Isaiah 6:4
Isaiah 6:4 in Multiple Translations
At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook, and the temple was filled with smoke.
And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.
And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.
And the bases of the door-pillars were shaking at the sound of his cry, and the house was full of smoke.
The sound of their shouts made the doorposts and doorsteps shake, and the Temple was filled with smoke.
And the lintles of the doore cheekes moued at the voyce of him that cryed, and the house was filled with smoke.
And the posts of the thresholds are moved by the voice of him who is calling, and the house is full of smoke.
The foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke.
And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.
And the lintels of the doors were moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.
When they spoke, it caused the doorposts of the temple to shake, and the temple was filled with smoke.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 6:4
BAB
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 6:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּנֻ֨עוּ֙
אַמּ֣וֹת
הַ/סִּפִּ֔ים
מִ/קּ֖וֹל
הַ/קּוֹרֵ֑א
וְ/הַ/בַּ֖יִת
יִמָּלֵ֥א
עָשָֽׁן
וַ/יָּנֻ֨עוּ֙
nûwaʻ
H5128
to shake
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אַמּ֣וֹת
ʼammâh
H520
cubit
N-fp
הַ/סִּפִּ֔ים
çaph
H5592
basin
Art | N-mp
מִ/קּ֖וֹל
qôwl
H6963
voice
Prep | N-ms
הַ/קּוֹרֵ֑א
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
Art | V-Qal
וְ/הַ/בַּ֖יִת
bayith
H1004
place
Conj | Art | N-ms
יִמָּלֵ֥א
mâlêʼ
H4390
to fill
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
עָשָֽׁן
ʻâshân
H6227
smoke
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 6:4
וַ/יָּנֻ֨עוּ֙
nûwaʻ
H5128
"to shake"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To shake means to move back and forth, like trembling with fear, as described in the book of Isaiah. It can also mean to be unstable or to wander, like the Israelites in the wilderness.
Definition: 1) to quiver, totter, shake, reel, stagger, wander, move, sift, make move, wave, waver, tremble 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to wave, quiver, vibrate, swing, stagger, tremble, be unstable 1a2) to totter, go tottering 1a2a) vagabond (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be tossed about or around 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to toss about 1c2) to shake, cause to totter 1c3) to shake, disturb 1c4) to cause to wander
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: continually, fugitive, [idiom] make, to (go) up and down, be gone away, (be) move(-able, -d), be promoted, reel, remove, scatter, set, shake, sift, stagger, to and fro, be vagabond, wag, (make) wander (up and down). See also: Genesis 4:12; Psalms 109:25; Psalms 22:8.
אַמּ֣וֹת
ʼammâh
H520
"cubit"
N-fp
A cubit is a unit of measurement, about the length of a forearm, used in the Bible to describe the size of objects like the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus. It is also used to describe a foundation or a door-base.
Definition: cubit-a measure of distance (the forearm), roughly 18 in (. 5m). There are several cubits used in the OT, the cubit of a man or common cubit (De 3:11), the legal cubit or cubit of the sanctuary (Eze 40:5) plus others. See a Bible Dictionary for a complete treatment. Aramaic equivalent: am.mah (אַמָּה "cubit" H0521)
Usage: Occurs in 132 OT verses. KJV: cubit, [phrase] hundred (by exchange for H3967 (מֵאָה)), measure, post. See also: Genesis 6:15; 2 Chronicles 3:3; Isaiah 6:4.
הַ/סִּפִּ֔ים
çaph
H5592
"basin"
Art | N-mp
This word refers to a threshold, like a door sill, or a container for holding liquids. It can also mean a gate or post. The KJV translates it as threshold or bason.
Definition: 1) a spreading out, basin, goblet, bowl 1a) basin, goblet
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: bason, bowl, cup, door (post), gate, post, threshold. See also: Exodus 12:22; 2 Chronicles 34:9; Isaiah 6:4.
מִ/קּ֖וֹל
qôwl
H6963
"voice"
Prep | N-ms
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)
Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.
הַ/קּוֹרֵ֑א
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
Art | V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
וְ/הַ/בַּ֖יִת
bayith
H1004
"place"
Conj | Art | N-ms
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.
יִמָּלֵ֥א
mâlêʼ
H4390
"to fill"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
To fill means to make something full or complete, like filling a container or fulfilling a promise. This word is used in many contexts, including being full of joy or having a job completed.
Definition: 1) to fill, be full 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be full 1a1a) fulness, abundance (participle) 1a1b) to be full, be accomplished, be ended 1a2) to consecrate, fill the hand 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be filled, be armed, be satisfied 1b2) to be accomplished, be ended 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to fill 1c2) to satisfy 1c3) to fulfil, accomplish, complete 1c4) to confirm 1d) (Pual) to be filled 1e) (Hithpael) to mass themselves against Aramaic equivalent: me.la (מְלָא "to fill" H4391)
Usage: Occurs in 242 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, confirm, [phrase] consecrate, be at an end, be expired, be fenced, fill, fulfil, (be, become, [idiom] draw, give in, go) full(-ly, -ly set, tale), (over-) flow, fulness, furnish, gather (selves, together), presume, replenish, satisfy, set, space, take a (hand-) full, [phrase] have wholly. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 16:14; Psalms 10:7.
עָשָֽׁן
ʻâshân
H6227
"smoke"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for smoke, whether literal or figurative, is used throughout the Bible. In Exodus, God appears to Moses in a cloud of smoke, while in other places it represents God's anger or judgment. Smoke can also symbolize prayer rising to God.
Definition: 1) smoke 1a) smoke 1b) in metaphor, simile 1c) smoke (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: smoke(-ing). See also: Genesis 15:17; Proverbs 10:26; Psalms 18:9.
Study Notes — Isaiah 6:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 6:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 6:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 6:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 6:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 6:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 6:4
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 6:4
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 6:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 6:4
- Sermons on Isaiah 6:4
Context — Isaiah’s Commission
2Above 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.
3And they were calling out to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; all the earth is full of His glory.”
4At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook, and the temple was filled with smoke.
5Then I said: “Woe is me, for I am ruined, because I am a man of unclean lips dwelling among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of Hosts.” 6Then one of the seraphim flew to me, and in his hand was a glowing coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Revelation 15:8 | And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from His power; and no one could enter the temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed. |
| 2 | Exodus 40:34 | Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. |
| 3 | 2 Chronicles 5:13–1 | — |
| 4 | 1 Kings 8:10–12 | And when the priests came out of the Holy Place, the cloud filled the house of the LORD so that the priests could not stand there to minister because of the cloud; for the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD. Then Solomon declared: “The LORD has said that He would dwell in the thick cloud. |
| 5 | Revelation 11:19 | Then the temple of God in heaven was opened, and the ark of His covenant appeared in His temple. And there were flashes of lightning, and rumblings, and peals of thunder, and an earthquake, and a great hailstorm. |
| 6 | Ezekiel 10:5 | The sound of the wings of the cherubim could be heard as far as the outer court, like the voice of God Almighty when He speaks. |
| 7 | Amos 9:1 | I saw the Lord standing beside the altar, and He said: “Strike the tops of the pillars so that the thresholds shake. Topple them on the heads of all the people, and I will kill the rest with the sword. None of those who flee will get away; none of the fugitives will escape. |
| 8 | Psalms 18:8 | Smoke rose from His nostrils, and consuming fire came from His mouth; glowing coals blazed forth. |
| 9 | Ezekiel 1:24 | When the creatures moved, I heard the sound of their wings like the roar of many waters, like the voice of the Almighty, like the tumult of an army. When they stood still, they lowered their wings. |
Isaiah 6:4 Summary
[Isaiah 6:4 describes a powerful moment where the voices of the seraphim cause the temple to shake and fill with smoke, showing us God's mighty presence and holiness, similar to what we see in Psalm 18:7-15. This verse helps us understand that when we worship God and declare His glory, it can have a profound impact on our lives and the world around us. As we read in Psalm 29:1-2, worshiping God involves recognizing His power and majesty, and responding with reverence and humility. By reflecting on this verse, we can learn to approach God with a deeper sense of awe and respect, just like the seraphim and the prophet Isaiah.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the doorposts and thresholds shaking in Isaiah 6:4?
The shaking of the doorposts and thresholds symbolizes the powerful presence of God, as seen in other scriptures like Psalm 68:8 and Ezekiel 3:12, where God's presence causes the earth to tremble.
Why was the temple filled with smoke in Isaiah 6:4?
The smoke in the temple represents the glory and majesty of God, similar to Exodus 19:18 and 1 Kings 8:10-11, where God's presence is accompanied by a cloud or smoke, signifying His power and holiness.
How does the reaction of the temple in Isaiah 6:4 relate to the worship of the seraphim in Isaiah 6:3?
The shaking of the doorposts and the filling of the temple with smoke are direct responses to the seraphim's worship, as their declaration of God's holiness in Isaiah 6:3 invokes a manifestation of God's power and presence, demonstrating the connection between worship and God's glory.
What can we learn about God's character from the events described in Isaiah 6:4?
This verse reveals God's awe-inspiring power and holiness, emphasizing the importance of reverence and humility in our approach to Him, as also seen in Isaiah 57:15 and Psalm 96:9, which encourage us to worship God with reverence and fear.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond to the presence of God in my life, and what are the areas where I need to show more reverence and humility?
- What are the 'doorposts and thresholds' in my life that need to be shaken by the power of God, and how can I surrender them to His will?
- In what ways can I, like the seraphim, declare God's holiness and glory in my daily life, and what impact might this have on those around me?
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of awe and wonder at God's majesty, as depicted in Isaiah 6:4, and what role does worship play in this process?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 6:4
And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried,.... That is, the posts of the door of the temple, as the Targum adds, where this vision was seen, as represented to the prophet.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 6:4
And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke. The posts of the door moved at the voice - the foundations of the thresholds (Maurer).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 6:4
The posts of the door, together with the door itself, as if the door was to be removed, and the temple thereby to be exposed to the view and rapine of profane persons. Such violent motions were commonly tokens of God’ s anger. Him that cried, to wit, the angel, which cried; . Filled with smoke; which elsewhere is a token of God’ s presence and acceptance, as , but here of his anger, as , and elsewhere.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 6:4
Isaiah 6:4 And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.Ver. 4. And the posts of the door were moved.] Presently upon the angels’ hymn this occured, with such a force it was uttered, as it was at the time of our Saviour’ s resurrection, when the angel rolled back the stone and sat upon it there was a great earthquake. By the moving of the "posts" or thresholds was signified the destruction of the temple, when the smoke with which the house was filled, when it was burned down by the Chaldees, as also the just excaecation of the Jews. Their temple, that had been filled with the train of glory, is now filled with smoke going out of God’ s nostrils when he was angry.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 6:4
(4) The posts of the door.—Better, the foundations of the threshold. The words seem to point to the prophet’s position as in front of the Holy of holies. The house was filled with smoke.—The vision had its prototype in “the smoke as of a furnace” on Sinai (Exodus 19:18), in the glory-cloud of 1 Kings 8:10, and possibly in its lurid fire-lit darkness represented the wrath of Jehovah, as the clear brightness of the throne did His love. So in Revelation 15:8, the “smoke from the glory of God” precedes the outpouring of the seven vials of wrath’. The parallelism of the clouds of incense-smoke as the symbol of adoring prayer (Revelation 5:8; Revelation 8:4) suggests an alternative interpretation as possible; but in that case mention would probably have been made of the censers from which it rose. The incense-clouds of the Temple may in either case have been the starting-point of the mystic vision.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 6:4
4. the posts of the door moved] the foundations of the thresholds shook (R.V.). was filled (began to fill) with smoke] The smoke symbolises the “dark side of Jehovah’s self-manifestation” (Revelation 15:8), the reaction of His holy nature against sin. It answers to the rising consciousness of alienation and impurity in the prophet’s mind, expressed in the next verse.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 6:4
And the posts of the door - Margin, ‘Thresholds.’ There is some difficulty in the Hebrew here, but the meaning of the expression is sufficiently apparent.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 6:4
4. Posts… moved… voice of him — As each cried “holy” singly, the prophet, standing in front of the vestibule, (not far from the great altar,) beheld a tremor of the “posts;” a trembling not caused by
Sermons on Isaiah 6:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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How to Have a Personal Revival - Part 1 by Andrew Strom | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of four foundational elements for experiencing revival in one's life. These elements are deep repentance, the fear of the Lord |
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Dealing With Dangerous Doctrines by Greg Locke | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of being saved by the grace of God. He emphasizes that being saved is not dependent on spooky stories or emotional experiences, b |
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The Power of God's Presence by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking God's presence and experiencing His glory. He leads the congregation in a prayer of surrender and asks the Holy Sp |
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(Exodus) Exodus 40:34-38 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Exodus and how it opens in gloom in the brickyards of Egypt but closes in glory. The presence of the Lord is seen in the tabernac |
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The Shaping of Godly Character by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the theme of the conference, which is the shaping of godly character. He expresses his burden for the Jewish believers in New York City and pr |
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The Glory of God - Part 1 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of reflecting the glory of God in our family relationships. He highlights how Jesus commends sincerity but condemns hypocrisy. |
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A Silent Church Amidst a Sinful Nation by E.A. Johnston | In this sermon, the speaker highlights the current state of the Christian Church, describing it as helpless and facing powers of darkness. He emphasizes that the Church has substit |