Isaiah 53:5
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Part of Isaiah's Servant Song, a strikingly detailed portrait of one who suffers for the sins of others.
What Does Isaiah 53:5 Mean?
In one sentence: the Servant suffers in our place -- wounded for our sins -- so that we can be made whole and at peace with God. Written centuries before the cross, it describes a substitution: His wounds, our healing; His punishment, our peace.
The "peace" is reconciliation with God, and the "healing" is first of all from the wound of sin. The New Testament sees this fulfilled in Christ (1 Peter 2:24), the Servant who bore what we deserved.
In the Original Language
The Hebrew "chalal" (wounded) means to be pierced or run through. "Shalom" (peace) means wholeness and well-being -- restored relationship with God.
Cross References
“Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree... by whose stripes ye were healed.”
- 1 Peter 2:24
“Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.”
- Romans 4:25
“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.”
- 2 Corinthians 5:21
Application
Bring your guilt and brokenness to the One who was wounded in your place, receiving the peace with God His suffering secured.
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