The description of the vision continues. Here Isaiah observes the “divine council” or “heavenly court.” Other references to it can be found in 1 Kgs 22.19-22; Job 1.6-12; 2.1-6; Psa 82.1. A feature of these imaginary heavenly scenes is the presence of divine beings, called seraphs or angels, surrounding Yahweh. It was an awesome sight.

Above him stood the seraphim: The preposition Above renders a Hebrew term that literally indicates a position that is higher than something else. Although most English translations use the preposition “above,” it is also possible to say “around” (so Good News Translation) in this context, which is supported by the Septuagint. The divine throne was surrounded by divine beings called seraphim, which is a transliteration of the plural Hebrew word here. Some English versions say “seraphs” (New Jerusalem Bible, New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh). Translators may borrow “seraphim” or “seraphs” and explain the term in a footnote or in the glossary together with the word “cherubim” (Gen 3.24; Exo 25.18). They may also use a descriptive expression. The Hebrew word rendered seraphim comes from the same root as the word for “fiery serpents” in Num 21.6, so many scholars suggest that seraphim are winged serpents. Good News Translation and Contemporary English Version say “flaming creatures,” and Bible en français courant has “fiery angels.” The description of the seraphs that follows is the most detailed one the Old Testament gives.

Each had six wings is literally “six wings six wings to each.” For wings some languages will use the word “arms,” so this clause may be rendered “each had arms like a bird, six arms each.” The word for “feathers” or “plumage” would probably not be suitable.

With two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet shows the awesomeness of the scene. When the Hebrew word for feet is used with the verb “to [un]cover,” it is often euphemistic for the genitals. Rather than using feet or what it represents, Contemporary English Version says “bodies.” For these two clauses it has “They covered their faces with two of their wings and their bodies with two more” (similarly Good News Translation). Another possibility is “They used two wings to cover their faces and two to cover their feet [or, bodies].”

The Hebrew word for seraphim is masculine, so there are masculine pronouns here. We should not assume that these heavenly beings were masculine. Although many languages do not make a distinction between masculine and feminine, those that do can use a neutral form; for example, the plural pronouns “they” and “their” may be used here in English (so New International Version, Contemporary English Version, Revised English Bible, New American Bible).

And with two he flew: The verb flew links this verse with verse 6 to describe the seraphs’ role in the cleansing ceremony. If flew is difficult to use here, a general verb such as “moved” or “came” is possible. The verb “walked” should not be used.

For the translation of this verse we suggest:

• Around him seraphs were standing. Each of them had six wings. Two wings covered their faces, two their bodies, and with two they flew.

• Flaming angels stood around him, each of whom had six wings. They used two wings to cover their faces and two to cover their feet. With the other two they flew.

Quoted with permission from Ogden, Graham S. and Sterk, Jan. A Handbook on Isaiah. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2011. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .