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.
Context
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.
What it means
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.
How to pray it
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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