Isaiah 53:5 Explained

"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." — Isaiah 53:5 (KJV)

Isaiah 53:5 is the Old Testament's clearest prophecy of the cross — written seven centuries before Christ, yet describing his suffering in detail.

Read it in context: Isaiah 53 · The Book of Isaiah. Also gathered under verses about healing.

Isaiah 53:5 in context

What does Isaiah 53:5 mean?

The verse turns on substitution: 'OUR transgressions... OUR iniquities... OUR peace.' He suffers; we benefit. 'Wounded' and 'bruised' describe his pain; 'peace' and 'healed' describe our result. The exchange is the gospel in miniature — his stripes, our healing.

What is the context of Isaiah 53:5?

Isaiah 52:13-53:12 is the fourth and greatest 'Servant Song,' describing a suffering servant who bears the sins of others. The New Testament repeatedly applies it to Jesus (e.g. 1 Peter 2:24). Verse 5 is its theological heart.

How do I pray Isaiah 53:5?

Pray this verse at the foot of the cross. Put your own sin into the 'our.' Receive the peace and healing that his wounds bought. Read it especially on Good Friday.

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