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.
Who {G3739} his own self {G846} bare {G399} our {G2257} sins {G266} in {G1722} his own {G846} body {G4983} on {G1909} the tree {G3586}, that {G2443} we {G2198}, being dead {G581} to sins {G266}, should live {G2198} unto righteousness {G1343}: by {G3739} whose {G846} stripes {G3468} ye were healed {G2390}.
He himself bore our sins in his body on the stake, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness — by his wounds you were healed.
He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. “By His stripes you are healed.”
who his own self bare our sins in his body upon the tree, that we, having died unto sins, might live unto righteousness; by whose stripes ye were healed.
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Isaiah 53:4
¶ Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. -
Isaiah 53:6
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. -
Matthew 8:17
That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare [our] sicknesses. -
Romans 6:11
Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. -
Revelation 22:2
In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, [was there] the tree of life, which bare twelve [manner of] fruits, [and] yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree [were] for the healing of the nations. -
1 John 2:29
If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him. -
James 5:16
Confess [your] faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
This powerful verse in 1 Peter distills the essence of Christ's atoning work on the cross, explaining its purpose and profound effect on believers.
Context
The Apostle Peter is writing to scattered believers facing persecution and suffering for their faith. In chapter 2, he encourages them to live holy lives and endure suffering patiently, following the example of Christ. Verses 21-23 describe Christ's innocent suffering and non-retaliation. Verse 24 then explains the redemptive meaning behind that suffering – it wasn't just an example of endurance, but a substitutionary sacrifice for sin, enabling believers to be freed from sin's power and live righteously.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "bare our sins" (ἀναφέρω - anaphero) means to carry up or bear, emphasizing that Christ lifted the burden and penalty of our sins upon Himself. "On the tree" (ἐπὶ τὸ ξύλον - epi to xylon) is a direct reference to the cross, linking Christ's sacrifice to Old Testament imagery (cf. Galatians 3:13). "Stripes" (μώλωψ - molops) refers to the wounds or bruises from being beaten, directly referencing the prophecy in Isaiah 53:5. The word "healed" (ἰάομαι - iaomai) can mean to heal physically or spiritually; in context, following "dead to sins," the primary emphasis is on spiritual healing from the disease of sin, though it does not exclude the possibility of physical healing as part of Christ's comprehensive redemption.
Reflection and Application
This verse is a cornerstone of Christian faith, reminding us that salvation is not earned but is a gift purchased by Christ's suffering. Because He bare our sins and died on the tree, we are no longer enslaved to sin but are called to live lives marked by righteousness. Recognizing that we are dead to sins through His sacrifice empowers us to choose holiness and live unto righteousness, reflecting the transformation His healing work has brought to our lives.