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Isaiah 50:6

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I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.

I gave {H5414} my back {H1460} to the smiters {H5221}, and my cheeks {H3895} to them that plucked off {H4803} the hair: I hid {H5641} not my face {H6440} from shame {H3639} and spitting {H7536}.

I offered my back to those who struck me, my cheeks to those who plucked out my beard; I did not hide my face from insult and spitting.

I offered My back to those who struck Me, and My cheeks to those who tore out My beard. I did not hide My face from scorn and spittle.

I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair; I hid not my face from shame and spitting.

Commentary

Isaiah 50:6 is a profound prophetic declaration, part of the "Servant Songs" in the Book of Isaiah, which vividly describe the suffering and obedience of God's chosen Servant. This particular verse details the extreme physical abuse and humiliation endured by the Servant, presenting a powerful foreshadowing of the passion of Jesus Christ.

Context

The Book of Isaiah, written by the prophet Isaiah, spans several centuries of Israel's history and future. Chapters 40-55, often called "Second Isaiah," focus on themes of comfort, deliverance, and the role of God's Servant. Isaiah 50 specifically portrays the Servant speaking, affirming His unwavering trust in God despite facing intense opposition and mistreatment. This passage, along with others like Isaiah 53:5, is foundational to Christian understanding of the Messiah's redemptive suffering.

Key Themes

  • Voluntary Submission to Suffering: The phrase "I gave my back to the smiters" emphasizes a willing, rather than forced, endurance of pain. The Servant chooses to face the abuse, highlighting profound obedience and self-sacrifice.
  • Extreme Humiliation and Physical Abuse: The actions described—smiting (beating), plucking off the hair (a sign of extreme contempt and public disgrace), and spitting (the ultimate insult)—paint a picture of utter degradation. These were deeply humiliating and painful acts in ancient Near Eastern culture.
  • Unwavering Resolve: "I hid not my face from shame and spitting" reveals the Servant's steadfastness. Despite the intense public ignominy, He does not shrink back or attempt to conceal Himself, demonstrating immense courage and commitment to His divine mission.
  • Prophetic Foreshadowing of Christ: Christians universally recognize this verse as a direct prophecy of Jesus' suffering during His crucifixion. The Gospel accounts detail similar brutal treatment, including being beaten, mocked, and spat upon (Matthew 27:30, Mark 14:65, John 19:1).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew terms used convey the severity of the acts:

  • "Smiters" (מַכִּים - makkim): Refers to those who strike or beat, often with whips or rods.
  • "Plucked off the hair" (מֹרְטִים - mortim): This was a specific act of torture and public humiliation, tearing out beard hair or hair from the head, signifying profound disrespect and degradation.
  • "Spitting" (רֹק - roq): A highly offensive gesture, conveying ultimate contempt and scorn.
The active verb "I gave" (נָתַתִּי - natatti) underscores the Servant's willing participation in His suffering, emphasizing His deliberate choice to endure for a greater purpose.

Practical Application

Isaiah 50:6 offers several powerful lessons for believers today:

  • Understanding the Cost of Salvation: It deepens our appreciation for the immense suffering Jesus willingly endured to provide redemption and reconciliation with God. His sacrifice was not accidental but a deliberate act of love and obedience.
  • Endurance in Adversity: The Servant's steadfastness in the face of extreme abuse serves as an example of unyielding faith and perseverance. When we face trials, persecution, or humiliation for our faith, we can draw strength from His example of not hiding His face from shame.
  • Selfless Service: The Servant's willingness to suffer for others inspires a call to selfless service and obedience to God's will, even when it involves personal cost or discomfort. His example teaches us to prioritize God's purpose above personal comfort or reputation, echoing the call to Christ's obedience unto death.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Matthew 26:67 (22 votes)

    Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote [him] with the palms of their hands,

  • Mark 14:65 (18 votes)

    And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands.

  • Mark 15:19 (15 votes)

    And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing [their] knees worshipped him.

  • Luke 22:63 (11 votes)

    ¶ And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote [him].

  • Luke 22:64 (11 votes)

    And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee?

  • Matthew 27:30 (11 votes)

    And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.

  • Isaiah 53:5 (9 votes)

    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.