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.

ISAIAH 6:2KJV
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Isaiah 6:2 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 6:2 mean?

Isaiah 6:2 describes heavenly beings called “seraphims” standing above God’s throne, each with six wings: two covering their faces, two covering their feet, and two used for flying. This verse gives a vivid picture of awe and reverence in God’s presence, showing how even these exalted beings humble themselves before Him.

The prophet Isaiah is describing his vision inside the temple, where he sees the Lord on His throne. The seraphim, a type of angelic being, are not only present but act in a way that shows deep respect—covering their faces and feet, which suggests humility and reverence, while flying with the remaining wings. This sets the stage for Isaiah’s encounter with God’s holiness.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 6:2

  • The word “seraphims” is שָׂרָף (śārāf), often understood as “burning ones.” This suggests these beings are associated with fire or brightness, highlighting their purity and intensity in God’s presence.
  • The word for “wings” is כָּנָף (kānāf), which simply means wings, but the detail of six wings per seraph emphasizes their unique design for both worship and service.
  • The verb “covered” is כָּסָה (kāsāh), meaning to conceal or hide. The seraphim use their wings to cover their faces and feet, which points to a deep sense of reverence and the recognition of God’s overwhelming holiness.
  • “Feet” is רֶגֶל (regel), and in ancient contexts, this could be a modest way to refer to the lower parts of the body, possibly suggesting humility or modesty before God.

Why Isaiah 6:2 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that angels or heavenly beings are casual or familiar in God’s presence; instead, they show profound reverence and humility.
  • The description of the seraphim’s actions highlights God’s holiness and the proper response to it, setting the tone for the rest of Isaiah’s vision and his own sense of unworthiness.
  • Understanding the specific details of the seraphim helps readers see the uniqueness of Isaiah’s vision compared to other biblical encounters with angels, emphasizing the majesty and mystery of God’s throne room.

Where else these words appear

“seraphims” Hebrew H8314 · used in 7 verses

  • Numbers 21:6 And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died.
  • Deuteronomy 8:15 Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where there was no water; who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint;
  • Isaiah 14:29 Rejoice not thou, whole Palestina, because the rod of him that smote thee is broken: for out of the serpent's root shall come forth a cockatrice, and his fruit shall be a fiery flying serpent.

“fly” Hebrew H5774 · used in 29 verses

  • Genesis 1:20 And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven.
  • Job 20:8 He shall fly away as a dream, and shall not be found: yea, he shall be chased away as a vision of the night.
  • Isaiah 14:29 Rejoice not thou, whole Palestina, because the rod of him that smote thee is broken: for out of the serpent's root shall come forth a cockatrice, and his fruit shall be a fiery flying serpent.

“wings” Hebrew H3671 · used in 85 verses

  • Genesis 1:21 And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good.
  • Job 37:3 He directeth it under the whole heaven, and his lightning unto the ends of the earth.
  • Ezekiel 1:8 And they had the hands of a man under their wings on their four sides; and they four had their faces and their wings.

“Above” Hebrew H4605 · used in 134 verses

  • Genesis 6:16 A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it.
  • Numbers 4:30 From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old shalt thou number them, every one that entereth into the service, to do the work of the tabernacle of the congregation.
  • 2 Chronicles 5:8 For the cherubims spread forth their wings over the place of the ark, and the cherubims covered the ark and the staves thereof above.