Old Testament

Isaiah 6:12

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ClearClear Bible Translation

And the LORD will have removed people far away, and there will be a great forsaking in the midst of the land.

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KJVKing James Version

And the LORD have removed men far away, and there be a great forsaking in the midst of the land.

What Isaiah 6:12 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, God is declaring that He will distance people from the land, leading to a significant abandonment or desolation. This reflects a time of judgment where the people have turned away from God, resulting in their removal. The phrase 'great forsaking' indicates a profound loss, not just of people but of the presence and blessings of God in the land. This can be understood as a consequence of persistent disobedience and rejection of God's ways. The imagery suggests a desolate landscape, devoid of community and divine favor, emphasizing the seriousness of turning away from God. It serves as a warning about the repercussions of ignoring divine guidance and the importance of remaining faithful to God to avoid such desolation.

How to apply Isaiah 6:12 to your life

This verse reminds us of the importance of staying close to God and adhering to His teachings. When we stray from His path, we risk experiencing spiritual desolation. It encourages us to seek a relationship with God and to be mindful of our actions, ensuring we do not turn away from His guidance.

Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary

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A painting of one of the six-winged seraphim touching Isaiah's lips with a live coal taken with tongs from the altar, in the temple filled with smoke and light, as another seraph flies above

Illustrated scene from Isaiah's story: Isaiah's Vision of the LORD (Isaiah 6:1–13)

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Isaiah

Walls uncovered by archaeologists on the mound of Tell es-Sultan, with palm trees in the distance.

Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.

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Jericho

The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.

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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 6:12 mean?

Isaiah 6:12 means that God will remove people from the land, leading to a significant abandonment. This reflects a time of judgment due to the people's disobedience and rejection of God.

What is the meaning of 'great forsaking' in Isaiah 6:12?

The phrase 'great forsaking' in Isaiah 6:12 indicates a profound loss of both people and God's presence in the land. It highlights the serious consequences of turning away from God.

How does Isaiah 6:12 relate to divine judgment?

Isaiah 6:12 illustrates divine judgment by showing that the removal of people from the land is a consequence of their persistent disobedience. It serves as a warning about the repercussions of turning away from God.

What lessons can we learn from Isaiah 6:12?

From Isaiah 6:12, we learn the importance of staying close to God and following His teachings. It reminds us that straying from His path can lead to spiritual desolation and loss.

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