Isaiah 52:15

KJV

So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for [that] which had not been told them shall they see; and [that] which they had not heard shall they consider.

KJV (with Strong's)

So shall he sprinkle {H5137} many {H7227} nations {H1471}; the kings {H4428} shall shut {H7092} their mouths {H6310} at him: for that which had not been told {H5608} them shall they see {H7200}; and that which they had not heard {H8085} shall they consider {H995}.

Complete Jewish Bible

so now he will startle many nations; because of him, kings will be speechless. For they will see what they had not been told, they will ponder things they had never heard."

Berean Standard Bible

so He will sprinkle many nations. Kings will shut their mouths because of Him. For they will see what they have not been told, and they will understand what they have not heard.

American Standard Version

so shall he sprinkle many nations; kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they understand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 52:15 serves as the dramatic culmination of the introduction to the Suffering Servant, presenting a profound contrast between His preceding humiliation and His future, astonishing impact on the world. This verse prophetically declares a global act of purification and revelation, where the most powerful figures—kings and nations—will be rendered speechless in awe and wonder. They will witness and comprehend a divine truth previously unknown and unheard, recognizing the unexpected glory and redemptive work of the Servant. It encapsulates the pivotal transition from the Servant's profound suffering to His universal exaltation and the unveiling of God's hidden plan of salvation for all humanity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 52:15 functions as the climactic conclusion to the introductory verses of the fourth and most significant of Isaiah's "Servant Songs" (Isaiah 52:13–53:12). It immediately follows the stark depiction of the Servant's shocking disfigurement and humiliation in [Isaiah 52:14](/isaiah/52-14 "Isaiah 52:14 - The Marred Servant"). The abrupt transition from extreme degradation to universal adoration and revelation in verse 15 creates a powerful literary and theological contrast, emphasizing the paradoxical nature of the Servant's mission. This verse sets the stage for the detailed explanation of the Servant's vicarious suffering and atoning work that unfolds in the subsequent chapter, [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"). It acts as a crucial bridge, preparing the reader for the profound theological implications of the Servant's suffering as the means to global purification and enlightenment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, kings were figures of immense power, authority, and often, divine representation. Their silence in the presence of another was a profound act of submission, awe, or astonishment, signifying an overwhelming presence or revelation that transcended their own authority. The concept of "sprinkling" was deeply embedded in Israelite ritual law, primarily associated with purification from defilement, consecration, or the ratification of covenants (e.g., the sprinkling of blood in [Exodus 24:8](/exodus/24-8 "Exodus 24:8 - Blood of the Covenant") or water for purification in [Numbers 19:13](/numbers/19-13 "Numbers 19:13 - Water of Purification")). For the Servant to "sprinkle many nations" was a radical departure from the prevailing understanding of a nationalistic Messiah and challenged the exclusive nature of Israelite covenant rituals, hinting at a universal scope of salvation previously unimaginable. This prophecy would have been revolutionary, as it envisioned Gentile inclusion in God's redemptive plan, a concept that would later be fully unveiled in the New Testament (e.g., [Ephesians 3:6](/ephesians/3-6 "Ephesians 3:6 - Gentiles are Fellow Heirs")).

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes within Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights the **Universal Scope of God's Salvation**, moving beyond Israel to encompass "many nations." The Servant's work is not confined to one people but extends globally, signifying a radical expansion of God's redemptive reach. Secondly, it underscores the **Paradox of Suffering and Exaltation**, where the Servant's profound humiliation (described in the preceding verse) is directly linked to His ultimate, astonishing exaltation and recognition by world leaders. This theme is central to the entire Servant Song, revealing God's unexpected method of achieving victory through apparent defeat. Thirdly, it emphasizes **Divine Revelation and Enlightenment**, asserting that kings and nations will witness and comprehend truths ("that which had not been told them... that which they had not heard") that were previously hidden or incomprehensible to human wisdom. This points to the unveiling of God's mysterious plan of salvation through the Suffering Servant, challenging human expectations and revealing a deeper, divine wisdom (compare [1 Corinthians 1:25](/1_corinthians/1-25 "1 Corinthians 1:25 - The Foolishness of God")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sprinkle (Hebrew, _nâzâh'_):** H5137, a primitive root meaning "to spirt, i.e. besprinkle (especially in expiation)." This word carries significant ritualistic weight in the Old Testament, primarily associated with purification from sin or defilement (e.g., the sprinkling of blood on the altar or water of purification). Its application here to "many nations" suggests a widespread act of cleansing, consecration, or purification that extends the benefits of the Servant's work beyond Israel to the Gentile world, implying a universal atonement or sanctification.
* **nations (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** H1471, apparently from the same root as H1465 (in the sense of massing); a foreign nation; hence, a Gentile. This term explicitly refers to non-Israelite peoples, underscoring the universal scope of the Servant's redemptive impact. The use of "many nations" emphasizes the breadth of the Servant's influence, indicating that His work will transcend ethnic and national boundaries, bringing salvation and covenant relationship to all peoples.
* **shut (Hebrew, _qâphats'_):** H7092, a primitive root meaning "to draw together, i.e. close; by implication, to leap (by contracting the limbs)." When combined with "mouths," it vividly portrays a sudden, involuntary closing of the mouth due to extreme astonishment, awe, or even fear. It is not merely respectful silence but a profound, speechless reaction to something utterly unexpected and overwhelming, highlighting the Servant's astonishing majesty and the unexpected nature of His glory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So shall he sprinkle many nations":** This clause introduces the Servant's transformative and far-reaching action. The verb "sprinkle" (H5137, _nâzâh_) primarily denotes a ritual act of purification or cleansing, as in expiation for sin or consecration. Applied to "many nations" (H1471, _gôwy_), it signifies that the Servant's work will extend beyond the confines of Israel, bringing profound spiritual cleansing, purification, and consecration to the Gentile world. This powerfully foreshadows the universal scope of the gospel and Christ's atoning work for all humanity, establishing a new covenant accessible to all.
* **"the kings shall shut their mouths at him":** This phrase depicts the astonished and reverent reaction of the world's most powerful rulers to the Servant. The act of "shutting their mouths" (H7092, _qâphats_) is a vivid image of speechless awe, profound astonishment, and perhaps even reverent submission. It conveys that the Servant's glory and the nature of His redemptive work will be so utterly unexpected and overwhelming that even those accustomed to commanding respect and speaking with authority will be rendered silent in His presence, recognizing His supreme authority and majesty.
* **"for [that] which had not been told them shall they see":** This clause explains the profound reason for the kings' astonishment. They will "see" (H7200, _râʼâh_) a reality, a truth, or a divine plan that was previously "not told them" (H5608, _çâphar_). This refers to the mystery of God's salvation through the Suffering Servant—a plan that defied human wisdom and expectation, particularly the idea of a Messiah who would suffer and die for the sins of others rather than conquering through worldly power. This is a revelation of previously hidden divine wisdom.
* **"and [that] which they had not heard shall they consider":** This parallel clause reinforces the theme of divine revelation and enlightenment. Not only will they visually perceive a new reality, but they will also intellectually "consider" (H995, _bîyn_, meaning to understand, discern, or gain insight) a truth that they "had not heard" (H8085, _shâmaʻ_). This signifies a profound comprehension and acceptance of God's redemptive wisdom, previously concealed, now unveiled through the Servant's work. It emphasizes the deep spiritual understanding and transformative insight that will come to those who witness His glory.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 52:15 employs several potent literary devices to convey its transformative message. The most striking is **Contrast**, as the verse sharply juxtaposes the Servant's disfigured appearance described in [Isaiah 52:14](/isaiah/52-14 "Isaiah 52:14 - The Marred Servant") with His profound and astonishing impact on global rulers. This creates a dramatic tension that highlights the paradoxical nature of God's redemptive plan. **Metaphor** and **Symbolism** are evident in the phrase "sprinkle many nations," which metaphorically represents purification, cleansing, or consecration, drawing on ritualistic imagery to convey a spiritual reality of widespread atonement. The act of "shutting their mouths" is a powerful **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where the physical action of closing the mouth stands for a profound internal state of awe, wonder, and speechless reverence in the presence of overwhelming truth. The latter part of the verse employs **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, with "that which had not been told them shall they see" and "that which they had not heard shall they consider." This repetition with slight variation emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the revelation—it is both a visual perception and an intellectual comprehension of previously hidden truths, underscoring the Servant's unexpected and universal significance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 52:15 is a pivotal theological statement, bridging the Servant's profound suffering with His universal triumph and the revelation of God's hidden wisdom. It asserts that the Servant's work will not be confined to Israel but will extend to "many nations," signifying a global scope of salvation and purification. This challenges the narrow, nationalistic expectations of the Messiah, foreshadowing the inclusion of Gentiles into God's covenant people. The astonishment of kings underscores the radical nature of God's redemptive plan—salvation achieved not through worldly power or conquest, but through the unexpected path of a suffering servant. This divine wisdom, previously hidden, is now unveiled, revealing God's profound love and justice in a way that silences all human wisdom and pride. The verse lays the groundwork for understanding how Christ's atoning sacrifice would establish a new covenant accessible to all who believe, transcending ethnic and social barriers.

* [Exodus 24:8](/exodus/24-8 "Exodus 24:8 - Blood of the Covenant")
* [Numbers 19:13](/numbers/19-13 "Numbers 19:13 - Water of Purification")
* [Ephesians 3:9](/ephesians/3-9 "The Mystery Revealed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 52:15 offers profound truths for contemporary believers, reminding us of the unexpected and expansive nature of God's redemptive work. It challenges our preconceived notions of power and success, demonstrating that God's greatest victories are often achieved through humility, suffering, and sacrifice, rather than worldly might. The image of kings shutting their mouths in awe should inspire in us a similar profound reverence for Christ and His finished work. We, too, are recipients of a truth "which had not been told" to previous generations in its fullness—the mystery of Christ crucified and risen, bringing salvation to all who believe, Jew and Gentile alike. This calls us to embrace the universal scope of the gospel, recognizing that God's love extends to every nation, tribe, and tongue. Our mission, therefore, is to participate in making known this astonishing truth, allowing its power to silence skepticism and open hearts to divine wisdom, transforming lives across the globe.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the contrast between the Servant's disfigurement (Isaiah 52:14) and His astonishing impact (Isaiah 52:15) challenge your own expectations of how God works in the world or in your life?**
* **What does "sprinkle many nations" imply about the global reach of God's redemptive plan, and how does this inform your understanding of missions and evangelism today?**
* **In what ways might we, like the kings, need to "shut our mouths" in awe and humility before the unexpected wisdom and power of God revealed in Christ?**
* **What "untold" or "unheard" truths about God's character or plan have you recently "seen" or "considered" that have transformed your perspective?**

### FAQ
**What is the primary meaning of "sprinkle many nations" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "sprinkle many nations" (Hebrew, _nâzâh_) primarily refers to a ritual act of purification or cleansing, often associated with expiation from sin or defilement in the Old Testament. For instance, the sprinkling of blood was crucial in atonement rituals (e.g., [Leviticus 16:19](/leviticus/16-19 "Leviticus 16:19 - Sprinkling of Blood")). Thus, the Servant's work will bring spiritual cleansing and purification to a global audience, extending the benefits of atonement beyond Israel to the Gentile world. This implies a transformative act that cleanses and consecrates peoples for God.

**Who are the "kings" mentioned, and why do they "shut their mouths"?**

Answer: The "kings" (Hebrew, _melek_) represent the most powerful and influential rulers and leaders of the world. Their "shutting their mouths" (Hebrew, _qâphats_) is a powerful image of profound astonishment, awe, and perhaps even reverent submission. It signifies that the Servant's glory, the unexpected nature of His redemptive work, and the divine wisdom revealed through Him will be so overwhelming that even those accustomed to authority and speaking with power will be rendered speechless. This highlights the universal recognition of the Servant's supreme majesty and the unexpected, yet undeniable, truth He embodies, which transcends all worldly power and understanding.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 52:15 finds its glorious and complete fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the Suffering Servant of God. The prophecy of Him "sprinkling many nations" is realized in His atoning sacrifice on the cross, where His shed blood purifies humanity from sin, establishing a new covenant that extends to all peoples, Jew and Gentile alike. Just as the blood of the covenant was sprinkled (as in [Exodus 24:8](/exodus/24-8 "Exodus 24:8 - Blood of the Covenant")), Christ's blood cleanses and sanctifies those who believe (as seen in [Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Blood Purifies Conscience") and [1 Peter 1:2](/1_peter/1-2 "1 Peter 1:2 - Sprinkling of Jesus Christ's Blood")). The astonishment of "the kings" and nations who "shut their mouths" at Him is fulfilled in the universal recognition of Jesus's sovereignty, particularly after His resurrection and ascension. The world's rulers, whether willingly or unwillingly, will ultimately acknowledge His Lordship (as prophesied in [Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). The "that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider" speaks directly to the revelation of the Gospel—the mystery of God's plan of salvation through Christ, previously hidden but now fully unveiled (as Paul describes in [Ephesians 3:4-6](/ephesians/3-4 "Ephesians 3:4-6 - The Mystery of Christ")). Through Christ, the profound wisdom of God, which seemed foolish to the world, is now revealed as the power unto salvation for everyone who believes ([1 Corinthians 1:23-24](/1_corinthians/1-23 "1 Corinthians 1:23-24 - Christ Crucified, Power and Wisdom of God")). Thus, Jesus, in His humiliation and exaltation, truly purifies, astonishes, and reveals God's saving truth to all nations.

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

Romans 15:20

Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:

Romans 15:21

But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.

Isaiah 49:7

¶ Thus saith the LORD, the Redeemer of Israel, [and] his Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth, to a servant of rulers, Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the LORD that is faithful, [and] the Holy One of Israel, and he shall choose thee.

1 Peter 1:2

Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

Ezekiel 36:25

¶ Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.

Isaiah 49:23

And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with [their] face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I [am] the LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me.

Isaiah 55:5

Behold, thou shalt call a nation [that] thou knowest not, and nations [that] knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the LORD thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee.