Isaiah 53:10

KJV

¶ Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put [him] to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see [his] seed, he shall prolong [his] days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.

KJV (with Strong's)

Yet it pleased {H2654} the LORD {H3068} to bruise {H1792} him; he hath put him to grief {H2470}: when thou shalt make {H7760} his soul {H5315} an offering for sin {H817}, he shall see {H7200} his seed {H2233}, he shall prolong {H748} his days {H3117}, and the pleasure {H2656} of the LORD {H3068} shall prosper {H6743} in his hand {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

yet it pleased ADONAI to crush him with illness, to see if he would present himself as a guilt offering. If he does, he will see his offspring; and he will prolong his days; and at his hand ADONAI's desire will be accomplished.

Berean Standard Bible

Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush Him and to cause Him to suffer; and when His soul is made a guilt offering, He will see His offspring, He will prolong His days, and the good pleasure of the LORD will prosper in His hand.

American Standard Version

Yet it pleased Jehovah to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of Jehovah shall prosper in his hand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 53:10 serves as a profound theological pivot within the Suffering Servant prophecy, revealing the astonishing truth that the Servant's intense suffering and death were not random occurrences but were sovereignly purposed by God. This verse meticulously details the Lord's active role in allowing the Servant to be afflicted, identifying His life as a necessary sin offering, and then shifts to the glorious, redemptive outcomes of this sacrifice: the Servant's spiritual posterity, His triumph over death through prolonged existence, and the ultimate, unfailing success of God's redemptive plan through His work.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 53:10 marks the climactic turning point in the fourth and most detailed of Isaiah's "Servant Songs" (Isaiah 52:13-53:12). The preceding verses (Isaiah 53:1-9) vividly portray the Servant's profound humiliation, rejection, vicarious suffering, and unjust death, emphasizing His bearing of humanity's grief and sin. Verse 10 acts as the theological hinge, transitioning the narrative from the Servant's passive endurance of suffering to the active, divine purpose behind it, and then forward to the glorious vindication and abundant fruit of His sacrifice. It moves decisively from the Servant's death to His resurrection and the establishment of His spiritual legacy, setting the stage for the triumphant conclusion in [Isaiah 53:11-12](/isaiah/53-11-12 "Isaiah 53:11-12 - The Servant's Reward and Intercession"), where the Servant sees the fruit of His travail and is exalted.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of the Suffering Servant emerged in a period when Israel often anticipated a conquering Messiah, a king who would deliver them from political oppression. This vision of a suffering, humiliated Servant was radically counter-cultural, challenging conventional messianic expectations. The concept of an "offering for sin" (Hebrew: *ʼâshâm*) draws heavily on the Israelite sacrificial system detailed in the Torah, particularly in books like [Leviticus](/leviticus/5 "Leviticus 5 - The Guilt Offering"). This system provided a framework for understanding atonement, where an innocent substitute bore the penalty for specific wrongs, restoring relationship with God. By applying this precise sacrificial language to the Servant, Isaiah elevates His suffering to a cosmic, redemptive act, fulfilling and transcending the temporary animal sacrifices. The promise of "seeing seed" and "prolonging days" would resonate with ancient Near Eastern concepts of legacy and dynastic continuity, but here takes on a profound spiritual and eternal dimension, hinting at life beyond physical death.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes found throughout Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty** in suffering, revealing that even the deepest anguish can be part of God's purposeful plan for good, as seen in [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Genesis 50:20 - Joseph's Words to His Brothers"). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Substitutionary Atonement**, clearly portraying the Servant's "soul" as an "offering for sin," a vicarious sacrifice made on behalf of others to reconcile them to God, a concept further developed in [Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ's Propitiation"). Thirdly, it introduces the theme of **Resurrection and Vindication**, promising that the Servant will "prolong his days" and "see his seed," signifying victory over death and the establishment of a spiritual lineage, a theme foundational to the New Testament's understanding of Christ's triumph, as seen in [Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - Peter's Sermon on Pentecost"). Finally, the verse emphasizes the **Success of God's Redemptive Plan**, assuring that "the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand," indicating the ultimate and unfailing accomplishment of God's saving purposes through the Servant's work, echoing the divine decree in [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God's Unchanging Purpose").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **pleased (Hebrew, _châphêts'_):** From H2654, meaning "to incline to; by implication... to be pleased with, desire." This word is crucial. It does not suggest God delights in suffering for its own sake, but rather that He *willed*, *desired*, or *approved* of the redemptive outcome achieved through the Servant's suffering. It speaks to God's sovereign approval and active purpose behind the bruising, indicating that this act was not accidental but a deliberate, necessary, and ultimately satisfying part of His eternal plan.
* **bruise (Hebrew, _dâkâʼ'_):** From H1792, meaning "to crumble; transitively, to bruise (literally or figuratively); beat to pieces, break (in pieces), crush, destroy, humble, oppress." This term conveys intense, violent, and crushing affliction. When applied to the Servant, it emphasizes the severity and totality of the suffering He endured. The fact that the LORD is said to "bruise him" underscores the divine orchestration of this profound anguish, which was essential for the ultimate purpose of atonement.
* **offering for sin (Hebrew, _ʼâshâm'_):** From H817, meaning "guilt; by implication, a fault; also a sin-offering; guiltiness, (offering for) sin, trespass (offering)." This specific term refers to a "guilt offering" or "trespass offering" in the Old Testament sacrificial system. Unlike a general sin offering, the *ʼâshâm* was typically made for specific wrongs requiring restitution or compensation, making full satisfaction for a transgression. By portraying the Servant's soul as an *ʼâshâm*, Isaiah emphasizes that His death is not merely a general covering for sin but a precise, restorative, and compensatory payment for humanity's trespasses, making full satisfaction to God's justice and restoring what was owed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him;"**: This clause presents a profound paradox, asserting that the Lord's sovereign will and purpose were behind the Servant's suffering. It implies divine intention and approval, not malevolence, in the crushing affliction the Servant endured, focusing on the redemptive outcome.
* **"he hath put [him] to grief:"**: Reinforcing the previous clause, this emphasizes the Lord's active role in inflicting deep sorrow and pain upon the Servant. The grief is not accidental but divinely appointed for a specific, redemptive end, highlighting the intensity of His suffering.
* **"when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin,"**: This pivotal phrase identifies the nature and purpose of the Servant's suffering: it is a substitutionary sacrifice. His very life ("soul") is presented as a guilt offering (*ʼâshâm*), a complete and satisfactory payment for the sins of others, fulfilling the requirements of divine justice.
* **"he shall see [his] seed,"**: This shifts to the glorious outcome of the Servant's sacrifice. Despite His death, He will have spiritual descendants—a multitude of those who come to faith and new life through His atoning work, signifying the abundant fruitfulness of His mission.
* **"he shall prolong [his] days,"**: This is a powerful prophecy of the Servant's resurrection and eternal life. It indicates that His work and existence extend beyond physical death, demonstrating His victory over the grave and His continuing, unending ministry and reign.
* **"and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand."**: This final clause assures the ultimate success and fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through the Servant. The divine purpose, which initiated the suffering, will be fully accomplished and flourish through the Servant's ongoing work and authority, guaranteeing the triumph of God's will.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 53:10 is rich with **Paradox**, presenting the seemingly contradictory idea that God was "pleased" to bruise His Servant. This highlights the profound mystery of divine love and justice, where immense suffering is divinely ordained for the greatest good of humanity's salvation. The verse also employs **Personification** when it speaks of "the pleasure of the LORD" prospering "in his hand," giving an active, almost tangible quality to God's divine purpose and its successful execution through the Servant. The entire passage functions as **Prophecy** and **Foreshadowing**, meticulously detailing events that would find their ultimate fulfillment centuries later in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The description of the Servant's "soul" as an "offering for sin" is a powerful **Metaphor**, drawing on the familiar imagery of the Old Testament sacrificial system to explain the atoning nature of His death in a way that would be comprehensible to the original audience, yet pointing to a sacrifice far greater and more efficacious than any animal offering.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 53:10 stands as a theological cornerstone, revealing the intricate interplay of divine sovereignty, vicarious suffering, and redemptive triumph. It unveils God's profound commitment to both justice and mercy, demonstrating that the ultimate solution to humanity's sin required a divinely appointed sacrifice. The "pleasure of the LORD" in bruising the Servant is not sadistic, but teleological—it is pleased with the *outcome* of redemption and reconciliation achieved through this profound act of suffering. This verse asserts that the Servant's death was not a tragic accident but the very heart of God's eternal plan to secure a spiritual posterity and ensure the prosperity of His saving purpose. It is a testament to the depth of God's love, willing to allow His chosen One to endure ultimate grief for the sake of humanity's salvation and the glory of His name.

* [Romans 8:32](/romans/8-32 "Romans 8:32 - God Did Not Spare His Own Son")
* [Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Sacrifice at the End of the Ages")
* [1 Peter 1:20-21](/1_peter/1-20-21 "1 Peter 1:20-21 - Christ Foreknown Before the Foundation of the World")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 53:10 offers profound comfort and a robust foundation for faith, reminding us that even the most agonizing suffering can be part of a sovereign, good, and redemptive plan. For believers, this verse deepens our appreciation for the immense cost of our salvation and the immeasurable love of God, who willingly ordained the suffering of His Servant to bring us into relationship with Him. It assures us that our redemption is not based on human effort or chance, but on a divine decree and a perfectly executed sacrifice. This truth provides solace in our own trials, knowing that God can work even through pain for His ultimate purposes. Furthermore, the promise of "seeing His seed" reminds us that the fruit of Christ's work continues to expand, calling us to participate in His mission of making disciples and extending His spiritual family. We are part of that "seed," living proof of God's prospering pleasure through Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the paradox of God being "pleased to bruise" the Servant deepen your understanding of divine love and justice?**
* **In what ways does the concept of Christ's "soul as an offering for sin" transform your view of atonement and forgiveness?**
* **Considering the Servant's "prolonged days" and "seeing His seed," how does this verse inspire your hope for the future and your role in God's kingdom?**

### FAQ
**How can God be "pleased" to bruise His Servant? Does this imply a cruel God?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "pleased" (*châphêts*) in [Isaiah 53:10](/isaiah/53-10 "Isaiah 53:10 - The Lord's Pleasure in Bruising the Servant") does not imply that God delights in suffering for its own sake, or that He is cruel. Rather, it signifies His sovereign will, purpose, and desire for the *outcome* achieved through the Servant's suffering. God's pleasure was in the redemption, reconciliation, and salvation that would result from this ultimate sacrifice. It was the only way to satisfy both His perfect justice (requiring punishment for sin) and His boundless love (desiring to save humanity). Therefore, God was "pleased" with the plan that accomplished salvation, even though it involved the immense suffering of His beloved Servant. This highlights the depth of divine love that would pay such a cost for humanity's redemption, as seen in [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World").

**Who is the "seed" that the Servant shall see, and how does He "prolong His days" after death?**

Answer: The "seed" (Hebrew: *zeraʻ*) refers to the spiritual offspring or descendants who come to faith and new life through the Servant's atoning work. This signifies the multitude of believers who are spiritually born into God's family through Christ's sacrifice, forming His church. The promise that "he shall prolong his days" after death is a powerful prophecy of the Servant's resurrection and eternal life. It means that His work and existence are not terminated by physical death but continue triumphantly beyond it. This foreshadows Jesus' victory over death, His resurrection, and His eternal reign, as confirmed in passages like [Romans 6:9](/romans/6-9 "Romans 6:9 - Christ's Resurrection and Eternal Life") and [Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Jesus, the Living One"). The Servant's "prolonged days" speak to His ongoing, living ministry and the eternal impact of His finished work, ensuring that His redemptive purpose continues to unfold.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 53:10 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the Suffering Servant of God. The paradoxical truth that "it pleased the LORD to bruise him" is perfectly realized in the crucifixion of Jesus, where the Father's sovereign will orchestrated the suffering of His Son, not out of malice, but to accomplish the greatest act of redemption for humanity (cf. [Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Deliberate Plan")). Jesus' entire life, culminating in His death on the cross, was indeed His "soul an offering for sin," the perfect and final *ʼâshâm* (guilt offering) that fully satisfied God's righteous demands against humanity's trespasses (cf. [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through His vicarious sacrifice, Jesus bore the full weight of sin, taking upon Himself the grief and punishment due to us. The promise that "he shall see his seed" is fulfilled in the countless believers, past, present, and future, who are spiritually born into God's family through faith in Christ (cf. [John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Becoming Children of God")). His "prolonged his days" speaks directly to His miraculous resurrection from the dead, demonstrating His victory over sin and death, and His eternal reign at the right hand of God (cf. [Romans 6:9-10](/romans/6-9-10 "Romans 6:9-10 - Christ's Death and Life")). Finally, "the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand" is the assurance that God's eternal plan of salvation, initiated by the Father and accomplished by the Son, will unfailingly succeed through Christ's ongoing ministry as King and High Priest (cf. [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Always Lives to Intercede")). Every aspect of this profound prophecy points to Jesus as the one in whom God's redemptive purpose is fully realized and eternally secured.

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 8:32

He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

2 Corinthians 5:21

For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Galatians 3:13

Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed [is] every one that hangeth on a tree:

Zechariah 13:7

¶ Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man [that is] my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.

Hebrews 10:6

In burnt offerings and [sacrifices] for sin thou hast had no pleasure.

Hebrews 10:12

But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

1 John 4:9

In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.