Old Testament
Isaiah 6:12
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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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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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Illustrated scene from Isaiah's story: Isaiah's Vision of the LORD (Isaiah 6:1–13)
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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.
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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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