Isaiah 53:5
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
Word-by-Word Analysis
Cross References
Related verses that illuminate this passage (hover to preview):
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1
1 Peter 2:24
1 Peter 2:24
Who 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.— By whose stripes ye were healed
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2
Matthew 8:17
Matthew 8:17
That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.— Himself took our infirmities
Analysis
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. This verse stands at the heart of the Suffering Servant song, providing the clearest Old Testament prophecy of substitutionary atonement. The four Hebrew verbs describe the Servant's suffering: "wounded" (mecholal, מְחֹלָל) from piercing, "bruised" (medukka, מְדֻכָּא) from crushing, bearing "chastisement" (musar, מוּסָר), and providing healing through "stripes" (chaburah, חַבּוּרָה).
The preposition "for" (min, מִן) indicates substitution—the Servant suffers in place of others. "Our transgressions" and "our iniquities" emphasize that the suffering is vicarious, not for the Servant's own sins. The parallel structure reinforces that the Servant's suffering directly addresses human sin and its consequences.
"The chastisement of our peace" indicates that the punishment necessary for reconciliation fell upon the Servant rather than the guilty parties. The word "peace" (shalom, שָׁלוֹם) encompasses complete well-being and restoration of relationship with God.
Historical Context
Isaiah prophesied during the 8th century BCE, addressing Judah's spiritual crisis and the threat of Assyrian invasion. The Suffering Servant songs (Isaiah 42, 49, 50, 52-53) present a figure who would accomplish what Israel failed to do—be a light to the nations and bring salvation to the ends of the earth.
Ancient Near Eastern cultures understood vicarious suffering and substitutionary rituals, but typically involved animals or slaves substituting for the guilty. The concept of a righteous individual voluntarily suffering for others' sins was unprecedented in scope and significance.
Jewish interpretation historically applied this passage to the nation of Israel or to righteous individuals within Israel. However, the New Testament writers consistently identified Jesus as the fulfillment of this prophecy, seeing in His crucifixion the precise fulfillment of Isaiah's description.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Isaiah 53:5 explain the mechanism by which Christ's suffering accomplishes human salvation?
- What does the emphasis on 'our' transgressions and iniquities reveal about human responsibility and divine grace?
- How should understanding Christ as the Suffering Servant shape Christian responses to persecution and suffering?
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