52:15 52:15

Isaiah 53:1

53:2 53:2

Bible Versions

¶ Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?
Who hath believed {H539} our report {H8052}? and to whom is the arm {H2220} of the LORD {H3068} revealed {H1540}?
Who believes our report? To whom is the arm of ADONAI revealed?
Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?
Who hath believed our message? and to whom hath the arm of Jehovah been revealed?

Isaiah 53:1 serves as a profound and poignant opening to one of the most significant prophetic chapters in the Old Testament, often referred to as the "Suffering Servant Song." This verse immediately sets a tone of incredulity and introduces the theme of divine revelation.

Context

This verse introduces the fourth and most detailed of Isaiah's "Servant Songs" (Isaiah 42:1-9, 49:1-13, 50:4-11, 52:13-53:12). These prophecies describe an enigmatic figure, the "Servant of the LORD," whose identity and mission are central to God's redemptive plan. Isaiah 53 specifically foretells the suffering, rejection, and ultimate triumph of this Servant, pointing clearly to Jesus Christ. Verse 1 articulates the challenge of belief concerning the Servant's unconventional path to salvation, a path that would not align with traditional expectations of a conquering Messiah.

Key Themes

  • Unbelief and Rejection: The rhetorical question, "Who hath believed our report?" highlights the widespread human resistance and skepticism towards the message about the Servant. It foreshadows the lack of faith many would have in recognizing God's work through His chosen one. The New Testament directly quotes this verse in John 12:38 to explain why many did not believe in Jesus despite His miracles.
  • Divine Revelation and Power: The phrase "the arm of the LORD" is a powerful biblical metaphor for God's strength, intervention, and saving action. The question "and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?" implies that God's powerful work, especially through the Suffering Servant, would not be readily apparent or understood by all. True revelation requires divine illumination and spiritual discernment, beyond mere human reason or expectation. This divine arm is central to God's salvation, as also seen in Isaiah 52:10.
  • The Nature of God's Salvation: This verse subtly introduces the paradoxical nature of God's redemptive plan: salvation would come not through overt worldly power, but through the humble and suffering Servant, a concept difficult for many to accept.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "report" is shemu'ah (שְׁמוּעָה), meaning "news," "message," or "what is heard." Here, it refers to the prophetic message concerning the Suffering Servant's mission and destiny. The "arm of the LORD" (zeroa' Yahweh, זְרוֹעַ יְהוָה) is a rich idiom throughout the Old Testament, representing God's active power and ability to deliver and save. Its revelation signifies the manifestation of God's redemptive might, which in this context, is uniquely embodied in the Servant.

Practical Application

Isaiah 53:1 calls believers to consider the nature of their own faith. Do we truly believe the "report" of the Gospel, which centers on Christ's atoning sacrifice and resurrection? Are we open to recognizing God's "arm" – His power and work – even when it manifests in ways that defy human logic or expectation? This verse reminds us that true understanding of God's saving plan requires not just intellectual assent, but spiritual revelation and a willingness to trust in His often unconventional methods. It challenges us to embrace the profound truth that God's greatest power was revealed through the humility and suffering of His Servant, Jesus Christ, as detailed in the subsequent verses of Isaiah 53.

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.

  • John 12:38

    That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?

  • Romans 10:16

    But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?

  • Romans 10:17

    So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

  • 1 Corinthians 1:18

    For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

  • John 1:12

    But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name:

  • Matthew 16:17

    And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed [it] unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

  • Matthew 11:25

    ¶ At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
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