Isaiah 53:11

He shall see of the travail of his soul, [and] shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.

He shall see {H7200} of the travail {H5999} of his soul {H5315}, and shall be satisfied {H7646}: by his knowledge {H1847} shall my righteous {H6662} servant {H5650} justify {H6663} many {H7227}; for he shall bear {H5445} their iniquities {H5771}.

After this ordeal, he will see satisfaction. "By his knowing [pain and sacrifice], my righteous servant makes many righteous; it is for their sins that he suffers.

After the anguish of His soul, He will see the light of life and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant will justify many, and He will bear their iniquities.

He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by the knowledge of himself shall my righteous servant justify many; and he shall bear their iniquities.

Isaiah 53:11 is a profound verse within the "Suffering Servant" passages, offering a glimpse into the Messiah's redemptive work and its glorious outcome. It reveals the divine purpose behind the Servant's immense suffering.

Context

This verse is part of Isaiah's fourth and most detailed "Servant Song" (Isaiah 52:13-53:12), which provides a remarkably clear prophetic portrait of Jesus Christ, written centuries before His birth. It describes the Servant's suffering, death, and ultimate triumph, emphasizing His substitutionary atonement for humanity's sins. The immediate context speaks of the Servant's resurrection and exaltation after His profound humiliation.

Key Themes

  • The Servant's Satisfaction After Suffering: "He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied." This speaks to the Messiah's ultimate joy and fulfillment in seeing the fruit of His agony. Despite the immense pain and suffering, the successful accomplishment of His mission – the salvation of many – brings Him deep satisfaction. This echoes the joy set before Jesus Christ that enabled Him to endure the cross.
  • Justification Through His Knowledge: "by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many." "His knowledge" refers either to the Servant's perfect understanding and obedience to God's will, or to the knowledge of Him by those who believe. It is through Christ's profound experience and perfect sacrifice, and our subsequent knowledge of Him, that God declares believers righteous. This concept of justification is central to the Christian faith, as further explained in the New Testament.
  • Bearing Iniquities for Atonement: "for he shall bear their iniquities." This is the core of substitutionary atonement. The Servant willingly takes upon Himself the sins and guilt of humanity, enduring the penalty they deserved. This vicarious suffering is the basis upon which "many" are justified, highlighting the profound love and sacrifice involved in God's plan for redemption. 1 Peter 2:24 also affirms Christ bearing our sins on the cross.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "travail" (amal) denotes intense labor, toil, sorrow, or painful effort, emphasizing the depth of the Servant's suffering.
  • "Justify" (yatsdiq) is a legal term meaning to declare righteous, to acquit, or to make righteous. It signifies a divine verdict of innocence and right standing before God.
  • "Bear their iniquities" (nasa' avon) implies carrying the burden or responsibility for sin, suggesting a transfer of guilt and penalty.

Theological Significance & Application

Isaiah 53:11 is a cornerstone prophecy predicting the atoning work of Jesus. It assures us that Christ's suffering was not in vain but achieved its intended purpose: to bring about the justification of many. For believers, this verse offers immense comfort and assurance, emphasizing that our righteousness comes solely through Christ's work, not our own. It calls us to reflect on the immense cost of our salvation and to live lives worthy of such a sacrifice. It also points to the future satisfaction of Christ in seeing His redeemed people, a powerful motivation for sharing the good news of justification by faith in Him.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Romans 5:18

    Therefore as by the offence of one [judgment came] upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one [the free gift came] upon all men unto justification of life.

  • Romans 5:19

    For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

  • 1 Peter 2:24

    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.

  • Revelation 5:9

    And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

  • Revelation 5:10

    And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

  • 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.
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