Isaiah 53:5 is one of the most powerful verses in the Old Testament. It speaks of Jesus' suffering long before He was born. This verse reveals God's deep love for us and His plan for salvation. Through the pain and punishment Jesus endured, we are given peace and healing.
Understanding Isaiah 53:5
Isaiah 53:5 (KJV) says:
“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.”
This verse is part of a prophecy written about 700 years before Jesus’ birth. It comes from the “Suffering Servant” passage found in Isaiah 53. Many Christians believe it clearly points to Jesus Christ and the purpose of His death on the cross.
The Four Key Parts of the Verse
Isaiah 53:5 is made up of four main phrases. Each one teaches us something important about Jesus and what He did for us.
1. “He was wounded for our transgressions”
- The word “wounded” refers to Jesus being pierced — with nails, a crown of thorns, and a spear.
- “Transgressions” means our sins or wrongdoings.
- Jesus didn’t suffer for His own mistakes. He was hurt for ours.
Romans 4:25 (ESV) – “He was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.”
2. “He was bruised for our iniquities”
- “Bruised” speaks of deep suffering and crushing pain.
- “Iniquities” are sins of the heart — our crooked ways.
- Jesus bore the weight of sin even before we were born.
1 Peter 2:24 (NIV) – “He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness.”
3. “The chastisement of our peace was upon him”
- “Chastisement” means punishment or discipline.
- Jesus took the punishment that brought us peace with God.
- His suffering restored the relationship between God and people.
Romans 5:1 (KJV) – “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
4. “With his stripes we are healed”
- “Stripes” refers to the lashes Jesus received before He was crucified.
- This line connects physical wounds to spiritual healing.
- It points to both the forgiveness of sin and, for many, healing in body and mind.
Matthew 8:17 (NIV) – “He took up our infirmities and bore our diseases.”
Why This Verse Still Matters Today
Isaiah 53:5 offers hope. It reminds us that we don’t have to carry our guilt. Jesus took our place. His pain brought us peace. His stripes brought us healing.
Many people quote this verse during hard times. Whether facing sickness, guilt, or grief, this promise reminds us that we are not alone. Jesus suffered so that we could be whole.
Real-Life Example
A man once told his story of addiction. He had made many mistakes and felt too far gone to change. But then someone shared Isaiah 53:5 with him. The words “by His stripes we are healed” hit him hard. He realized Jesus had already paid for his brokenness. That moment began a journey of freedom and healing.
Bible Verses That Support Isaiah 53:5
| Verse | Text |
|---|---|
| John 19:1 | “Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him.” |
| Hebrews 9:28 | “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many…” |
| Colossians 1:20 | “…having made peace through the blood of his cross…” |
| Psalm 103:3 | “Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases.” |
A Message of Hope and Healing
Isaiah 53:5 is not just an old verse. It is alive with meaning today. Every part of it shows how much God loves us. It tells us that Jesus willingly took our place. His pain brought peace. His stripes brought healing. And because of that, we can be restored.
Isaiah 53:6 (KJV) – “All we like sheep have gone astray… and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.”
