Isaiah 53:11
He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.
Original Language Analysis
מֵעֲמַ֤ל
of the travail
H5999
מֵעֲמַ֤ל
of the travail
Strong's:
H5999
Word #:
1 of 12
toil, i.e., wearing effort; hence, worry, whether of body or mind
נַפְשׁוֹ֙
of his soul
H5315
נַפְשׁוֹ֙
of his soul
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
יִרְאֶ֣ה
He shall see
H7200
יִרְאֶ֣ה
He shall see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
3 of 12
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
יִשְׂבָּ֔ע
and shall be satisfied
H7646
יִשְׂבָּ֔ע
and shall be satisfied
Strong's:
H7646
Word #:
4 of 12
to sate, i.e., fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively)
יַצְדִּ֥יק
justify
H6663
יַצְדִּ֥יק
justify
Strong's:
H6663
Word #:
6 of 12
to be (causatively, make) right (in a moral or forensic sense)
לָֽרַבִּ֑ים
many
H7227
לָֽרַבִּ֑ים
many
Strong's:
H7227
Word #:
9 of 12
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
Cross References
1 Peter 2:24Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.Isaiah 53:12Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.Hebrews 12:2Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.John 17:3And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.1 Peter 3:18For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:Isaiah 45:25In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory.Isaiah 53:8He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.1 John 2:1My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:John 16:21A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.
Historical Context
This describes the result of atonement: many are justified (declared righteous) because the Servant bears their iniquities. This is the heart of gospel theology - imputed righteousness.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean that Christ sees His travail and is 'satisfied'?
- How does bearing iniquities enable justification?
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Analysis & Commentary
'He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.' The Servant sees the fruit of His suffering and is 'satisfied' (savea - filled, content). 'Justify many' - legal acquittal - through His 'knowledge' (either the Servant's knowledge or knowledge of Him). Iniquity-bearing completes the substitution.