Isaiah 53:5

KJV

But he [was] wounded for our transgressions, [he was] bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace [was] upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

KJV (with Strong's)

But he was wounded {H2490} for our transgressions {H6588}, he was bruised {H1792} for our iniquities {H5771}: the chastisement {H4148} of our peace {H7965} was upon him; and with his stripes {H2250} we are healed {H7495}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But he was wounded because of our crimes, crushed because of our sins; the disciplining that makes us whole fell on him, and by his bruises we are healed.

Berean Standard Bible

But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.

American Standard Version

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 53:5 stands as a profound prophetic declaration, central to understanding the vicarious suffering and redemptive work of the Messiah. It vividly portrays a Suffering Servant who willingly endures wounds, bruises, and chastisement, not for His own offenses, but as a substitutionary sacrifice for humanity's transgressions and iniquities. Through His suffering, reconciliation with God and holistic healing—spiritual, relational, and ultimately physical—are made available, establishing a foundational Old Testament insight into the nature of atonement and peace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 53:5 is a pivotal verse within the fourth and most detailed of Isaiah's "Servant Songs" (Isaiah 52:13-53:12). These songs progressively reveal the identity and mission of the Lord's Servant. While earlier interpretations might have seen the Servant as Israel or a prophetic figure, chapter 53's graphic depiction of suffering for the sins of others points beyond a corporate or national identity to a unique individual. Verse 5 follows the declaration in [Isaiah 53:4](/isaiah/53-4 "Isaiah 53:4 - He bore our griefs and sorrows"), which states that the Servant "has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows," yet was "stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted." This sets the stage for verse 5 to elaborate on the *purpose* of this suffering: it is for "our transgressions" and "our iniquities." The subsequent verses, such as [Isaiah 53:6](/isaiah/53-6 "Isaiah 53:6 - All we like sheep have gone astray") and [Isaiah 53:10](/isaiah/53-10 "Isaiah 53:10 - It pleased the Lord to bruise Him"), further underscore the vicarious nature of the Servant's sacrifice and God's sovereign plan in it.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Written during a period of significant geopolitical upheaval for Israel, likely before or during the Babylonian exile, the book of Isaiah often speaks of judgment and restoration. The prevailing expectation among many Israelites was for a conquering Messiah who would deliver them from foreign oppression and restore the Davidic kingdom. The concept of a suffering Messiah, particularly one who would suffer *for* the sins of His people, was revolutionary and counter-cultural. While the Old Testament sacrificial system involved vicarious atonement through animal sacrifices, the idea of a human figure, especially the promised Messiah, fulfilling this role through personal suffering was a radical theological innovation. This prophecy would have challenged their understanding of justice, punishment, and the path to peace with God, introducing a paradigm shift from nationalistic triumph to redemptive suffering.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core theological themes. **Substitutionary Atonement** is paramount, as the Servant's suffering is explicitly stated to be "for our transgressions" and "for our iniquities," highlighting the transfer of guilt and punishment from humanity to the Servant. This concept is foundational to understanding the New Testament's explanation of Christ's work, as seen in passages like [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ became sin for us"). Secondly, the theme of **Peace with God** is central: "the chastisement of our peace was upon him." This indicates that the Servant's suffering was the necessary means to bridge the chasm between a holy God and sinful humanity, thereby establishing a state of `shâlôwm` (peace, wholeness, well-being). This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a profound reconciliation, echoed in [Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Justified by faith, we have peace with God"). Lastly, the verse introduces the theme of **Comprehensive Healing**: "with his stripes we are healed." While this can encompass physical restoration, its primary and most profound meaning is spiritual—healing from the brokenness, guilt, and alienation caused by sin, leading to forgiveness, reconciliation, and eternal life. This holistic healing extends to every dimension of human existence, as further developed in New Testament applications like [1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - Christ bore our sins in His body on the tree").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wounded (Hebrew, _châlal'_):** From H2490, a primitive root meaning "to bore, i.e. (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane... to break (one's word), to begin... to slay (slain)." In this context, _châlal_ signifies a deep, penetrating, and often fatal injury. It suggests being "pierced through" or "profaned," emphasizing the violent and desecrating nature of the suffering inflicted upon the Servant. This is not a superficial cut but a profound violation, indicative of a death blow.
* **Bruised (Hebrew, _dâkâʼ'_):** From H1792, meaning "to crumble; transitively, to bruise (literally or figuratively); beat to pieces, break (in pieces), crush, humble, oppress, smite." This word conveys the idea of being utterly crushed, pulverized, or broken under immense pressure. It speaks to a profound internal and external suffering, a complete breaking down of the Servant's being, both physically and emotionally/spiritually, under the weight of the iniquities He bears.
* **Chastisement (Hebrew, _mûwçâr'_):** From H4148, meaning "properly, chastisement; figuratively, reproof, warning or instruction; also restraint." _Mûwçâr_ refers to discipline, correction, or instruction, often involving punishment aimed at producing a desired outcome. Here, it is the punitive suffering endured by the Servant that brings about peace for others. It is not arbitrary violence but a purposeful, redemptive discipline that addresses the root cause of humanity's broken relationship with God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But he was wounded for our transgressions":** This clause immediately establishes the vicarious nature of the Servant's suffering. The "wounding" (referencing a deep, piercing injury) is not a consequence of His own sin but is directly "for our transgressions" (Hebrew _peshaʻ_, meaning a revolt, rebellion, or willful sin against God). This highlights the deliberate and rebellious nature of human sin, which necessitated such a severe and costly remedy. The Servant bears the consequence of humanity's direct defiance.
* **"he was bruised for our iniquities":** Parallel to the first clause, this further emphasizes the substitutionary suffering. The "bruising" (referring to being crushed or oppressed) is "for our iniquities" (Hebrew _ʻâvôn_, meaning perversity, moral evil, or fault, often carrying the connotation of the guilt or punishment associated with sin). This speaks to the inherent crookedness and moral depravity of humanity, which the Servant takes upon Himself, enduring the crushing weight of its consequences.
* **"the chastisement of our peace was upon him;":** This is a crucial statement connecting the Servant's suffering to humanity's reconciliation with God. The "chastisement" (discipline, punishment) that was due to us, the punishment that would bring about "our peace" (Hebrew _shâlôwm_, meaning wholeness, well-being, prosperity, and reconciliation), was laid "upon him." This signifies that the Servant absorbed the divine judgment and discipline that was necessary to restore a right relationship between God and humanity, thereby securing true peace and wholeness for those He represents.
* **"and with his stripes we are healed.":** This final clause presents the glorious outcome of the Servant's suffering. The "stripes" (Hebrew _chabbûwrâh_, meaning a weal, bruise, or wound from a blow) refer to the severe physical scourging and injuries inflicted upon Him. Yet, it is precisely through these wounds that "we are healed" (Hebrew _râphâʼ_, meaning to mend, cure, restore, or make whole). This healing is comprehensive, extending beyond the physical to encompass spiritual restoration, forgiveness, reconciliation with God, and the renewal of life.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 53:5 is rich with **Parallelism**, particularly **synonymous parallelism**, where the second half of a line or clause reiterates the meaning of the first in different words, reinforcing the message. For example, "wounded for our transgressions" is paralleled by "bruised for our iniquities," emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the Servant's suffering and the sins He bore. The verse also employs **Metaphor** and **Synecdoche** (a part representing the whole) with "stripes" representing the entirety of the Servant's suffering and sacrifice, which then becomes the means of "healing." The phrase "chastisement of our peace" is a profound **Paradox** and **Metonymy**, where the punishment (chastisement) is the direct cause of reconciliation and wholeness (peace), highlighting the counter-intuitive nature of redemptive suffering. The entire verse functions as a powerful **Prophecy**, foretelling a future event with astonishing detail and precision, serving as a testament to divine foresight and a foundational text for understanding the Messiah's role.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 53:5 encapsulates the profound theological truth of substitutionary atonement, a core concept woven throughout the biblical narrative. It reveals that humanity's rebellion and moral perversion (transgressions and iniquities) created an insurmountable barrier to peace with a holy God. The divine solution was not to overlook sin, but for a righteous Servant to willingly bear the full weight of its consequences, absorbing the chastisement and suffering the wounds necessary to secure reconciliation and healing. This suffering was not arbitrary but purposeful, designed to bring about `shâlôwm`—a state of holistic well-being, harmony, and right relationship with God. The verse thus prefigures the ultimate demonstration of God's justice and love, where the innocent suffers for the guilty, making a way for forgiveness and restoration that humanity could never achieve on its own.

* [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.")
* [1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 53:5 calls us to a profound reflection on the cost of our peace and healing. It shatters any illusion that our reconciliation with God is cheap or easily attained. Instead, it points to the immense, vicarious suffering of the Servant, who bore the full brunt of divine wrath against sin on our behalf. For the believer, this truth should evoke deep gratitude, humility, and a renewed appreciation for the boundless love of God demonstrated through His willingness to provide such a costly sacrifice. It challenges us to recognize the gravity of sin, which necessitated such a radical intervention, and to live lives that reflect the peace and healing we have received. This verse is not merely an ancient prophecy but a living truth that empowers us to walk in freedom from guilt and shame, knowing that our deepest wounds—those inflicted by sin—have been fundamentally addressed by the Servant's suffering.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the depth of the Servant's suffering in Isaiah 53:5 deepen your appreciation for God's love and justice?**
* **In what specific areas of your life (spiritual, emotional, relational, physical) do you most need to experience the "healing" promised in this verse?**
* **How does the concept of "the chastisement of our peace" being upon the Servant challenge your understanding of how peace with God is achieved?**
* **What practical steps can you take to live in greater gratitude and obedience in light of the costly sacrifice described here?**

### FAQ
**Is the "healing" in Isaiah 53:5 primarily about physical healing?**

Answer: While the Hebrew word _raphaʼ_ (H7495) can certainly encompass physical healing, its primary and most profound meaning in the context of Isaiah 53:5 is spiritual and holistic. The verse explicitly links the Servant's suffering to "transgressions" (H6588) and "iniquities" (H5771), which are spiritual and moral failings. Therefore, the "healing" (H7495) refers first and foremost to restoration from the damaging effects of sin, leading to forgiveness, reconciliation with God, and spiritual wholeness. This spiritual healing is foundational and comprehensive, often extending to emotional and relational well-being, and ultimately pointing to the restoration of all things. While the New Testament does show Jesus performing physical healings, and [1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - Christ bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.") directly quotes Isaiah 53:5 in reference to Christ's suffering for sin, the emphasis remains on the spiritual transformation that addresses the root cause of human brokenness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 53:5 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the Suffering Servant, uniquely qualified to bear the weight of humanity's sin. Every phrase in this prophetic verse resonates with the historical reality of His passion: He was literally "wounded" (pierced) for our transgressions on the cross, as foretold by the piercing of His hands and feet ([Psalm 22:16](/psalm/22-16 "Psalm 22:16 - They have pierced my hands and my feet")) and the spear thrust into His side ([John 19:34](/john/19-34 "John 19:34 - One of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear")). He was "bruised" (crushed) by the immense spiritual and physical agony of carrying the full burden of our iniquities, experiencing the crushing wrath of God against sin ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?")). The "chastisement of our peace" was indeed "upon Him," as He endured the divine discipline and punishment that was rightfully ours, thereby establishing a new covenant of peace and reconciliation between God and humanity ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Making peace by the blood of His cross")). And most profoundly, "with His stripes we are healed." The severe scourging and physical abuse Jesus endured before His crucifixion ([Matthew 27:26](/matthew/27-26 "Matthew 27:26 - He had Jesus flogged")) were not in vain; His broken body became the means by which our spiritual brokenness, our alienation from God, and the very power of sin were overcome. Through His vicarious suffering, believers receive forgiveness, spiritual restoration, and the promise of eternal life, a comprehensive healing that flows directly from the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!")).

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

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.

1 Peter 2:25

For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

1 Peter 3:18

¶ For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

Matthew 20:28

Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

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.

Romans 5:6

¶ For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

Romans 5:10

For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.