Behold, my servant shall act wisely; he shall be high and lifted up, and shall be exalted.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The initial word "Behold" isn't just an exclamation; it signals a dramatic shift. It introduces the Servant's future of immense honor and wisdom ("deal wisely," "exalted," "extolled," "very high") after the profound humiliation that will be detailed in the following verses. This sets up the powerful contrast between suffering and ultimate glory, a core theme of the entire passage.
Behold, my servant shall act wisely; he shall be high and lifted up, and shall be exalted.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage marks a significant shift in Isaiah's prophecy, moving from descriptions of Israel's restoration from exile to a profound focus on a suffering Servant. It serves as an introduction to the Servant's passion, which will be detailed in the following chapter, setting the stage for an unparalleled contrast between his deep humiliation and future glory. The prophecy immediately transitions into the Servant's wise actions and ultimate exaltation, directly preceding a detailed account of his suffering and vicarious atonement.
The verse opens with a bold statement about God's servant acting 'wisely.' What does this 'wisdom' look like, and why is it the starting point for such incredible glory?
The Hebrew word translated here as 'wisely' or 'deal prudently' (yaskil) carries a sense of insightful action that leads to success. It's not just about cleverness, but about a deep understanding that guides actions to achieve a divine purpose. This 'wisdom' is the foundational characteristic of God's servant, ensuring that even through suffering, his mission will ultimately prosper. It highlights that true wisdom isn't always immediately apparent; it's a far-seeing understanding that orchestrates events towards God's ultimate plan, even when that plan involves hardship.
The verse promises the servant will be 'high and lifted up, and shall be exalted.' How can such glory follow a path of suffering and humility?
This verse presents a profound paradox: the path to ultimate exaltation is through immense suffering and humility. The original text uses three words to emphasize the height of this future glory, contrasting sharply with the servant's eventual humiliation. This isn't a contradiction but a divine strategy. God's plan involves a pathway of suffering that ultimately leads to supreme honor. The 'wisdom' mentioned earlier orchestrates this journey, showing that true elevation in God's economy often comes after and because of profound abasement, not in spite of it.
Understand the original words
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ebed · Hebrew Noun
A specialized figure in Isaiah, particularly in the 'Servant Songs,' who acts as the obedient instrument of God. The Servant fulfills the mission of Israel, suffers for the sins of others, and is ultimately vindicated and exalted by God.
sakal · Hebrew Verb
To behave with insight, skill, or spiritual success. It implies not just intellectual capacity, but the ability to act in accordance with God's will and purpose.
This prophecy speaks of the Servant's ultimate exaltation, a future glory that stands in stark contrast to his humiliation. The historical context of exile, suffering, and partial restoration for Israel serves as a shadow, pointing toward the profound, world-altering sacrifice and subsequent divine vindication of God's Servant, Jesus Christ.
c. 605 BC
First Deportation of Jewish Exiles to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar's forces conquer Judah, initiating the Babylonian exile. This event marks the beginning of a period of significant displacement and suffering for the Jewish people, setting a backdrop for prophecies of future restoration and redemption.
c. 539 BC
Fall of Babylon
The Persian Empire, under Cyrus the Great, conquers Babylon. This event paves the way for the eventual return of the Jewish exiles to Jerusalem.
c. 538 BC
Edict of Cyrus for Jewish Return
Cyrus issues a decree allowing exiled Jews to return to their homeland and rebuild the Temple. This marks a crucial step in the fulfillment of prophecies concerning Israel's restoration.
c. 516 BC
Completion of the Second Temple
The Temple in Jerusalem is rebuilt and rededicated. This signifies a partial restoration of worship and national identity for the Jewish people after their exile.
c. 167-164 BC
Maccabean Revolt
A rebellion against Hellenistic rule, led by the Maccabees, fights for religious freedom. This period highlights the ongoing struggles and resilience of the Jewish people in maintaining their faith and identity.
c. 30 AD— this verse
Crucifixion of Jesus Christ
Jesus, identified by Christians as the prophesied Servant, is crucified. This event is seen as the ultimate fulfillment of the Servant's suffering and a pivotal moment in salvation history.
c. 70 AD
Destruction of the Second Temple
Roman forces destroy the Temple in Jerusalem and much of the city, leading to the Second Jewish Diaspora. This event marks a profound tragedy and a significant turning point in Jewish history.
This passage echoes the exaltation of God's servant, stating that God highly exalted Jesus and bestowed on Him the name above every name, mirroring the 'high and lifted up' theme.
John 3:14Jesus Himself referenced His coming exaltation, comparing it to Moses lifting up the serpent in the wilderness, a clear allusion to His future glorification after suffering.
Hebrews 12:2This verse speaks of Jesus enduring the cross, despising the shame, and then sitting down at the right hand of God, directly linking His suffering with His subsequent exaltation.
Psalm 22:6This Psalm describes the suffering servant as 'despised and rejected by mankind,' setting the stage for the immense exaltation declared in Isaiah 52:13, highlighting the dramatic contrast.
wesleyIsaiah 52:13: "Behold, my servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high."
52:13 Behold - This is the beginning of a new prophecy, which is continued from hence to the end of the next chapter . My servant - That it is Christ who is here spoken of, is so evident, that the Chaldee paraphrast, and other ancient, and some later Hebrew doctors, understand it directly of him, and that divers Jews have been convinced and converted to the Christian faith, by the eviden…
clarkeIsaiah 52:13: "Behold, my servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high."
My servant shall deal prudently - ישכיל yaskil, shall prosper, or act prosperously. The subject of Isaiah's prophecy, from the fortieth chapter inclusive, has hitherto been, in general, the deliverance of the people of God. This includes in it three distinct parts; which, however, have a close connection with one another; that is, 1. The deliverance of the Jews from the captivity of Bab…
The initial word "Behold" isn't just an exclamation; it signals a dramatic shift. It introduces the Servant's future of immense honor and wisdom ("deal wisely," "exalted," "extolled," "very high") after the profound humiliation that will be detailed in the following verses. This sets up the powerful contrast between suffering and ultimate glory, a core theme of the entire passage.
This passage marks a significant shift in Isaiah's prophecy, moving from descriptions of Israel's restoration from exile to a profound focus on a suffering Servant. It serves as an introduction to the Servant's passion, which will be detailed in the following chapter, setting the stage for an unparalleled contrast between his deep humiliation and future glory. The prophecy immediately transitions into the Servant's wise actions and ultimate exaltation, directly preceding a detailed account of his suffering and vicarious atonement.
This passage marks a significant shift in Isaiah's prophecy, moving from descriptions of Israel's restoration from exile to a profound focus on a suffering Servant. It serves as an introduction to the Servant's passion, which will be detailed in the following chapter, setting the stage for an unparalleled contrast between his deep humiliation and future glory. The prophecy immediately transitions into the Servant's wise actions and ultimate exaltation, directly preceding a detailed account of his suffering and vicarious atonement.
"Behold, my servant shall act wisely; he shall be high and lifted up, and shall be exalted." — The initial word "Behold" isn't just an exclamation; it signals a dramatic shift. It introduces the Servant's future of immense honor and wisdom ("deal wisely," "exalted," "extolled," "very high") *a…
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Last reviewed October 2026