Isaiah 53:5 (KJV) — “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.”
Introduction
Isaiah 53 stands as one of the clearest and most powerful prophecies in all Scripture. Written more than 700 years before the birth of Jesus Christ, it reveals the mission, suffering, death, and victory of the Messiah with unmistakable clarity. This chapter does not describe a political savior or earthly king. It reveals a Servant who would suffer, be rejected, and die in the place of sinners.
Isaiah 53 confronts every reader with a decision: either this chapter speaks of Jesus Christ, or it speaks of no one at all. The New Testament leaves no doubt. Jesus is the Suffering Servant.
The Rejected Servant (Isaiah 53:1–3)
The chapter opens with disbelief:
“Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?” (v.1)
The Servant would not appear as the world expected. He would not come with outward beauty, power, or status. He would grow “as a tender plant” and be despised and rejected by men.
This was fulfilled in Christ. Jesus was born in humility, raised in obscurity, and rejected by His own people. The religious leaders saw no value in Him. The crowds turned away. Even His disciples fled.
Isaiah shows us that rejection was not an accident—it was part of God’s plan.
The Substitutionary Suffering (Isaiah 53:4–6)
These verses form the heart of the chapter. They clearly teach substitution.
“Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows.”
“He was wounded for our transgressions.”
“The LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.”
The Servant did not suffer for His own sins—He had none. He suffered for ours. This is the doctrine of substitutionary atonement. Christ took our place. The punishment we deserved fell upon Him.
This truth destroys every false gospel of works. Salvation is not earned. It is received through faith in the One who bore our sin.
The Silent Servant (Isaiah 53:7)
“He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth.”
The Servant submits willingly. He does not defend Himself. He does not resist. Like a lamb led to slaughter, He trusts the Father’s will.
Jesus fulfilled this perfectly. Before Pilate and Herod, He remained largely silent. His silence was not weakness—it was obedience. Redemption required submission.
The Innocent Servant Condemned (Isaiah 53:8–9)
The Servant is judged unjustly and cut off from the land of the living. He is buried with the wicked, yet associated with the rich.
Jesus was executed as a criminal, though He had done no violence. He was crucified between thieves and buried in the tomb of a rich man, Joseph of Arimathea.
Isaiah makes clear: the Servant was innocent, yet condemned. This exposes the depth of human sin and the cost of redemption.
The Servant’s Death Was God’s Will (Isaiah 53:10)
This is one of the most important truths in Scripture:
“Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him.”
The cross was not a tragedy out of God’s control. It was the plan of God from the beginning. The Servant’s death was a sacrifice for sin, accepted by God.
This verse also promises resurrection. The Servant would “see his seed” and “prolong his days.” Death would not be the end.
The Victorious Servant (Isaiah 53:11–12)
The chapter ends in triumph. The Servant will see the result of His suffering and be satisfied. He will justify many. He will be exalted and honored.
Jesus rose from the dead, ascended into heaven, and now intercedes for believers. His suffering led to victory. His death brought life.
Conclusion
Isaiah 53 is not symbolic poetry or national allegory. It is a precise prophetic portrait of Jesus Christ. It reveals the cost of sin, the love of God, and the only way of salvation.
The Suffering Servant calls every person to repentance and faith. His wounds offer forgiveness. His stripes offer healing of the soul. His sacrifice offers eternal life.
To reject Him is to reject God’s provision for salvation. To receive Him is to receive peace with God.