Isaiah 50:6

KJV

I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.

KJV (with Strong's)

I gave {H5414} my back {H1460} to the smiters {H5221}, and my cheeks {H3895} to them that plucked off {H4803} the hair: I hid {H5641} not my face {H6440} from shame {H3639} and spitting {H7536}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I offered my back to those who struck me, my cheeks to those who plucked out my beard; I did not hide my face from insult and spitting.

Berean Standard Bible

I offered My back to those who struck Me, and My cheeks to those who tore out My beard. I did not hide My face from scorn and spittle.

American Standard Version

I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair; I hid not my face from shame and spitting.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 50:6 stands as a profound prophetic utterance within the "Servant Songs," vividly portraying the suffering and unwavering obedience of God's chosen Servant. This verse meticulously details the extreme physical abuse and public humiliation endured by the Servant, presenting a powerful and precise foreshadowing of the passion of Jesus Christ, highlighting His voluntary submission to a path of suffering for redemptive purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 50 is situated within the second major section of the Book of Isaiah (chapters 40-55), often referred to as "Second Isaiah" or the "Book of Comfort." This section primarily addresses the exilic and post-exilic community of Israel, offering messages of hope, restoration, and the sovereign power of Yahweh. Isaiah 50 specifically belongs to the third of the four "Servant Songs" (Isaiah 42:1-4; 49:1-6; 50:4-9; 52:13-53:12). Unlike the preceding songs where God speaks *about* His Servant, here the Servant himself speaks, declaring his steadfast trust in God despite facing intense opposition and mistreatment. The immediate verses (Isaiah 50:4-5) establish the Servant's divine commission and his obedient ear, setting the stage for the description of his suffering in verse 6, which is then followed by his declaration of vindication and trust in God (Isaiah 50:7-9). This self-description of suffering underscores the Servant's conscious and willing submission to God's plan, even when it involves profound personal cost.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for these prophecies is the Babylonian exile, a period of immense national humiliation and suffering for Israel. The people struggled with questions of God's faithfulness and their future. Against this backdrop, the Servant emerges as a figure who embodies both Israel's ideal and a unique individual who will bring salvation. Culturally, the acts described in Isaiah 50:6—smiting, plucking off hair, and spitting—were not merely painful but deeply humiliating and degrading forms of public abuse in the ancient Near East. Smiting often involved beating with rods or whips. Plucking out the beard or hair was a profound act of contempt, stripping a person of their dignity and honor, particularly for men in a culture where beards signified maturity and respect. Spitting in someone's face was the ultimate gesture of scorn and utter disrespect, designed to publicly shame and defile. The Servant's willingness to endure such treatment speaks volumes about his character and mission, as these acts were designed to break one's spirit and public standing.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 50:6 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book and biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Voluntary Submission to Suffering**, where the Servant willingly offers himself to abuse, emphasizing profound obedience to God's will rather than being a helpless victim. This is closely linked to the theme of **Divine Obedience**, as the Servant's actions are a direct fulfillment of his divine commission, demonstrating unwavering faithfulness even unto extreme humiliation. The verse also highlights the **Extreme Humiliation and Physical Abuse** endured by the Servant, painting a vivid picture of degradation that serves as a powerful contrast to his ultimate vindication. This suffering is not random but purposeful, contributing to the broader theme of **Atonement and Redemption**, which finds its fullest expression in the subsequent Servant Song of [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"). Finally, the verse functions as a powerful **Prophetic Foreshadowing of Christ**, providing specific details that find remarkable fulfillment in the New Testament accounts of Jesus' passion, as seen in passages like [Matthew 27:26-31](/matthew/27-26 "Matthew 27:26-31 - Jesus' Scourging and Mockery") and [Mark 14:65](/mark/14-65 "Mark 14:65 - Jesus is Spat Upon").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **gave (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** (H5414) This primitive root means "to give," but with the "greatest latitude of application," including to put, make, appoint, bestow, commit, or yield. In the context of "I gave my back," it strongly implies a deliberate, voluntary act of surrender rather than a passive reception of abuse. The Servant actively chooses to present himself to his tormentors, underscoring his willing participation in the suffering for a higher purpose.
* **smiters (Hebrew, _nâkâh'_):** (H5221) This primitive root means "to strike," whether lightly or severely, literally or figuratively. It encompasses actions like beating, killing, slaying, or wounding. Here, it refers to those who inflict physical blows, often with instruments like whips or rods. The use of the participle "smiters" emphasizes the ongoing nature of the abuse and the agents of the Servant's suffering.
* **shame (Hebrew, _kᵉlimmâh'_):** (H3639) Derived from a root meaning "to be ashamed," this word signifies disgrace, confusion, dishonor, or reproach. It speaks to the profound public ignominy and degradation that accompanied the physical abuse. The Servant's refusal to hide his face from this "shame" highlights his unwavering resolve and acceptance of the full measure of public scorn.
* **spitting (Hebrew, _rôq'_):** (H7536) Derived from a root meaning "to spit," this noun specifically refers to spittle. In ancient Near Eastern culture, spitting on someone was an act of extreme contempt, defilement, and utter scorn, reserved for the lowest and most despised individuals. Its inclusion here emphasizes the ultimate level of degradation and disrespect heaped upon the Servant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I gave my back to the smiters":** This clause immediately establishes the Servant's active volition. The verb "gave" (Hebrew: _nâthan_) signifies a deliberate, conscious offering of himself. He does not merely *receive* blows; he *presents* his back, the traditional target for scourging or beating, to those who would inflict pain. This highlights his profound obedience and willingness to endure suffering for a divine purpose. The "smiters" represent the agents of physical torment, indicating severe corporal punishment.
* **"and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair":** This second clause details an act of extreme public humiliation and degradation. "Plucking off the hair" (specifically beard hair for men) was a deeply insulting and painful act in ancient cultures, stripping a person of their dignity, honor, and even their identity. The "cheeks" are explicitly mentioned as the target, emphasizing the personal and violating nature of this abuse. This was not just physical pain but a profound assault on personal honor and public standing.
* **"I hid not my face from shame and spitting":** This final clause underscores the Servant's unwavering resolve and courage in the face of ultimate ignominy. "Hiding the face" would be a natural reaction to intense shame and public disgrace. Yet, the Servant deliberately chooses *not* to hide, enduring the full brunt of the "shame" (Hebrew: _kᵉlimmâh_, public disgrace) and "spitting" (Hebrew: _rôq_, an act of utter contempt and defilement). This demonstrates his steadfastness, his acceptance of the full cost of his mission, and his complete trust in God's ultimate vindication.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 50:6 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Prophecy** and **Foreshadowing**, as the verse functions as a remarkably precise prefigurement of the suffering of Jesus Christ, particularly during His passion. The detailed description of physical abuse and humiliation serves as vivid **Imagery**, allowing the reader to viscerally experience the Servant's ordeal. The use of the first-person pronoun "I" throughout the verse is a form of **Personification** (if viewed as Israel) or, more accurately, **Direct Speech** from the Servant, giving immediacy and authenticity to his declaration of suffering and resolve. The structure implicitly uses a form of **Parallelism**, where the two lines describing physical abuse ("gave my back to the smiters" and "my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair") are balanced by the final line describing the enduring of public humiliation ("hid not my face from shame and spitting"), building in intensity and demonstrating the comprehensive nature of the Servant's ordeal. The deliberate choice implied by "I gave" also suggests **Volition** as a key thematic element, highlighting the Servant's active participation in his suffering.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 50:6 is a cornerstone passage for understanding the nature of redemptive suffering and divine obedience. The Servant's voluntary submission to extreme humiliation and physical abuse reveals a profound theological truth: God's chosen one would achieve victory not through conventional power or resistance, but through self-sacrificial endurance. This suffering is not a sign of weakness or divine abandonment, but rather a deliberate act of faithfulness that aligns with God's sovereign plan for salvation. The Servant's steadfastness in the face of utter contempt demonstrates a trust in God that transcends immediate circumstances, pointing to a future vindication and ultimate triumph. This passage thus underscores the costly nature of true obedience and the depth of love required for a mission of reconciliation, laying the groundwork for the ultimate revelation of God's redemptive work through Christ.

* [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - The Suffering Servant's Atonement")
* [Psalm 22:6-7](/psalm/22-6 "Psalm 22:6-7 - A Prophecy of Humiliation")
* [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 50:6 offers a profound invitation to reflect on the depth of Christ's suffering and its implications for our own lives. The Servant's willingness to endure such extreme physical pain and public humiliation, not as a victim but as an obedient participant in God's plan, challenges us to consider the true cost of our salvation. It calls us to move beyond a superficial understanding of the cross and to truly appreciate the self-emptying love that led Jesus to "give His back to the smiters" and "not hide His face from shame and spitting." For believers, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that following Christ may involve enduring reproach, misunderstanding, or even persecution for the sake of the Gospel. It encourages us to cultivate a similar spirit of steadfastness and trust in God's ultimate vindication, even when facing adversity. When we are tempted to shrink back from discomfort or public disapproval, the Servant's unwavering resolve provides a compelling example of courage and faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the voluntary nature of the Servant's suffering in Isaiah 50:6 deepen your understanding of Christ's sacrifice on the cross?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to "hide our face from shame" when standing for our faith, and what can we learn from the Servant's example of not doing so?**
* **How does reflecting on the physical and emotional abuse described in this verse impact your personal worship and gratitude towards God?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the Servant's voluntary suffering in Isaiah 50:6?**

Answer: The significance lies in the Servant's active choice to endure. The phrase "I gave my back" (KJV) or "I offered my back" (NIV) uses a Hebrew verb (_nâthan_) that implies a deliberate, conscious act of surrender, not a passive reception of abuse. This highlights the Servant's profound obedience to God's will and His unwavering commitment to His divine mission, even when it involved immense personal cost and humiliation. It underscores that His suffering was part of a predetermined divine plan, freely embraced for a greater redemptive purpose, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ's willing sacrifice on the cross for the sins of humanity, as detailed in [John 10:18](/john/10-18 "John 10:18 - Jesus Lays Down His Life Willingly").

**What does "plucked off the hair" mean in the cultural context of Isaiah 50:6?**

Answer: In the ancient Near East, plucking or tearing out a person's beard or hair was an act of extreme contempt, public humiliation, and degradation. For men, the beard symbolized honor, dignity, and maturity. To have it forcibly removed or plucked was to be stripped of one's public standing and to suffer profound shame and dishonor. It was a form of torture designed not only to inflict pain but also to utterly debase the individual in the eyes of others. This act, along with spitting, was a deliberate attempt to break the Servant's spirit and reputation, making His steadfastness even more remarkable. This type of humiliation is echoed in the New Testament when Jesus' beard is not explicitly mentioned as being plucked, but He endures similar acts of mockery and physical abuse, as described in [Mark 15:17-20](/mark/15-17 "Mark 15:17-20 - Jesus is Mocked by Soldiers").

**How does Isaiah 50:6 relate to the broader "Servant Songs" in Isaiah?**

Answer: Isaiah 50:6 is part of the third "Servant Song" (Isaiah 50:4-9), which uniquely features the Servant speaking in the first person, declaring his divine commission, his obedience, and his unwavering trust in God despite facing intense opposition and suffering. This song builds upon the themes introduced in the earlier songs (Isaiah 42:1-4; 49:1-6), which describe the Servant's role as a light to the Gentiles and a restorer of Israel. The suffering described in Isaiah 50:6 sets the stage for the climactic fourth Servant Song in [Isaiah 52:13-53:12](/isaiah/52 "Isaiah 52:13-53:12 - The Suffering and Exalted Servant"), which fully reveals the redemptive purpose of the Servant's suffering—that He would bear the iniquities of many and make atonement for sin. Thus, Isaiah 50:6 is a crucial bridge, detailing the personal cost of the Servant's mission before its redemptive outcome is fully unveiled.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 50:6 finds its most profound and complete fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The detailed description of the Servant's voluntary suffering—giving His back to smiters, offering His cheeks to those who plucked off hair, and not hiding His face from shame and spitting—is a remarkably precise prophetic blueprint for the passion of Christ. The Gospel accounts vividly recount how Jesus endured similar, if not identical, forms of abuse: He was scourged, a brutal beating of His back, as recorded in [Matthew 27:26](/matthew/27-26 "Matthew 27:26 - Jesus is Scourged"). While the Gospels don't explicitly mention His beard being plucked, they detail intense mockery and physical assault upon His face, including being struck and blindfolded ([Luke 22:63-64](/luke/22-63 "Luke 22:63-64 - Jesus is Mocked and Beaten")). Most strikingly, Jesus was repeatedly spat upon, an act of ultimate contempt, by the soldiers and those who condemned Him, as recounted in [Matthew 26:67](/matthew/26-67 "Matthew 26:67 - Jesus is Spat Upon by the Sanhedrin") and [Mark 14:65](/mark/14-65 "Mark 14:65 - Jesus is Spat Upon by His Accusers"). Jesus' unwavering resolve, His refusal to shrink back from the shame and public ignominy, perfectly mirrors the Servant's declaration, "I hid not my face from shame and spitting." His suffering was not accidental but a deliberate act of obedience to His Father's will, a willing submission to the path of atonement for humanity's sin, fulfilling the very essence of the Suffering Servant's mission. He truly is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), enduring shame and pain to bring us glory and peace.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 26:67

Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote [him] with the palms of their hands,

Mark 14:65

And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands.

Mark 15:19

And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing [their] knees worshipped him.

Luke 22:63

¶ And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote [him].

Luke 22:64

And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee?

Matthew 27:30

And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.

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.