Old Testament
Isaiah 6:11
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
I asked, "Lord, how long?" He answered, "Until the cities are ruined without inhabitants, the houses are empty, and the land is utterly desolate—
Compare translations
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,
What Isaiah 6:11 means
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.
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
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Isaiah's story: Isaiah's Vision of the LORD (Isaiah 6:1–13)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Isaiah
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Isaiah 6:11
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Isaiah 6:11
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Isaiah
- Author
- Isaiah the prophet
- Written
- Around 700 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah and the surrounding nations
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.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.