽה
וָ/אֹמַ֕ר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
עַד ʻad H5704 till Prep
מָתַ֖י mâthay H4970 how Part
אֲדֹנָ֑/י ʼĂdônây H136 Lord N-mp | Suff
וַ/יֹּ֡אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
עַ֣ד ʻad H5704 till Prep
אֲשֶׁר֩ ʼăsher H834 which Rel
אִם ʼim H518 if Conj
שָׁא֨וּ shâʼâh H7582 to crash V-Qal-Perf-3cp
עָרִ֜ים ʻîyr H5892 excitement N-fp
מֵ/אֵ֣ין ʼayin H369 nothing Prep | Part
יוֹשֵׁ֗ב yâshab H3427 to dwell V-Qal
וּ/בָתִּים֙ bayith H1004 place Conj | N-mp
מֵ/אֵ֣ין ʼayin H369 nothing Prep | Part
אָדָ֔ם ʼâdâm H120 the man (Adam) N-ms
וְ/הָ/אֲדָמָ֖ה ʼădâmâh H127 land Conj | Art | N-fs
תִּשָּׁאֶ֥ה shâʼâh H7582 to crash V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs
שְׁמָמָֽה shᵉmâmâh H8077 Desolate N-fs
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 6:11

וָ/אֹמַ֕ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
עַד ʻad H5704 "till" Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
מָתַ֖י mâthay H4970 "how" Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'when' or 'how long', often used to ask about time or duration, like in Genesis when asking how long a task will take.
Definition: 1) when? 1a) with prep 1a1) against when?, until when?, how long?, after how long?
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: long, when. See also: Genesis 30:30; Psalms 101:2; Psalms 6:4.
אֲדֹנָ֑/י ʼĂdônây H136 "Lord" N-mp | Suff
Adonay is a title used to refer to God, spoken in place of Yahweh as a sign of reverence and respect. It is used throughout the Bible to address God or refer to Him in a formal way. Adonay is a term of worship and devotion.
Definition: Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 430 OT verses. KJV: (my) Lord. See also: Genesis 15:2; Isaiah 3:17; Psalms 2:4.
וַ/יֹּ֡אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
עַ֣ד ʻad H5704 "till" Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
אֲשֶׁר֩ ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
אִם ʼim H518 "if" Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
שָׁא֨וּ shâʼâh H7582 "to crash" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to crash or rush, often resulting in desolation or ruin. In the Bible, it is used to describe the destruction of cities or nations, like in Jeremiah 4:20. The word conveys a sense of sudden and intense devastation.
Definition: 1) crash, make a din or crash, crash into ruins, be in ruins, be desolated 1a) (Qal) to crash into ruins 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be ruined 1b2) to crash 1b3) to be left (a desolation) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to crash 1c2) to cause to be desolated
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: be desolate, (make a) rush(-ing), (lay) waste. See also: 2 Kings 19:25; Isaiah 17:12; Isaiah 6:11.
עָרִ֜ים ʻîyr H5892 "excitement" N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
מֵ/אֵ֣ין ʼayin H369 "nothing" Prep | Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
יוֹשֵׁ֗ב yâshab H3427 "to dwell" V-Qal
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
וּ/בָתִּים֙ bayith H1004 "place" Conj | N-mp
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
מֵ/אֵ֣ין ʼayin H369 "nothing" Prep | Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
אָדָ֔ם ʼâdâm H120 "the man (Adam)" N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
וְ/הָ/אֲדָמָ֖ה ʼădâmâh H127 "land" Conj | Art | N-fs
This Hebrew word refers to the earth or soil, often describing the ground as a source of sustenance. It is used to describe the physical earth, a plot of land, or even a whole country. The KJV translates it as 'country', 'earth', or 'land'.
Definition: : soil 1) ground, land 1a) ground (as general, tilled, yielding sustenance) 1b) piece of ground, a specific plot of land 1c) earth substance (for building or constructing) 1d) ground as earth's visible surface 1e) land, territory, country 1f) whole inhabited earth 1g) city in Naphtali
Usage: Occurs in 211 OT verses. KJV: country, earth, ground, husband(-man) (-ry), land. See also: Genesis 1:25; 1 Kings 8:40; Psalms 49:12.
תִּשָּׁאֶ֥ה shâʼâh H7582 "to crash" V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs
This verb means to crash or rush, often resulting in desolation or ruin. In the Bible, it is used to describe the destruction of cities or nations, like in Jeremiah 4:20. The word conveys a sense of sudden and intense devastation.
Definition: 1) crash, make a din or crash, crash into ruins, be in ruins, be desolated 1a) (Qal) to crash into ruins 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be ruined 1b2) to crash 1b3) to be left (a desolation) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to crash 1c2) to cause to be desolated
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: be desolate, (make a) rush(-ing), (lay) waste. See also: 2 Kings 19:25; Isaiah 17:12; Isaiah 6:11.
שְׁמָמָֽה shᵉmâmâh H8077 "Desolate" N-fs
This word refers to the state of being devastated or wasted, often used to describe the results of war or God's judgment. In Ezekiel 33:28, it describes the desolation of Israel. It's about a place being left empty and destroyed.
Definition: devastation, waste, desolation Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: (laid, [idiom] most) desolate(-ion), waste. See also: Exodus 23:29; Ezekiel 14:16; Isaiah 1:7.

Study Notes — Isaiah 6:11

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Isaiah 24:1–12 Behold, the LORD lays waste the earth and leaves it in ruins. He will twist its surface and scatter its inhabitants— people and priest alike, servant and master, maid and mistress, buyer and seller, lender and borrower, creditor and debtor. The earth will be utterly laid waste and thoroughly plundered. For the LORD has spoken this word. The earth mourns and withers; the world languishes and fades; the exalted of the earth waste away. The earth is defiled by its people; they have transgressed the laws; they have overstepped the decrees and broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore a curse has consumed the earth, and its inhabitants must bear the guilt; the earth’s dwellers have been burned, and only a few survive. The new wine dries up, the vine withers. All the merrymakers now groan. The joyful tambourines have ceased; the noise of revelers has stopped; the joyful harp is silent. They no longer sing and drink wine; strong drink is bitter to those who consume it. The city of chaos is shattered; every house is closed to entry. In the streets they cry out for wine. All joy turns to gloom; rejoicing is exiled from the land. The city is left in ruins; its gate is reduced to rubble.
2 Psalms 94:3 How long will the wicked, O LORD, how long will the wicked exult?
3 Leviticus 26:31 I will reduce your cities to rubble and lay waste your sanctuaries, and I will refuse to smell the pleasing aroma of your sacrifices.
4 Isaiah 1:7 Your land is desolate; your cities are burned with fire. Foreigners devour your fields before you— a desolation demolished by strangers.
5 Psalms 90:13 Return, O LORD! How long will it be? Have compassion on Your servants.
6 Isaiah 3:26 And the gates of Zion will lament and mourn; destitute, she will sit on the ground.
7 Psalms 79:5 How long, O LORD? Will You be angry forever? Will Your jealousy burn like fire?
8 Psalms 74:10 How long, O God, will the enemy taunt You? Will the foe revile Your name forever?

Isaiah 6:11 Summary

Isaiah 6:11 shows us that God's judgment on disobedience can be very severe, leading to desolation and ruin, as also warned in Deuteronomy 28:15-68. However, even in judgment, God remembers His people and plans for their restoration, as seen in verses like Isaiah 11:1-10 and Ezekiel 36:33-36. This verse teaches us about the importance of obedience and the consequences of turning away from God. It also reminds us that God's plans are not always immediate, but they are always just and loving, as shown in His covenant with Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Lord responding to when He says 'Until the cities lie ruined and without inhabitant'?

The Lord is responding to the prophet Isaiah's question, 'How long, O Lord?', which is a cry for understanding of the duration of the judgment He has just commissioned Isaiah to proclaim in Isaiah 6:9-10, a call to hardness of heart that echoes the principles seen in Deuteronomy 29:4.

Is the desolation described in Isaiah 6:11 a permanent condition?

No, the desolation is not permanent, as Isaiah 6:13 and other scriptures like Isaiah 11:1-10 and Ezekiel 36:33-36 indicate a future restoration of the land and its people, in line with God's covenant promises found in Genesis 12:7 and Jeremiah 31:31-34.

How does this verse relate to the call to ministry given to Isaiah in the preceding verses?

This verse is a direct response to Isaiah's inquiry about the duration of his ministry, which involves calling the people to hardness of heart as described in Isaiah 6:9-10, a task that is both difficult and necessary, as seen in the examples of other prophets like Jeremiah in Jeremiah 1:17-19.

What is the significance of the land being 'desolate and ravaged'?

The land being 'desolate and ravaged' signifies God's judgment on the people for their disobedience, as seen in similar judgments in Leviticus 26:32-35 and Deuteronomy 28:15-68, highlighting the severity of their rebellion against God.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean for the cities to 'lie ruined and without inhabitant', and how can this image inform my understanding of God's judgment?
  2. In what ways can I, like Isaiah, seek to understand the duration and nature of God's plans, especially in times of uncertainty or hardship?
  3. How does the desolation described in this verse contrast with the promise of restoration found in other parts of Scripture, such as Isaiah 65:17-25?
  4. What role does faithfulness play in the midst of judgment, as seen in the examples of prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah?
  5. How can reflecting on the severity of God's judgment, as described here, impact my personal walk with God and my obedience to His commands?

Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 6:11

Then said I, Lord, how long?.... That is, how long will this blindness, hardness, stupidity, and impenitence, remain with this people, or they be under such a sore judgment of God upon them: and he

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 6:11

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, Lord, how long - will this wretched

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 6:11

Lord, how long? an abrupt speech, arising from the prophet’ s great passion and astonishment. How long shall this dreadful judgment last? Until the land be utterly desolate; until this land be totally destroyed, first by the Babylonians, and afterward by the Romans.

Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 6:11

Isaiah 6:11 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,Ver. 11. Then said I, Lord, how long?] sc., Shall this sad stroke upon the souls of this poor people last? Is there no hope of an end? Hast thou utterly cast off Israel? See here the good affection of godly ministers towards even obdurate and obstinate sinners; how deeply and dearly they oft pity them and pray for them, as did also Moses, Samuel, Paul. Until the cities be wasted, &c.] Till these uncounselable and incorrigible refractories be utterly rooted out by the Babylonians first: and then by the Romans.

Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 6:11

(11) Lord, how long?—The prophet asks the question which is ever on the lips of those who are brought face to face with the problems of the world, with the great mystery of evil, sin permitted to work out fresh evil as its punishment, and yet remaining evil. How long shall all this last? So a later prophet, towards the close of the seventy years of exile, cried once again, “How long?” (Daniel 8:13). So the cry, “How long, O Lord, dost thou not judge?” came from the souls beneath the altar (Revelation 6:10). Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant.—The words answer the immediate question of the prophet within its horizon. They suggest an answer to all analogous questions. Stroke after stroke must come, judgment after judgment, till the sin has been adequately punished; but the darkness of the prospect, terrible as it is, does not exclude the glimmer of an eternal hope for the far-off future.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 6:11

Verse 11. Be utterly desolate - "Be left"] For תשאה tishaeh, the Septuagint and Vulgate read תשאר tishshaer.

Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 6:11

11–13. The hardening of the people in unbelief is to be accompanied by a series of external judgments, culminating in the utter ruin of the nation.

Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 6:11

How long - The prophet did not dare to pray that this effect should not follow.

Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 6:11

11. How long a period will this hardness last, and how extended a time must the message predict? Until — The direful answer covers the whole period until Nebuchadnezzar carries the people to Babylon.

Sermons on Isaiah 6:11

SermonDescription
Art Katz Some Comments on Netanyahu’s Election in Israel: A Prelude to Coming Disaster? by Art Katz Art Katz discusses the implications of Benjamin Netanyahu's election in Israel, suggesting that it may not lead to any significant change in the nation's dire circumstances. He arg
David Wilkerson In One Hour Everything Is Going to Change by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the speaker addresses the current state of faith among young people, particularly college students. He expresses concern that atheistic teachers and professors are
Vance Havner It's About Time by Vance Havner In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that it is about time for God to intervene and address the iniquities and inequities of society. He highlights the disrespect and disregard
Steve Gallagher Isaiah’s Apocalypse by Steve Gallagher In this sermon, the speaker discusses the prophecy in Isaiah 24, which describes the destruction and chaos that will come upon the earth. The speaker emphasizes that everyone will
David Guzik (Isaiah) Judgment and Praise in the Great Tribulation by David Guzik In this sermon, the preacher discusses the scene of judgment and the distinction between the fate of the wicked and the righteous. The wicked will face destruction and desolation,
David Wilkerson The Coming Storm by David Wilkerson David Wilkerson emphasizes that God is shaking the world to awaken humanity from spiritual slumber, much like a parent gently shakes a sleeping child. He illustrates this divine sh
David Wilkerson Coming Storm? by David Wilkerson David Wilkerson warns of an impending divine shaking that will affect the entire earth, as prophesied in Isaiah and echoed by other prophets like Ezekiel and Joel. He emphasizes th

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