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    God's Holiness

    Isaiah 6:3 Commentary

    In-depth meaning, historical context, and practical application

    Written by Bible Sundays Editorial TeamChecked by Bible Sundays Scripture DeskLast reviewed August 1, 2026Our editorial standards
    "And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory."
    — Isaiah 6:3 (KJV)
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    Introduction

    The seraphim cry out one attribute above all others, repeated three times: Holy, holy, holy. This triple repetition is the Hebrew superlative — God is the holiest possible being. And the whole earth is full of His glory.

    Historical Context

    Isaiah receives his prophetic commission through a throne-room vision. King Uzziah has died; the earthly throne is vacant. Isaiah sees the heavenly throne — occupied and eternal.

    Original Language Insights

    'Qadosh, qadosh, qadosh' — the only attribute of God repeated three times in Scripture. Triple repetition is the absolute superlative. 'Melo khol-ha'aretz kevodo' — God's glory fills the entire earth.

    Theological Significance

    Holiness is the defining attribute of God. While He is perfectly loving, just, and merciful, holiness qualifies all others. God's love is HOLY love. His justice is HOLY justice.

    Practical Application

    When was the last time holiness dominated your worship? Heaven focuses on holiness. Let it reshape your understanding of every other attribute of God.

    Cross-References & Related Scriptures

    Revelation 4:8

    "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty."

    The same triple-holy cry continues in heaven's worship in Revelation.

    Exodus 15:11

    "Who is like thee, glorious in holiness?"

    Moses asks who compares to God in holiness.

    1 Peter 1:16

    "Be ye holy; for I am holy."

    God's holiness is the standard for His people.

    Prayer Response

    Holy, holy, holy Lord God of hosts — the whole earth is full of Your glory. I worship You in Your transcendent holiness. Amen.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why is 'holy' repeated three times?

    Hebrew repetition intensifies meaning. Triple repetition is the absolute superlative — God is infinitely, completely holy.

    What does 'holiness' mean?

    Set apart, other, transcendent. God is utterly distinct from all created beings — morally pure and infinitely exalted.

    Read commentary on surrounding verses

    Continue studying Isaiah 6 verse by verse:

    After · Isaiah 6:7Exact verse

    And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.

    Theme: Lips Cleansed by the Altar Coal

    After · Isaiah 6:8Exact verse

    Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.

    Theme: Calling & Mission

    After · Isaiah 6:9Exact verse

    And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not.

    Theme: A Hard Commission to a Hard People

    Nearest commentary in Isaiah

    Later · 1 ch forward · Isaiah 7:13Nearest chapter

    And he said, Hear ye now, O house of David; Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also?

    Theme: Rebuke Before the Sign

    Later · 1 ch forward · Isaiah 7:14Nearest chapter

    Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

    Theme: Prophecy & Fulfillment

    Later · 1 ch forward · Isaiah 7:15Nearest chapter

    Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good.

    Theme: The Messiah's True Humanity

    Read Isaiah 5No commentary yet
    Read Isaiah 6 (full)Nearest commentary: Isaiah 6:7
    Read Isaiah 7Commentary: Isaiah 7:13
    Previous commentary: Isaiah 2:5Next commentary: Isaiah 6:7

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    Related Bible Questions

    Common questions people ask about this passage — answered with KJV scripture.

    What Are the Seraphim?

    The seraphim are angelic beings seen by Isaiah in the temple, with six wings, crying 'Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts.'

    Read answer

    What Are Spiritual Gifts?

    Spiritual gifts are special abilities given by the Holy Spirit to every believer for serving the church and glorifying God.

    Read answer

    What Is the Lord's Prayer?

    The Lord's Prayer is the model prayer Jesus taught His disciples, covering worship, submission to God's will, daily provision, forgiveness, and deliverance from evil.

    Read answer

    What Does the Bible Say About Holiness?

    God is holy and calls His people to be holy — set apart from sin and consecrated to His purposes.

    Read answer

    How Can I Know the Will of God?

    God reveals His will through Scripture, the Holy Spirit, prayer, wise counsel, circumstances, and the peace of Christ in the heart.

    Read answer

    What Will Worship Be Like in Heaven?

    Heaven's worship is continuous, joyful, and awe-inspiring — centered on God's throne with all creation declaring His glory.

    Read answer

    Quick Devotional

    For a shorter devotional reflection on related verses:

    Isaiah 40:31 – Meaning & Devotional

    "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

    Isaiah 53:5 – Meaning & Devotional

    "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."

    Isaiah 26:3 – Meaning & Devotional

    "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."

    Related Miracles

    Signs and wonders connected to this passage and its themes:

    Signs & Wonders
    Old Testament

    The Shadow on Hezekiah's Sundial Goes Backward

    The Lord moves the shadow back ten degrees on Ahaz's sundial as a sign of Hezekiah's healing.

    Read the miracle
    Healing
    Old Testament

    Hezekiah Healed of His Sickness

    God adds fifteen years to King Hezekiah's life after he prays in tears for healing.

    Read the miracle
    Deliverance & Judgment
    Old Testament

    The Assyrian Army Destroyed by an Angel

    The angel of the Lord smites 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in one night, delivering Jerusalem.

    Read the miracle
    Signs & Wonders
    Old Testament

    The Glory of the LORD Fills Solomon's Temple

    Fire falls and the glory of the LORD fills the temple at its dedication, so the priests cannot stand to minister.

    Read the miracle

    Related Reading

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    Spiritual Warfare

    Seraphim — The Burning Worshipers

    Seraphim are six-winged angels who burn with holiness and lead heaven's worship

    Spiritual Warfare

    Cherubim and Seraphim

    Cherubim guard God's holiness; seraphim cry 'Holy, holy, holy' around His throne

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