Isaiah 53:1
Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?
Original Language Analysis
מִ֥י
H4310
מִ֥י
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
1 of 8
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
הֶאֱמִ֖ין
Who hath believed
H539
הֶאֱמִ֖ין
Who hath believed
Strong's:
H539
Word #:
2 of 8
properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen
וּזְר֥וֹעַ
and to whom is the arm
H2220
וּזְר֥וֹעַ
and to whom is the arm
Strong's:
H2220
Word #:
4 of 8
the arm (as stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively, force
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 8
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 8
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
John 12:38That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?1 Corinthians 1:18For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.Matthew 16:17And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.John 1:12But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:Matthew 11:25At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.1 Corinthians 1:24But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.Isaiah 40:5And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.Isaiah 51:9Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD; awake, as in the ancient days, in the generations of old. Art thou not it that hath cut Rahab, and wounded the dragon?John 1:7The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.Isaiah 62:8The LORD hath sworn by his right hand, and by the arm of his strength, Surely I will no more give thy corn to be meat for thine enemies; and the sons of the stranger shall not drink thy wine, for the which thou hast laboured:
Historical Context
This verse introduces the fourth Servant Song (52:13-53:12). Paul uses it to explain why not all Israel believed the gospel - faith is a gift, and the 'arm' is revealed to whom God chooses.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does saving truth remain unbelieved by many?
- How is God's arm revealed to you in the gospel?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
'Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?' The chapter opens with prophetic lamentation over widespread unbelief. The Hebrew 'shemu'ah' (report/message) is literally 'what we have heard.' The 'arm of the LORD' - divine power in salvation - remains hidden to most. John 12:38 and Romans 10:16 cite this to explain Jewish rejection of Jesus.