Definition: Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, [which] he had taken with the tongs from off the altar:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important passage from Isaiah 6:6. It's a really poetic and symbolic verse that speaks about Jesus Christ. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a heavenly being – a seraphim – who is rushing to meet Jesus, and he’s carrying something incredibly significant: a “live coal.” Think of it like a tiny bit of burning fire! Let's unpack the details: “Isaiah 6:6” : This is a passage from the Old Testament Book of Isaiah. It's a prophecy – a prediction about the future. “Then flew one of the seraphims unto me…” : "Seraphim" means angels, and "flew" describes their rapid movement. “unto me” means “to me.” So, this angel is rushing directly to Jesus. “…having a live coal in his hand…” : This is the key! A “live coal” is a small piece of coal – often interpreted as a burning ember or a tiny spark. It's not just any coal; it’s alive . It represents: Jesus' Sacrifice: The verse suggests that Jesus' death and sacrifice were a divine act, a fiery offering that would redeem humanity from sin. His Redemption: This coal symbolizes the forgiveness offered to us for our sins. It’s not just about ending our problems, but about being made new and free. “[which] he had taken with the tongs from off the altar:” This is a really interesting detail! "Tongs" are tools used by priests in the Temple to offer sacrifices. So, this angel is carrying the coal with the tools of sacrifice . It's a symbolic connection between the earthly and divine – the offering being brought forth by God Himself. Overall Meaning & Significance: This verse paints a picture of Jesus coming to redeem us. It’s not just about him becoming human, but about his sacrifice offering forgiveness and bringing peace through death. It's a powerful message of hope and salvation. Important Note: The meaning of this passage has been debated for centuries! Different people have interpreted it in various ways, but it generally points to Jesus’ ultimate role as the Savior and Redeemer. --- Resources if you want to learn more: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/bible/Isaiah/6:6](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/bible/Isaiah/6:6) The Bible Project: [https://thebibletproject.com/2018/05/27/isaiah-6-6-seraphim-and-the-live-coal/](https://thebibletproject.com/2018/05/27/isaiah-6-6-seraphim-and-the-live-coal/) Do you have any specific questions about this verse that you’d like me to answer? For example, would you like to know: What the “tongs” symbolize? How this verse connects to other parts of the Bible?