Isaiah 53:3

Authorized King James Version

He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
נִבְזֶ֖ה
He is despised
to disesteem
#2
וַחֲדַ֣ל
and rejected
vacant, i.e., ceasing or destitute
#3
אִ֥ישׁ
a man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#4
אִ֥ישׁ
a man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#5
מַכְאֹב֖וֹת
of sorrows
anguish or (figuratively) affliction
#6
וִיד֣וּעַ
and acquainted
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#7
חֹ֑לִי
with grief
malady, anxiety, calamity
#8
וּכְמַסְתֵּ֤ר
and we hid as it were
properly, a hider, i.e., (abstractly) a hiding, i.e., aversion
#9
פָּנִים֙
our faces
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#10
מִמֶּ֔נּוּ
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#11
נִבְזֶ֖ה
He is despised
to disesteem
#12
וְלֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#13
חֲשַׁבְנֻֽהוּ׃
and we esteemed
properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Isaiah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People