Isaiah 52:13-15
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While the verse speaks of wisdom, the Hebrew word translated "deal wisely" also carries a strong sense of "prospering" or "acting successfully." This means the servant's success isn't just about being clever, but about a divinely orchestrated prosperity that will ultimately lead to his exaltation. The prophecy begins with this assurance of success precisely to prepare us for the subsequent, challenging descriptions of his humiliation.
Behold, my servant shall act wisely; he shall be high and lifted up, and shall be exalted. As many were astonished at you— his appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance, and his form beyond that of the children of mankind— so shall he sprinkle many nations. Kings shall shut their mouths because of him, for that which has not been told them they see, and that which they have not heard they understand.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage marks a significant shift in Isaiah's prophecy. The preceding verses spoke of Israel's restoration and liberation from exile, but here the focus turns to a "Servant" who will bring about a deeper, more profound redemption. This introduction sets the stage for the detailed account of the Servant's suffering and subsequent exaltation that unfolds in Isaiah 53.
The verse begins with a word of attention, 'Behold,' drawing us to a servant who will 'deal wisely.' But what kind of wisdom is this, especially when we know the suffering that follows?
The Hebrew word translated as 'deal wisely' or 'prosper' (yaskil) carries a profound sense of insightful action and successful outcome. It's not just about being clever; it's about acting with divine insight that leads to ultimate success.
A Deeper Understanding
The verse promises 'high and lifted up, and shall be exalted.' This isn't just a promotion; it's an elevation that leaves observers stunned. What makes this exaltation so remarkable?
The three descriptive terms – 'high,' 'lifted up,' and 'exalted' – are not simply synonyms for being honored. They emphasize a degree of elevation that is astonishing and even overwhelming to those who witness it.
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The Height of Glory
Understand the original words
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.
nazah · Hebrew Verb
A term often used in priestly contexts for the ritual act of purifying or consecrating people or objects by applying blood or water. In a prophetic context, it signifies the cleansing efficacy of the Servant's sacrifice on behalf of the nations.
This prophecy, delivered centuries before Jesus, was understood by ancient interpreters, both Jewish and Christian, to foreshadow a Messiah who would suffer greatly before achieving ultimate exaltation and victory. The context of exile and national suffering likely amplified the hope for such a divine servant.
c. 740 BC— this verse
Isaiah's Prophetic Ministry
Isaiah delivers prophecies during a period of political instability in Judah, facing threats from Assyria and internal corruption.
c. 605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar deports a portion of the Judean elite, including Daniel, to Babylon, marking the beginning of the Babylonian exile.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
Babylonian forces destroy Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling most of the remaining population, leading to a period of profound national crisis.
c. 539 BC
Persian Conquest of Babylon
Cyrus the Great conquers Babylon, paving the way for the return of exiled peoples, including the Jews.
c. 538 BC
Decree of Cyrus for Jewish Return
Cyrus issues a decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple.
This Psalm vividly describes the suffering and rejection of a righteous individual, mirroring the humiliation of Isaiah's servant before his exaltation.
Philippians 2:9This New Testament passage directly echoes the theme of exaltation found in Isaiah 52:13, showing how Christ was highly exalted by God after his suffering.
John 3:14Jesus himself connects his future exaltation to his being lifted up on the cross, a concept that directly relates to the servant being 'high and lifted up'.
Isaiah 53:2This verse describes the servant's humble and unappealing appearance, which serves as a stark contrast and foreshadowing of the 'high and lifted up' state mentioned in 52:13.
Daniel 7:13-14This vision of the 'Son of Man' receiving dominion and glory directly parallels the exaltation and glory promised to the servant in Isaiah 52:13.
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…
While the verse speaks of wisdom, the Hebrew word translated "deal wisely" also carries a strong sense of "prospering" or "acting successfully." This means the servant's success isn't just about being clever, but about a divinely orchestrated prosperity that will ultimately lead to his exaltation. The prophecy begins with this assurance of success precisely to prepare us for the subsequent, challenging descriptions of his humiliation.
This passage marks a significant shift in Isaiah's prophecy. The preceding verses spoke of Israel's restoration and liberation from exile, but here the focus turns to a "Servant" who will bring about a deeper, more profound redemption. This introduction sets the stage for the detailed account of the Servant's suffering and subsequent exaltation that unfolds in Isaiah 53.
This passage marks a significant shift in Isaiah's prophecy. The preceding verses spoke of Israel's restoration and liberation from exile, but here the focus turns to a "Servant" who will bring about a deeper, more profound redemption. This introduction sets the stage for the detailed account of the Servant's suffering and subsequent exaltation that unfolds in Isaiah 53.
"Behold, my servant shall act wisely; he shall be high and lifted up, and shall be exalted. As many were astonished at you— his appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance, and his form beyond that of th…" — While the verse speaks of wisdom, the Hebrew word translated "deal wisely" also carries a strong sense of "prospering" or "acting successfully." This means the servant's success isn't just about bein…
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Last reviewed October 2026
