Isaiah 6:2
Above 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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The seraphim covering their feet isn't just about modesty; it signifies their profound awareness of their own limitations and imperfections in the face of God's absolute holiness. They're not hiding shame, but acknowledging the vast gulf between God's perfection and even their own creaturely existence. This humble posture is crucial for understanding their readiness to minister, rooted in an awe that surpasses mere duty.
Isaiah is experiencing a profound vision of God's majesty in the temple, set against the backdrop of national turmoil following King Uzziah's death. This dramatic encounter reveals divine glory and holiness, prompting Isaiah's own sense of unworthiness before immediately commissioning him for his prophetic task.
What does the name 'seraphim' tell us about these heavenly beings? Why did they cover their faces and feet?
The name 'seraphim' comes from a Hebrew word meaning 'to burn.' This suggests their nature is intensely passionate, perhaps fiery and bright, reflecting God's own holiness. Yet, despite this fiery intensity and proximity to God, they display profound humility and reverence.
Veiled Faces
Each seraph covered their face with two of their six wings. This action signifies their inability to gaze directly upon God's overwhelming glory. It's an expression of awe, humility, and recognition of the infinite distance between the holy Creator and His creation, even for angelic beings.
Covered Feet
They also covered their feet with two wings. This is often interpreted as covering their entire lower bodies. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, exposing one's feet was a sign of informality or even disrespect. By covering themselves, the seraphim show deep modesty and acknowledge their unworthiness in God's presence. It's a powerful reminder that even the holiest beings approach God with utmost reverence.
Why six wings? What does the specific use of these wings reveal about their purpose and attitude?
The seraphim are described with six wings, a detail that reveals much about their divine service. These wings aren't just for decoration; they signify distinct aspects of their ministry:
Ready for Flight
Two wings were used for flying. This represents their readiness and swiftness to carry out God's commands. They are dynamic agents, moving instantly at God's direction.
Adoration and Reverence
Two wings covered their faces, as discussed, symbolizing their awe and humility before God's majesty.
Modesty and Submission
Understand the original words
seraphim · Hebrew Noun
Celestial beings attendant to the throne of God, whose name means 'burning ones.' They are characterized by their intense devotion, service, and role in declaring God's holiness.
740 BC— this verse
Reign of King Uzziah Ends
King Uzziah's death marks a significant political and spiritual transition for Judah, a time of uncertainty and introspection.
c. 740-700 BC
Isaiah's Ministry
Isaiah begins his prophetic ministry during a period of Assyrian expansion, serving as God's messenger to Judah.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Northern Kingdom
The Northern Kingdom of Israel is conquered by the Assyrians, leading to exile and a stark warning for Judah.
701 BC
Assyrian Siege of Jerusalem
King Sennacherib of Assyria invades Judah and besieets Jerusalem, a pivotal event in Isaiah's later ministry.
This passage describes the appearance of living creatures with multiple wings and faces, sharing the seraphim's theme of being covered and in close proximity to the divine, highlighting celestial beings' awe in God's presence.
Revelation 4:6-8Similar to Isaiah's vision, this passage features four living creatures with wings around God's throne, also crying 'Holy, holy, holy,' underscoring the constant worship and reverence of heavenly beings.
Exodus 3:6Moses covers his face when encountering God at the burning bush, mirroring the seraphim's action of covering their faces, illustrating the overwhelming holiness and presence of God that human beings cannot fully behold.
1 Kings 19:11-13Elijah encountered God not in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a 'still small voice,' and like the seraphim, he covered his face with his mantle, showing that even prophets are humbled by God's majestic presence.
Psalm 104:4This psalm refers to God making 'his messengers winds, his ministers a flame of fire,' which resonates with the seraphim's fiery nature and their swift, winged movement in God's service.
gillIsaiah 6:2: "Above 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."
Above it stood the seraphims,.... Not above the temple, nor above the throne, much less above him that sat upon it, but either "by him", on the right hand and on the left, as Aben Ezra; or "near him", as Kimchi and Ben Melech; or "before him", as the Targum; or "round about him", as the Septuagint; all which denote the ministering for…
clarkeIsaiah 6:2: "Above 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."
Above it stood the seraphim - שרפים seraphim, from שרף seraph, to burn. He saw says Kimchi, the angels as flames of fire, that the depravity of that generation might be exhibited, which was worthy of being totally burnt up. He covered his feet "He covereth his feet" - By the feet the Hebrews mean all the lower parts of the body. But t…
The seraphim covering their feet isn't just about modesty; it signifies their profound awareness of their own limitations and imperfections in the face of God's absolute holiness. They're not hiding shame, but acknowledging the vast gulf between God's perfection and even their own creaturely existence. This humble posture is crucial for understanding their readiness to minister, rooted in an awe that surpasses mere duty.
Isaiah is experiencing a profound vision of God's majesty in the temple, set against the backdrop of national turmoil following King Uzziah's death. This dramatic encounter reveals divine glory and holiness, prompting Isaiah's own sense of unworthiness before immediately commissioning him for his prophetic task.
Isaiah is experiencing a profound vision of God's majesty in the temple, set against the backdrop of national turmoil following King Uzziah's death. This dramatic encounter reveals divine glory and holiness, prompting Isaiah's own sense of unworthiness before immediately commissioning him for his prophetic task.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Isaiah 6:2 is available in the Sola app.
Two wings covered their feet, signifying modesty and a deep sense of unworthiness in God's holy presence.
This distribution highlights that while they are powerful messengers (flying), their primary posture is one of worshipful reverence and humble submission to God's holiness.
"Above 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." — The seraphim covering their feet isn't just about modesty; it signifies their profound awareness of their own limitations and imperfections in the face of God's absolute holiness. They're not hiding…
