Isaiah 53:12 - Therefore will I give him a portion with the great, and he will divide the plunder with the strong; because he poured out his soul to death, and was counted with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
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What does "Isaiah 53:12" mean?
Isaiah 53:12 is a powerful concluding verse in the Servant Song of Isaiah, a prophecy widely interpreted by Christians as referring to Jesus Christ. Let's break it down:
"Therefore will I give him a portion with the great, and he will divide the plunder with the strong;" This indicates that because of the Servant's suffering and sacrifice, God will elevate him to a position of honor and power. The "portion with the great" and "dividing the plunder with the strong" symbolize a reward and victory. It's a promise of ultimate vindication and authority. Think of it as a warrior returning victorious from battle and sharing the spoils.
"because he poured out his soul to death, and was counted with the transgressors;" This highlights the Servant's voluntary self-sacrifice, his willingness to give his life. Being "counted with the transgressors" means he was treated as a criminal, likely executed alongside criminals. This emphasizes the injustice and humiliation he endured.
"yet he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors." This is the crux of the verse and explains why he is rewarded. He "bore the sin of many," meaning he took upon himself the guilt and consequences of other people's sins. He acted as a substitute, suffering in their place. "Made intercession for the transgressors" suggests he pleaded for mercy on their behalf, perhaps even while suffering himself. This speaks of a compassionate role, advocating for those who had wronged him and others.
In summary, the verse means:
Because the Servant willingly sacrificed himself, enduring a shameful death and being treated as a criminal, and because he took the sins of many upon himself and interceded for the very people who wronged him, God will reward him with honor, power, and victory.
Different Interpretations:
Christian Interpretation: Christians overwhelmingly see this verse as a direct prophecy of Jesus Christ's crucifixion, atonement for sins, and subsequent resurrection and ascension to glory. They believe Jesus fulfilled all aspects of this verse: he was crucified with criminals, he took the sins of humanity upon himself, and he now intercedes for believers before God the Father.
Jewish Interpretation: Jewish interpretations generally view the "Servant" as representing the nation of Israel. They argue that Israel has historically suffered and been oppressed for the sake of bringing light and righteousness to the world. Some Jewish scholars interpret this verse to mean that Israel will eventually be vindicated and honored among the nations for its sacrifices.
The meaning of Isaiah 53, and particularly verse 12, is a central point of theological divergence between Christianity and Judaism. Understanding both perspectives is important when studying this passage.
Isaiah 53:12 - Therefore will I give him a portion with the great, and he will divide the plunder with the strong; because he poured out his soul to death, and was counted with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
What does "Isaiah 53:12" mean?
Isaiah 53:12 is a powerful concluding verse in the Servant Song of Isaiah, a prophecy widely interpreted by Christians as referring to Jesus Christ. Let's break it down:
"Therefore will I give him a portion with the great, and he will divide the plunder with the strong;" This indicates that because of the Servant's suffering and sacrifice, God will elevate him to a position of honor and power. The "portion with the great" and "dividing the plunder with the strong" symbolize a reward and victory. It's a promise of ultimate vindication and authority. Think of it as a warrior returning victorious from battle and sharing the spoils.
"because he poured out his soul to death, and was counted with the transgressors;" This highlights the Servant's voluntary self-sacrifice, his willingness to give his life. Being "counted with the transgressors" means he was treated as a criminal, likely executed alongside criminals. This emphasizes the injustice and humiliation he endured.
"yet he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors." This is the crux of the verse and explains why he is rewarded. He "bore the sin of many," meaning he took upon himself the guilt and consequences of other people's sins. He acted as a substitute, suffering in their place. "Made intercession for the transgressors" suggests he pleaded for mercy on their behalf, perhaps even while suffering himself. This speaks of a compassionate role, advocating for those who had wronged him and others.
In summary, the verse means:
Because the Servant willingly sacrificed himself, enduring a shameful death and being treated as a criminal, and because he took the sins of many upon himself and interceded for the very people who wronged him, God will reward him with honor, power, and victory.
Different Interpretations:
Christian Interpretation: Christians overwhelmingly see this verse as a direct prophecy of Jesus Christ's crucifixion, atonement for sins, and subsequent resurrection and ascension to glory. They believe Jesus fulfilled all aspects of this verse: he was crucified with criminals, he took the sins of humanity upon himself, and he now intercedes for believers before God the Father.
Jewish Interpretation: Jewish interpretations generally view the "Servant" as representing the nation of Israel. They argue that Israel has historically suffered and been oppressed for the sake of bringing light and righteousness to the world. Some Jewish scholars interpret this verse to mean that Israel will eventually be vindicated and honored among the nations for its sacrifices.
The meaning of Isaiah 53, and particularly verse 12, is a central point of theological divergence between Christianity and Judaism. Understanding both perspectives is important when studying this passage.