The verse emphasizes that the Servant's ultimate triumphs—receiving a "portion with the great" and dividing "spoils"—are a direct result of his profound self-emptying and sacrifice. It's not just that he died, but that he "poured out his soul to death" and was counted among the lawbreakers, showing the depth of his humility was the very foundation of his future glory.
Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage concludes the poetic description of the suffering Servant by detailing the glorious reward for His sacrificial work. God declares that because the Servant willingly poured out His life, bore the sins of many, and interceded for transgressors, He will be exalted, sharing in victory and spoil with the mightiest powers. This is presented as the ultimate triumph following His humiliation and death among the sinful.
Why would someone who 'poured out his soul to death' be associated with dividing spoils and triumph? This verse connects ultimate sacrifice with ultimate victory.
This verse paints a picture of victory not through conquest, but through self-giving. The Servant's 'portion with the great' and dividing 'spoil with the strong' are direct results of his complete surrender.
How can someone identified with 'transgressors' also become an 'intercessor' and bear the sin of many? This verse reveals a profound paradox of the Servant's mission.
The Servant's identity is uniquely positioned between the condemned and the comforter. His suffering was not a mistake but a deliberate act that positioned him to save.
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Understand the original words
arah · Hebrew Verb
To empty or release completely; metaphorically, it describes the voluntary surrender of one's life or vitality unto death as a sacrificial offering.
maveth · Hebrew Noun
The cessation of biological life; biblically, it is the ultimate consequence of sin and the state into which the Servant willingly enters to achieve redemption.
pesha · Hebrew Noun
Those who habitually rebel against authority or break established laws; in biblical terms, it refers to those who violate God’s covenant or commands.
paga · Hebrew Verb
The active act of pleading, petitioning, or intervening on behalf of others before God; it is the role of a mediator who bridges the gap between God and humanity.
This verse is deeply rooted in the prophetic tradition of ancient Israel, specifically Isaiah's vision of a suffering servant who would ultimately triumph. The context of exile and the subsequent return of the Jews, followed by the New Testament understanding of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, illuminate the profound meaning of this passage as a prediction of ultimate victory through sacrificial suffering.
c. 740 BC— this verse
Prophecy of Isaiah
Isaiah delivers prophecies concerning the coming Messiah, including the detailed Suffering Servant passages (Isaiah 53). These prophecies are recorded during a period of Assyrian dominance over the region.
c. 6th century BC
Babylonian Exile
Many Jews are exiled to Babylon, increasing their awareness of prophecy and their longing for a deliverer. The prophecies of Isaiah are preserved and studied during this period.
c. 539 BC
Persian Conquest of Babylon
The Persian Empire under Cyrus the Great conquers Babylon, leading to the decree allowing Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem. This event sets the stage for the rebuilding of the Temple and the continuation of Jewish religious life.
c. 30 AD
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus of Nazareth is crucified, an event widely seen by Christians as the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy of the Suffering Servant. He is numbered with transgressors and intercedes for them.
c. 60 AD
Paul's Epistles
The Apostle Paul writes letters, such as Philippians and Romans, referencing the triumphant reign and atoning sacrifice of Christ, drawing parallels to the prophecies of Isaiah.
This psalm describes the suffering of a righteous servant who is despised and rejected, mirroring the servant in Isaiah 53 and highlighting the theme of suffering and shame.
Daniel 9:26This prophecy foretells that the Anointed One will be cut off but not for himself, and then describes the destruction that follows, echoing the sacrificial death for others found in Isaiah 53.
Luke 22:37Jesus quotes Isaiah 53:12, directly linking his own impending suffering and death, including being numbered with transgressors, to this prophetic passage.
Romans 8:34This passage speaks of Christ being at the right hand of God, interceding for us, which directly connects to the final phrase of Isaiah 53:12, showing the ongoing work of the suffering servant.
Hebrews 7:25This New Testament passage emphasizes Christ's perpetual intercession for those who draw near to God through him, directly fulfilling the role described for the transgressors' intercessor in Isaiah 53:12.
barnesIsaiah 53:12: "Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors."
Therefore will I divide him - I will divide for him (לו lô). This verse is designed to predict the triumphs of the Messiah. It is language appropriate to him as a prince, and designed to celebrate his glorious vict…
bensonIsaiah 53:12: "Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors."
Isaiah 53:12 . Therefore will I — Namely, God the Father; divide him a portion — This word portion (though there is nothing for it in the Hebrew) is properly supplied out of the next clause, where a word, which answe…
The verse emphasizes that the Servant's ultimate triumphs—receiving a "portion with the great" and dividing "spoils"—are a direct result of his profound self-emptying and sacrifice. It's not just that he died, but that he "poured out his soul to death" and was counted among the lawbreakers, showing the depth of his humility was the very foundation of his future glory.
This passage concludes the poetic description of the suffering Servant by detailing the glorious reward for His sacrificial work. God declares that because the Servant willingly poured out His life, bore the sins of many, and interceded for transgressors, He will be exalted, sharing in victory and spoil with the mightiest powers. This is presented as the ultimate triumph following His humiliation and death among the sinful.
This passage concludes the poetic description of the suffering Servant by detailing the glorious reward for His sacrificial work. God declares that because the Servant willingly poured out His life, bore the sins of many, and interceded for transgressors, He will be exalted, sharing in victory and spoil with the mightiest powers. This is presented as the ultimate triumph following His humiliation and death among the sinful.
"Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many,…" — The verse emphasizes that the Servant's ultimate triumphs—receiving a "portion with the great" and dividing "spoils"—are a direct result of his profound self-emptying and sacrifice. It's not just tha…
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Last reviewed October 2026
