Isaiah 53:9

KJV

And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither [was any] deceit in his mouth.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he made {H5414} his grave {H6913} with the wicked {H7563}, and with the rich {H6223} in his death {H4194}; because he had done {H6213} no violence {H2555}, neither was any deceit {H4820} in his mouth {H6310}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He was given a grave among the wicked; in his death he was with a rich man. Although he had done no violence and had said nothing deceptive,

Berean Standard Bible

He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with a rich man in His death, although He had done no violence, nor was any deceit in His mouth.

American Standard Version

And they made his grave with the wicked, and with a rich man in his death; although he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 53:9 stands as a profound prophetic declaration within the Suffering Servant passage, meticulously foretelling the circumstances surrounding the Messiah's death and burial. It describes a seemingly contradictory burial alongside both the wicked and the rich, while emphatically asserting the Servant's absolute moral purity—a life devoid of violence and deceit. This verse not only highlights the profound injustice endured by the Servant but also underscores the divine providence orchestrating every detail of his atoning sacrifice, setting the stage for his redemptive work.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 53:9 is situated within the fourth and most detailed of Isaiah's "Servant Songs" (Isaiah 52:13-53:12), often considered the theological heart of the book. This particular song begins by introducing the Servant's exalted status after suffering (Isaiah 52:13-15), then shifts to a lament from those who initially rejected him, now recognizing his substitutionary suffering (Isaiah 53:1-6). The verse immediately preceding Isaiah 53:9 describes the Servant's silent endurance of affliction and his being "cut off out of the land of the living" ([Isaiah 53:8](/isaiah/53-8 "Isaiah 53:8 - The Servant Cut Off")), emphasizing his sacrificial death. Verse 9 then focuses on the post-mortem circumstances, specifically his burial, before the song concludes with the Servant's ultimate vindication and reward for his atoning work (Isaiah 53:10-12). It serves as a crucial bridge between his death and his subsequent exaltation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Isaiah was written during a tumultuous period in Israel's history, spanning the reigns of several Judean kings (Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah), leading up to the Babylonian exile. Prophecies concerning a suffering Messiah would have been counter-cultural, as the prevailing expectation was for a conquering king who would deliver Israel from political oppression. Burial customs in ancient Israel varied based on social status and the nature of death. Criminals were often buried in common, unmarked graves, sometimes outside city walls, to signify their dishonor. Wealthy individuals, however, would typically have private tombs, often hewn out of rock. The juxtaposition of being buried "with the wicked" and "with the rich" would have been highly unusual and culturally dissonant, highlighting the extraordinary nature of the Servant's death and burial.

* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 53:9 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Substitutionary Atonement**, where the blameless Servant suffers on behalf of others, bearing their iniquities (as seen in [Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5-6 - Suffering for Sins")). The verse reinforces the Servant's **Innocence and Blamelessness**, which is essential for his role as a perfect sacrifice, contrasting sharply with the guilt of those for whom he suffers. It also powerfully illustrates **Divine Sovereignty and Prophetic Fulfillment**, demonstrating God's meticulous control over even the seemingly contradictory details of the Messiah's life and death, centuries before their realization. This theme is foundational to understanding God's redemptive plan as revealed throughout the Old and New Testaments, from the initial promise of a deliverer in [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium") to the ultimate fulfillment in Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **violence (Hebrew, _châmâç'_):** H2555. This term signifies not merely physical aggression but encompasses a broader range of wrongdoing, including injustice, oppression, and moral corruption. The assertion that the Servant "had done no violence" emphasizes his absolute moral purity and righteous conduct, indicating he was entirely innocent of any crime or ethical transgression that would warrant his condemnation or death.
* **death (Hebrew, _mâveth'_):** H4194. This word refers to both natural and violent death, as well as the state or place of the dead (Hades). In the context of Isaiah 53, it points to the Servant's actual, physical demise, which is explicitly presented as a sacrificial act. The phrase "in his death" specifies the timing of the rich man's association with his grave, underscoring that the Servant's burial circumstances were uniquely tied to the moment of his passing.
* **deceit (Hebrew, _mirmâh'_):** H4820. This term denotes fraud, treachery, falsehood, or guile. The declaration "neither was any deceit in his mouth" highlights the Servant's unwavering integrity and truthfulness. It implies that he spoke no lies, engaged in no trickery, and was utterly sincere in all his words, standing in stark contrast to the false accusations and deceptive practices of his accusers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he made his grave with the wicked":** This clause prophesies that the Suffering Servant would be assigned a burial place typically reserved for criminals or the morally condemned. This aligns with his unjust condemnation and crucifixion alongside actual malefactors, indicating that society would treat him as one deserving of such a dishonorable end. The Hebrew verb "made" (H5414, _nâthan_) here implies "appointed" or "assigned," suggesting a divine or human arrangement for his burial.
* **"and with the rich in his death":** This phrase presents a striking paradox to the preceding clause. While condemned as a criminal, the Servant's burial would also involve a rich person. This seemingly contradictory detail points to a unique divine orchestration, where despite the intention to bury him ignominiously, a wealthy individual would provide a tomb. The phrase "in his death" specifies that this association with the rich would occur at the time of his burial, immediately following his demise.
* **"because he had done no violence":** This clause provides the divine justification and explanation for the Servant's true character, contrasting sharply with the treatment he received. It unequivocally states his innocence, asserting that he committed no act of injustice, oppression, or moral wrong (H2555, _châmâç_). This blamelessness is paramount for his role as an unblemished sacrifice.
* **"neither [was any] deceit in his mouth":** This final clause further emphasizes the Servant's perfect integrity. It declares that his words were entirely truthful and free from any falsehood, trickery, or guile (H4820, _mirmâh_). This highlights his moral perfection, both in action and in speech, reinforcing the profound injustice of his condemnation and the purity of his sacrifice.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 53:9 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Paradox** or **Juxtaposition**, seen in the seemingly contradictory statement that the Servant's grave would be "with the wicked, and with the rich in his death." This creates tension and invites deeper reflection, hinting at an extraordinary fulfillment that defies conventional expectations. The entire verse functions as a profound **Prophecy**, offering a detailed foretelling of future events, specifically concerning the Messiah's burial and character. The assertion of the Servant's innocence ("no violence," "no deceit") in the face of his condemnation and ignominious death also introduces **Irony**, highlighting the profound injustice of his suffering while simultaneously emphasizing his moral perfection as the basis for his redemptive work.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 53:9 is a cornerstone for understanding the nature of the Messiah's atoning work, particularly his blamelessness and the precise fulfillment of prophecy. The theological significance lies in the Servant's absolute moral purity, which qualifies him as the perfect, unblemished sacrifice required to bear the sins of humanity. His death, though seemingly a defeat and a criminal's end, is revealed as a divinely orchestrated event where every detail, even his burial, serves a redemptive purpose. The paradox of his grave—with the wicked yet with the rich—underscores God's sovereign control over seemingly chaotic events, ensuring the precise execution of His plan for salvation. This verse profoundly shapes our understanding of Christ's perfect righteousness and the divine intentionality behind his suffering and death.

* [1 Peter 2:22](/1_peter/2-22 "1 Peter 2:22 - Christ's Blamelessness")
* [Matthew 27:57-60](/matthew/27-57 "Matthew 27:57-60 - Jesus' Burial by Joseph of Arimathea")
* [John 19:38-42](/john/19-38 "John 19:38-42 - Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea Bury Jesus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 53:9 offers profound insights that compel us to reflect on the nature of true righteousness and the depth of God's redemptive plan. The Servant's unwavering innocence in the face of extreme injustice challenges us to consider our own integrity. His life, free from violence and deceit, serves as a powerful model for how believers are called to live—truthfully, justly, and without guile, even when it leads to suffering or misunderstanding. Furthermore, this verse deepens our appreciation for the meticulous care with which God fulfills His promises; every detail of the Messiah's life, death, and burial was foreknown and orchestrated. This should cultivate a profound trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances appear contradictory or unjust. Understanding that our salvation rests on such a perfect, blameless sacrifice should inspire both humility and immense gratitude, motivating us to live lives worthy of such a great salvation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Servant's blamelessness, as described in Isaiah 53:9, deepen your understanding of the necessity and perfection of Christ's sacrifice?**
* **In what ways can you, as a believer, strive to embody the Servant's integrity, living a life "without violence" and "without deceit in your mouth" in your daily interactions?**
* **How does the prophetic fulfillment of the Servant's burial, with both the wicked and the rich, strengthen your faith in God's meticulous sovereignty and His control over all circumstances?**

### FAQ

**What is the meaning of "he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death"?**

Answer: This phrase is a remarkable prophecy concerning the Messiah's burial, containing a striking paradox. "With the wicked" refers to the common practice of burying criminals in dishonorable graves, which would have been Jesus' fate given his crucifixion between two criminals ([Luke 23:33](/luke/23-33 "Luke 23:33 - The Crucifixion")). However, "with the rich in his death" points to the unexpected intervention of a wealthy man, Joseph of Arimathea, who provided his own new tomb for Jesus' burial ([Matthew 27:57-60](/matthew/27-57 "Matthew 27:57-60 - Joseph of Arimathea Buries Jesus")). This seemingly contradictory detail highlights God's sovereign hand in orchestrating the precise fulfillment of prophecy, ensuring that every aspect of the Servant's death and burial served His redemptive plan.

**Why is the Servant's innocence ("no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth") so important?**

Answer: The Servant's absolute innocence is crucial because it qualifies him as the perfect, unblemished sacrifice for sin. According to biblical theology, a sacrifice for sin had to be without blemish ([Leviticus 1:3](/leviticus/1-3 "Leviticus 1:3 - Requirements for Burnt Offering")). The assertion that the Servant "had done no violence" (meaning no injustice or wrongdoing) and "neither was any deceit in his mouth" (meaning perfect truthfulness and integrity) underscores his moral perfection. This blamelessness means that his suffering and death were not a consequence of his own sin but were purely substitutionary, bearing the sins of others ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). His perfect character validates the efficacy of his atoning work.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 53:9 finds its ultimate and undeniable fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the Suffering Servant of God. The prophecy of his grave being "with the wicked, and with the rich in his death" was meticulously realized in his crucifixion between two criminals ([Luke 23:33](/luke/23-33 "Luke 23:33 - The Crucifixion of Jesus")), followed by his burial in the new tomb of Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy and respected member of the Sanhedrin ([Matthew 27:57-60](/matthew/27-57 "Matthew 27:57-60 - Jesus' Burial by Joseph of Arimathea"); [John 19:38-42](/john/19-38 "John 19:38-42 - Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea Bury Jesus")). This paradoxical fulfillment demonstrates God's precise orchestration of every detail of Christ's passion, ensuring that even his burial circumstances affirmed his unique identity and mission. Furthermore, the declaration that he "had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth" perfectly describes Jesus' sinless life. He was "without sin" ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our High Priest, Tempted Yet Sinless")), "who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth" ([1 Peter 2:22](/1_peter/2-22 "1 Peter 2:22 - Christ's Blamelessness"), directly quoting Isaiah). This absolute purity was essential for him to be the spotless Lamb of God, whose shed blood atones for the sins of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Thus, Isaiah 53:9 powerfully testifies to Jesus as the blameless, divinely appointed sacrifice whose death and burial were not a defeat but the climactic act of God's redemptive plan for humanity.

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 2:22

Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:

Matthew 27:57

¶ When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple:

Matthew 27:60

And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.

1 John 3:5

And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.

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.

Mark 15:43

Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.

Mark 15:46

And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre.