Old Testament
Isaiah 6:11
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, the prophet Isaiah is inquiring of the Lord about the duration of the judgment that is to come upon the people.
- Author
- Isaiah the prophet
- Written
- Around 700 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah and the surrounding nations
I asked, "Lord, how long?" He answered, "Until the cities are ruined without inhabitants, the houses are empty, and the land is utterly desolate—
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,
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the prophet Isaiah is inquiring of the Lord about the duration of the judgment that is to come upon the people. God responds by indicating that the devastation will be extensive, leading to cities being abandoned, homes left empty, and the land becoming completely desolate. This reflects the seriousness of the people's disobedience and the consequences of turning away from God. The imagery of ruined cities and desolate land serves as a stark warning about the results of sin and the need for repentance. It emphasizes that God's patience has limits, and there will be a time when His judgment will be fully realized. This passage highlights the gravity of ignoring God's call and the inevitable consequences that follow when a society turns away from Him.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Isaiah 6:11 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of heeding God's warnings and the consequences of ignoring His guidance. It encourages us to reflect on our own lives and communities, urging us to seek repentance and restoration before facing dire outcomes. Staying close to God can help prevent spiritual desolation.
Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Isaiah 6:11 mean?
Isaiah 6:11 reflects the prophet's inquiry about the duration of God's judgment on the people. God responds that the devastation will be extensive, resulting in abandoned cities and desolate land, highlighting the consequences of disobedience.
What is the significance of desolation in Isaiah 6:11?
The desolation mentioned in Isaiah 6:11 signifies the severe consequences of the people's sin and rebellion against God. It serves as a warning about the results of ignoring God's guidance and the importance of repentance.
How does Isaiah 6:11 relate to God's patience?
Isaiah 6:11 illustrates that while God is patient, there is a limit to His tolerance for disobedience. The verse emphasizes that prolonged rejection of God leads to inevitable judgment and desolation.
What themes are present in Isaiah 6:11?
Key themes in Isaiah 6:11 include divine judgment, the consequences of sin, the need for repentance, and the seriousness of ignoring God's warnings. These themes highlight the gravity of turning away from God.
The Book of Isaiah
Isaiah 41: Fear Not, I Am With You
The LORD calls the nations to keep silence before him and to renew their strength. He asks who raises up the righteous man from the east and gives nations before him, making him rule over kings. He says he gives them as dust to his sword and as driven stubble to his bow, and he declares he is the first and with the last.
Unlock the full Isaiah summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Isaiah — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 66 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Isaiah summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.