But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
But we are all like something unclean, and even our best efforts to do right are like dirty rags. We all wither and fade like leaves, and our sins carry us away like the wind.
The writer is confessing that all people are spiritually unclean before God, and even our best deeds fall short of God's perfect standard.
📚 Historical Context
This verse comes from Isaiah's prayer of confession on behalf of the Jewish people during a time of national crisis and exile. The prophet is acknowledging the spiritual condition that led to their punishment and separation from God. The imagery of 'filthy rags' specifically refers to ceremonially unclean garments that would make someone unable to approach God's temple.
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