Isaiah 53:6

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

All we like sheep {H6629} have gone astray {H8582}; we have turned {H6437} every one {H376} to his own way {H1870}; and the LORD {H3068} hath laid {H6293} on him the iniquity {H5771} of us all.

Complete Jewish Bible

We all, like sheep, went astray; we turned, each one, to his own way; yet ADONAI laid on him the guilt of all of us. Or: and in fellowship with him

Berean Standard Bible

We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all.

American Standard Version

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and Jehovah hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 53:6 stands as a profound declaration of humanity's universal estrangement from God and the divine provision for reconciliation. This pivotal verse, nestled within the prophetic "Suffering Servant" passage, starkly portrays the collective and individual rebellion of mankind, likening it to sheep wandering aimlessly from their shepherd. It then unveils the astonishing truth of God's sovereign act: the transfer of the accumulated guilt and penalty of all human iniquity onto the innocent Servant, thereby establishing the foundational concept of substitutionary atonement.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 53:6 is an integral part of the fourth and most detailed "Servant Song" (Isaiah 52:13-53:12), which forms the climax of the book's prophetic description of the Messiah. This poetic section shifts from earlier depictions of the Servant as Israel or a prophetic figure to a singular individual whose suffering is vicarious and redemptive. The preceding verses (Isaiah 53:1-5) describe the Servant's rejection, suffering, and the redemptive purpose of His wounds, setting the stage for verse 6 to explain *why* He suffered—namely, for the universal sin of humanity. The subsequent verses then detail the Servant's silent endurance, unjust death, and ultimate vindication, emphasizing the profound theological implications of His atoning work. The entire passage is a theological masterpiece, weaving together themes of sin, judgment, sacrifice, and salvation, culminating in a vision of divine justice satisfied through selfless suffering.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of "sheep" and "shepherd" was deeply embedded in ancient Israelite culture, where pastoralism was a primary way of life. Sheep were known for their tendency to wander, get lost, and be vulnerable without a shepherd's guidance. This provided a powerful and relatable metaphor for humanity's spiritual condition: prone to straying from God's path, self-reliant, and ultimately lost without divine intervention. Furthermore, the concept of "iniquity" and its expiation was central to the Mosaic Law and the sacrificial system, where animal sacrifices were offered to atone for sin, providing a temporary covering. This verse, however, points beyond these temporary measures to a definitive, once-for-all sacrifice. The idea of corporate responsibility and the transfer of guilt, though distinct from individual culpability, was also present in ancient Near Eastern thought, providing a conceptual framework for understanding how one could bear the iniquity of others.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes within Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Universal Sinfulness**, declaring that "all we like sheep have gone astray," echoing later New Testament affirmations that [all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - The Universality of Sin"). Secondly, it introduces the profound concept of **Substitutionary Atonement**, where the "LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all," signifying a divine transfer of guilt and punishment from humanity to the innocent Servant. This theme is foundational to Christian theology, finding its ultimate fulfillment in Christ's work on the cross. Thirdly, the verse highlights **Divine Initiative** in salvation, emphasizing that it is "the LORD" who orchestrates this redemptive act, not humanity's effort. This aligns with the overarching biblical narrative that salvation is a gift of God's grace, as seen in passages like [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith"). Finally, it reinforces the **Messianic Prophecy** of a suffering servant, a theme that pervades Isaiah and anticipates the coming of Jesus Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sheep (Hebrew, _tsôʼn'_):** This collective noun refers to a flock of sheep or goats, often used figuratively for people. In this context, it vividly portrays humanity's inherent nature to wander aimlessly and without guidance, emphasizing vulnerability and a lack of self-direction, mirroring a spiritual lostness apart from God.
* **gone astray (Hebrew, _tâʻâh'_):** This verb signifies to vacillate, reel, or stray, both literally and figuratively. It implies a deviation from the correct path, an error, or a wandering. Here, it underscores humanity's collective and individual tendency to deviate from God's righteous ways, not merely by accident but through a deliberate, albeit often unconscious, turning away.
* **iniquity (Hebrew, _ʻâvôn'_):** This term denotes perversity, moral evil, fault, or sin, and notably, the punishment or guilt associated with it. It encompasses not just the act of sin but its corrupting nature and its deserved consequences. The use of this word highlights the comprehensive nature of what was laid upon the Servant—the full weight of humanity's moral rebellion and its due recompense.
* **laid (Hebrew, _pâgaʻ'_):** This primitive root means to impinge, strike, fall upon, or cause to meet. It conveys a strong, decisive, and intentional act. In this context, it describes God's deliberate and sovereign action of causing the full burden and penalty of humanity's sin to "fall upon" or "strike" the Suffering Servant, emphasizing the purposeful nature of the atonement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"All we like sheep have gone astray":** This clause establishes the universal nature of human sinfulness. The simile "like sheep" powerfully illustrates humanity's innate tendency to wander from God's protective and guiding presence, emphasizing a collective spiritual lostness and vulnerability. The verb "gone astray" implies a deviation from the right path, a wandering off course from God's intended design for humanity.
* **"we have turned every one to his own way":** This second clause reinforces the first, adding the dimension of individual volition and self-direction in sin. It highlights that the "straying" is not merely passive but an active, deliberate choice by "every one" to pursue their own desires, wisdom, and paths, rather than submitting to God's will. This underscores the personal responsibility inherent in human rebellion against divine authority.
* **"and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all."** This climactic clause introduces the divine solution to humanity's universal sin. It is "the LORD" (Yahweh), the sovereign God, who takes the initiative. The phrase "hath laid on him" signifies a purposeful transfer or imposition of the full burden of "the iniquity of us all"—encompassing all guilt, perversity, and deserved punishment—onto the singular, innocent "him," the Suffering Servant. This is the essence of substitutionary atonement, where the innocent bears the penalty for the guilty.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 53:6 is rich with **Literary Devices** that amplify its profound message. The most prominent is the **Simile** "All we like sheep have gone astray," which powerfully likens humanity's collective and individual tendency to wander from God to the inherent nature of sheep to stray from their shepherd. This simile is extended into a **Metaphor**, where humanity is implicitly portrayed as a lost flock, vulnerable and self-destructive without divine guidance. The phrase "every one to his own way" employs **Emphasis** through repetition and individualization, underscoring the pervasive and personal nature of sin. Furthermore, there is a stark **Contrast** presented: humanity's self-chosen "own way" versus God's divine intervention. The entire verse functions as a profound **Prophecy**, foretelling a future act of divine redemption. The final clause, "the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all," uses **Transference** or **Substitutionary Language**, describing the imputation of sin from many to one, a central theological concept conveyed through precise and impactful phrasing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 53:6 is a theological bedrock, articulating the twin truths of universal human sinfulness and God's radical provision for atonement. It reveals that the human condition is one of inherent rebellion, where every individual chooses a path divergent from God's righteous design. This collective and individual straying results in "iniquity," a state of moral perversity that demands divine justice. Yet, in a breathtaking display of grace, the sovereign LORD takes the initiative to "lay" this immense burden of sin and its consequences upon an innocent substitute. This concept of substitutionary atonement is not merely a legal transaction but a profound expression of divine love and justice converging to redeem a lost humanity. It prefigures the New Covenant, where the ultimate sacrifice would be made, satisfying God's righteous demands and opening the way for reconciliation.

* [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - The Universality of Sin")
* [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")
* [1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - Christ Bore Our Sins")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 53:6 compels us to a profound self-examination and an overflowing gratitude. It strips away any illusion of self-sufficiency or inherent goodness, forcing us to confront the uncomfortable truth that "all we like sheep have gone astray." This recognition of our universal tendency to choose "our own way" over God's perfect path is the essential first step towards genuine repentance and a deep appreciation for grace. The verse then pivots to God's incredible solution, reminding us that our iniquity was not ignored but divinely dealt with. This truth should humble us, knowing the immense cost of our redemption, and simultaneously fill us with immense hope and peace. It calls us to abandon our "own ways" and wholeheartedly embrace the Shepherd who bore our burden, living lives of grateful obedience and surrender to His guidance. This passage fosters a profound sense of worship for a God who, in His infinite love, provided the ultimate sacrifice for our reconciliation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways do I, like a sheep, tend to "go astray" or turn to "my own way" rather than God's?**
* **How does the truth that "the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all" personally impact my understanding of God's love and justice?**
* **What practical steps can I take to more consistently follow the Shepherd and resist the temptation to pursue my "own way"?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "him" that the LORD laid the iniquity upon?**

Answer: From a Christian theological perspective, the "him" in Isaiah 53:6 is unequivocally understood to be Jesus Christ, the Messiah. The entire "Suffering Servant" passage (Isaiah 52:13-53:12) is seen as a prophetic foretelling of Jesus' life, suffering, death, and resurrection. New Testament authors frequently quote or allude to this chapter when explaining Christ's atoning work, such as when [John the Baptist identifies Jesus as "the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!"](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), or when [Peter states that Christ "himself bore our sins in his body on the tree"](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - Christ Bore Our Sins").

**What does it mean that "the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all"?**

Answer: This phrase signifies the theological concept of substitutionary atonement. It means that God, in His divine plan, supernaturally transferred or imputed the guilt, penalty, and consequences of all humanity's sin onto the innocent Suffering Servant. The Servant bore the full weight of the punishment that humanity deserved, thereby satisfying God's righteous demands for justice. This act was not merely a symbolic gesture but a real, decisive divine action where the Servant became the sin-bearer, allowing for the possibility of forgiveness and reconciliation for those who trust in Him. This is echoed in [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us"), which states that God "made him who knew no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."

**Is sin truly universal, as implied by "All we like sheep have gone astray"?**

Answer: Yes, the Bible consistently teaches the universality of sin. Isaiah 53:6 clearly states "All we like sheep have gone astray" and "every one to his own way," indicating that sin is a pervasive condition affecting all humanity, not just a select few. This Old Testament declaration is powerfully affirmed in the New Testament, most notably by the Apostle Paul in [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - The Universality of Sin"), where he writes, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." This universal fallenness underscores the universal need for a Savior and the profound grace of God's provision in the Suffering Servant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 53:6 finds its profound and ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the Suffering Servant, prophesied centuries earlier, upon whom the "LORD hath laid... the iniquity of us all." Jesus, the sinless [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), perfectly embodied the innocent substitute. His life was one of complete obedience, never once turning to "His own way" but always to the Father's will, even unto death. Thus, when He went to the cross, He did so not for His own transgressions but as the perfect sacrifice for a wandering humanity. The full weight of our collective and individual rebellion, our "iniquity," was divinely imputed to Him. On the cross, Jesus bore the curse and penalty for sin, becoming "sin for us" as [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us") declares, so that "in him we might become the righteousness of God." His suffering was vicarious, meaning He suffered in our place, bearing the judgment we deserved. This divine exchange, where our sin was laid upon Him and His righteousness is offered to us, is the very heart of the Gospel and the glorious truth that sets us free from the bondage of our "own way" to walk in His. As [1 Peter 3:18](/1_peter/3-18 "1 Peter 3:18 - Christ Suffered Once for Sins") beautifully summarizes, "For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God."

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 2:25

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:

Psalms 119:176

¶ I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.

Romans 4:25

Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

Isaiah 55:7

Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

Romans 3:10

As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

Romans 3:19

¶ Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.