Isaiah 53:12

KJV

Therefore will I divide him [a portion] with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore will I divide {H2505} him a portion with the great {H7227}, and he shall divide {H2505} the spoil {H7998} with the strong {H6099}; because he hath poured out {H6168} his soul {H5315} unto death {H4194}: and he was numbered {H4487} with the transgressors {H6586}; and he bare {H5375} the sin {H2399} of many {H7227}, and made intercession {H6293} for the transgressors {H6586}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore I will assign him a share with the great, he will divide the spoil with the mighty, for having exposed himself to death and being counted among the sinners, while actually bearing the sin of many and interceding for the offenders."

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore I will allot Him a portion with the great, and He will divide the spoils with the strong, because He has poured out His life unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors. Yet He bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors.

American Standard Version

Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he poured out his soul unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors: yet he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 53:12 serves as the triumphant climax of the Suffering Servant passage, encapsulating the profound redemptive work of the Messiah. It transitions from the Servant's unparalleled suffering and vicarious death to His glorious vindication and divine reward, underscoring the sovereign purpose behind His ultimate sacrifice. This verse powerfully articulates the Servant's identification with humanity's sin, His bearing of its penalty, and His ongoing intercession, all of which culminate in His exaltation and shared victory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 53:12 stands as the culminating verse of the fourth and most significant of the "Servant Songs" (Isaiah 52:13-53:12). This section, often considered the heart of Isaiah's Messianic prophecy, meticulously details the Servant's profound humiliation, suffering, and death, contrasting sharply with His initial exaltation described in [Isaiah 52:13](/isaiah/52-13 "Isaiah 52:13 - The Servant's Exaltation"). The preceding verses (Isaiah 53:1-11) paint a vivid picture of His rejection, affliction, and substitutionary sacrifice for the sins of His people. Verse 12 then provides the divine rationale and glorious outcome of this suffering, revealing God's ultimate reward for the Servant's perfect obedience and redemptive work, thereby completing the narrative arc from suffering to triumph.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Isaiah was delivered during a tumultuous period in Israel's history, marked by impending judgment, exile, and the promise of restoration. The prevailing expectation among the Jewish people for a Messiah was often that of a conquering king—a descendant of David who would restore Israel's political independence and glory. The concept of a suffering Messiah, one who would achieve victory not through military might but through humiliation and death, was revolutionary and counter-cultural. This passage challenges the conventional understanding, presenting a unique perspective on divine justice and atonement. The imagery of dividing "spoil with the strong" evokes ancient Near Eastern customs of victorious warriors distributing the plunder after a decisive battle, yet here it is applied to a spiritual triumph over sin and death.
* **Key Themes:** This concluding verse powerfully synthesizes several major theological themes prevalent throughout Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Central among these is the theme of **Vicarious Atonement**, where the Servant willingly bears the sin and penalty of others, as explicitly stated in [Isaiah 53:6](/isaiah/53-6 "Isaiah 53:6 - All We Like Sheep Have Gone Astray"). It also highlights **Divine Justice and Mercy**, demonstrating how God's righteous demands are met through the Servant's sacrifice, thereby opening the way for mercy and forgiveness for humanity. The theme of **Exaltation Through Humiliation** is profoundly evident, as the Servant's deepest suffering leads directly to His highest honor and reward from God. Furthermore, the verse introduces the Servant's ongoing **Intercessory** role, foreshadowing His continuous advocacy for His people before God. This entire passage underscores the **Sovereignty of God** in orchestrating this redemptive plan, revealing His steadfast love and faithfulness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **divide (Hebrew, _châlaq'_):** From H2505, meaning "to apportion or separate." In this context, it signifies the act of God Himself granting the Servant a portion or share, indicating a divine distribution of reward and honor. It also implies the Servant's participation in the spoils of victory, underscoring His triumph and rightful claim to the fruits of His redemptive labor.
* **soul (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** From H5315, a comprehensive term referring to a "breathing creature," "vitality," or the "entire being." When the Servant "poured out his soul unto death," it conveys a complete and utter surrender of His life, not merely a physical demise but the voluntary offering of His very essence and will, demonstrating the totality of His sacrifice.
* **bare (Hebrew, _nâsâʼ'_):** From H5375, meaning "to lift," "carry," or "bear away." This word is crucial for understanding the concept of vicarious atonement. When the Servant "bare the sin of many," it means He literally carried the burden, guilt, and penalty of humanity's transgressions, taking them upon Himself as a substitute. This act of bearing implies removal and expiation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore will I divide him [a portion] with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong":** This opening clause declares the divine vindication and reward for the Servant's suffering. God Himself, in His sovereign will, promises to grant the Servant a share of honor and victory alongside the most powerful and esteemed. The Servant, in turn, will actively participate in distributing the "spoil" or fruits of His triumph, signifying His authority and the universal dominion He gains through His sacrifice. This is a declaration of ultimate triumph over all opposing forces.
* **"because he hath poured out his soul unto death":** This phrase provides the profound rationale for the Servant's exaltation. His reward is directly attributed to His complete and voluntary surrender of His life, His entire being, to the point of death. It emphasizes the depth and totality of His self-sacrifice, highlighting that His death was not forced but a willing offering.
* **"and he was numbered with the transgressors":** This clause highlights the Servant's profound identification with sinful humanity. Despite His blamelessness, He was counted among those who rebelled against God, experiencing the ultimate humiliation of being condemned and executed alongside criminals. This identification was essential for Him to bridge the chasm between a holy God and sinful humanity.
* **"and he bare the sin of many":** This is the heart of the Servant's redemptive work. "Bare" signifies a substitutionary act, where the Servant took upon Himself the burden, guilt, and penalty of the sins of a multitude. He carried what was rightfully ours, acting as the ultimate sin-bearer, thereby providing atonement and reconciliation.
* **"and made intercession for the transgressors":** This final clause reveals the Servant's compassionate and ongoing merciful work. Even in His suffering and death, He pleaded on behalf of those who wronged Him and those for whom He died. This points to His continuous role as an advocate, demonstrating His enduring love and commitment to His people, ensuring the efficacy of His sacrifice.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 53:12 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its profound theological truths. The entire passage is a masterful **Prophecy**, foretelling events centuries before their fulfillment, specifically concerning the Messiah's suffering and glory. The phrase "poured out his soul unto death" is a powerful **Metaphor** for total self-sacrifice, vividly portraying the complete surrender of life. The imagery of "dividing spoil with the strong" is a **Metaphorical** representation of a triumphant warrior sharing the spoils of victory, but here it is applied to a spiritual conquest over sin, death, and evil. There is also a profound **Paradox** at play: the Servant achieves ultimate victory and exaltation not through power and conquest, but through profound humility, suffering, and death. This paradoxical truth underpins the entire Servant Song. Furthermore, the verse exhibits **Parallelism**, particularly in the opening clauses ("divide him [a portion] with the great" and "he shall divide the spoil with the strong"), which are examples of synonymous parallelism, reinforcing the idea of shared triumph and reward. The repetition of "transgressors" also creates a powerful thematic resonance, highlighting both the Servant's identification with them and His active intercession on their behalf.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 53:12 is a theological cornerstone, intricately connecting to the very heart of the gospel. It reveals God's ultimate plan for redemption, demonstrating that divine justice is satisfied not by human effort, but by the vicarious suffering and sacrifice of His chosen Servant. This verse underscores the profound love of God, who, in His mercy, provides a substitute to bear the penalty for humanity's rebellion. It establishes the foundation for the New Testament understanding of atonement, justification, and the high priestly ministry of Christ. The Servant's identification with transgressors, His bearing of sin, and His intercession collectively paint a picture of a compassionate God who actively seeks reconciliation, making a way for humanity to be declared righteous through faith in the Servant's completed work. This passage profoundly shapes our understanding of God's character as both just and merciful, and the nature of salvation as a divine act of grace.

* [Philippians 2:8-11](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8-11 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")
* [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")
* [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Intercession")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 53:12 offers not merely theological insight but profound spiritual nourishment and practical application for the believer's life. It calls us to a deeper, more profound gratitude for the immense cost of our redemption. To truly grasp that the Servant "poured out his soul unto death" for our sake should humble us and ignite a fervent love for the One who gave His all. This verse provides unwavering assurance: because He "bare the sin of many," our sins are truly dealt with, and we stand forgiven before a holy God. Furthermore, the truth of His ongoing "intercession for the transgressors" offers immense comfort and confidence, knowing that even in our weaknesses and failures, we have a High Priest who continually pleads our case before the Father. Living in light of this truth means embracing a life of worship, trust, and bold access to God's throne of grace, knowing that Christ's victory is our victory, and His intercession is our constant hope.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Servant's willingness to "pour out his soul unto death" deepen your personal understanding of God's sacrificial love and the immense cost of your salvation?**
* **In what specific ways does Christ's identification with "transgressors" (being "numbered with them") offer you hope and assurance in your own struggles with sin and feelings of unworthiness?**
* **Knowing that Jesus "made intercession for the transgressors" and continues to do so, how should this truth impact your daily prayer life and your confidence in approaching God?**

### FAQ

**Who is the "Servant" described in Isaiah 53?**

Answer: While some Jewish interpretations have historically identified the Servant with the nation of Israel or a collective righteous remnant, Christian theology overwhelmingly identifies the "Suffering Servant" of Isaiah 53, and specifically in [Isaiah 53:12](/isaiah/53-12 "Isaiah 53:12 - The Suffering Servant's Triumph"), as Jesus Christ. The detailed descriptions of His suffering, vicarious death, identification with sinners, and subsequent exaltation find their precise and complete fulfillment only in the person and work of Jesus, as attested throughout the New Testament (e.g., [Acts 8:32-35](/acts/8-32 "Acts 8:32-35 - Philip Explains Isaiah to the Ethiopian Eunuch")).

**What is the significance of the Servant being "numbered with the transgressors"?**

Answer: This phrase highlights Jesus' profound identification with humanity in its fallen state. Despite His absolute sinlessness, He was legally and practically counted among criminals, even being crucified between two actual transgressors ([Luke 23:33](/luke/23-33 "Luke 23:33 - Jesus Crucified with Criminals")). This was not because He was sinful, but because it was necessary for Him to fully enter into the human condition and bear the penalty for sin. His being "numbered with the transgressors" underscores His humility and His role as a substitute, taking the place of the guilty so that they might be counted righteous.

**How does the Servant "bear the sin of many" and "make intercession for the transgressors"?**

Answer: To "bear the sin of many" means the Servant, Jesus Christ, took upon Himself the guilt, penalty, and consequences of humanity's sin. This is the core of vicarious atonement, where He became the substitute, suffering the wrath of God that we deserved ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). His death was a propitiation, satisfying divine justice. To "make intercession for the transgressors" speaks to His ongoing priestly ministry. Even as He died, He prayed for His persecutors ([Luke 23:34](/luke/23-34 "Luke 23:34 - Jesus Prays for His Persecutors")), and now, ascended to the right hand of God, He continually intercedes for believers, ensuring the efficacy of His sacrifice and advocating on their behalf ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Intercession")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 53:12 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the Suffering Servant. His life was a complete "pouring out of his soul unto death," culminating in His voluntary sacrifice on the cross, not merely a physical demise but the full surrender of His being for humanity's redemption. This was vividly demonstrated when He was indeed "numbered with the transgressors," crucified between two criminals, a literal and profound act of identification with the very sinners He came to save ([Luke 23:33](/luke/23-33 "Luke 23:33 - Jesus Crucified Between Two Criminals")). In that pivotal moment, He truly "bare the sin of many," taking upon Himself the entirety of humanity's guilt and penalty, thereby becoming the perfect atoning sacrifice ([1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - Christ Bore Our Sins")). Even as He suffered, His heart was one of compassion, making "intercession for the transgressors" (as seen in His prayer, "Father, forgive them"), a ministry He continues eternally as our High Priest before the Father ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession at God's Right Hand")). Because of His perfect obedience and sacrificial work, God has indeed "divided him a portion with the great" and He now "divides the spoil with the strong," signifying His supreme exaltation, universal dominion, and the sharing of His triumph over sin, death, and Satan with all who believe in Him ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - God Exalted Christ")). Thus, Isaiah 53:12 is not merely a prophecy but a divine blueprint for the redemptive work of Jesus, fulfilled with breathtaking precision and power.

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

Luke 22:37

For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.

Hebrews 9:28

So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

Colossians 1:13

Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated [us] into the kingdom of his dear Son:

Colossians 1:14

In whom we have redemption through his blood, [even] the forgiveness of sins:

Luke 23:32

¶ And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death.

Luke 23:34

Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

Mark 15:27

And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left.