Isaiah 53

Isaiah 53, taken from the Book of Isaiah, is the last of the four Songs of the Suffering Servant, and tells the story of a "Man of Sorrows" or "God's Suffering Servant".

Many Christians believe the "Man of Sorrows" or the "Suffering Servant" to be a reference to the prophecy of the Ministry of Jesus, which became a common theme in medieval and later Christian art. The passage of 'Isaiah 53' is known for its interpretation and use by Christian Theologians and Missionaries, many of whom identify the servant to be Christ Jesus. Many Christians view the entire chapter, and particularly this passage to refer to the Passion of Christ as well as the absolution of sins believed to be made possible by his sacrificial death.

“He 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.…” (53:8 KJV)

Jewish scripture in Isaiah 52:13 through Isaiah 53:12 describes the servant of the Lord as the Nation of Israel itself: “My Servant…” (Isaiah 53:11), “…a man of pains and accustomed to illness…” (Isaiah 53:3). "The theme of Isaiah is jubilation, a song of celebration at the imminent end of the Babylonian Captivity". Judaism sees this passage, especially "God's Suffering Servant", being written over 2500 years before nowadays, without a reference to the king Mashiach. Jewish teaching also does take note of the historical context in which God's Suffering Servant appears, particularly because it speaks in the past tense. The Jewish nation has beared unspeakable injustices, under Assyria, Babylonia, Ancient Greece, ancient Rome, Nazi Germany, which are all gone, and bears persecution and targeted mission to this day. Jewish scripture in Isaiah speaks in the light, when it says:

“Israel is my Servant…” (41:8)
“You are My witnesses says the Lord, and My Servant whom I have chosen…” (43:10)
“For he was cut off from the land of the living; because of the transgression of My people, a plague befell them.…” (53:8)
“My servant would vindicate the just for many, and their iniquities he would bear…”(53:11)

Read more about Isaiah 53:  Fourth Servant Song, Textual Versions, New Testament, Israel

Famous quotes containing the word isaiah:

    Let us eat and drink; for to morrow we shall die.
    —Bible: Hebrew Isaiah 22:13.

    Almost the same words are found in 1 Corinthians 15:32.