For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights that the Messiah’s humble beginnings – like a small shoot from parched earth – meant his true glory was hidden to the eyes of those looking for earthly splendor, not spiritual significance. This imagery corrects the idea that God's chosen one would necessarily be outwardly impressive, emphasizing instead a hidden beauty meant to be discerned by faith.
For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The prophet begins to describe the Suffering Servant, who will be rejected by many despite God's salvific plan. This servant will grow up from humble origins, lacking any outward grandeur or striking appearance that would naturally draw people's admiration. Instead, his ministry will be marked by unassuming beginnings and a lack of worldly beauty, leading to his ultimate rejection by those who fail to see beyond his physical circumstances.
Why would the Messiah grow like a plant in dry ground? This image paints a picture of unlikely origins and a difficult journey.
The prophecy vividly contrasts the expected grandeur of a Messiah with the reality of his emergence.
The verse states plainly: 'he had no form or majesty... no beauty that we should desire him.' What does this mean for how we perceive the Messiah?
This concept addresses the Messiah's outward appearance and the world's superficial judgment.
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This prophecy was delivered centuries before Jesus' birth, painting a picture of a future suffering servant who would look nothing like the triumphant, earthly king many expected. His humble origins, lack of outward grandeur, and eventual suffering were precisely why many would reject him, fulfilling Isaiah's words about his unassuming appearance.
c. 700 BC
Isaiah Prophesies
The prophet Isaiah delivers his oracles in the Kingdom of Judah during a time of political instability and impending exile.
c. 586 BC
Babylonian Exile Begins
Jerusalem falls to the Babylonians, its Temple is destroyed, and a significant portion of the Jewish population is exiled, leading to a period of national trauma and reflection.
c. 539 BC
Persian Conquest
Cyrus the Great conquers Babylon, allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple.
c. 440 BC
Second Temple Period Begins
The rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem marks a significant moment for Jewish identity and religious practice, but also for political subjugation under various empires.
c. 200 BC - 100 BC
Book of Isaiah Compiled
The prophecies of Isaiah are likely compiled and arranged into their current form during the Second Temple period, circulating among Jewish communities.
c. 10 BC - AD 30— this verse
Jesus' Earthly Life
Jesus of Nazareth lives, teaches, and performs miracles in Roman-occupied Judea. His humble origins and lack of political or military might contrast sharply with many Jewish expectations of the Messiah.
c. AD 30 - AD 33
Jesus' Crucifixion
Jesus is arrested, tried, and crucified by the Roman authorities, a death seen by many Jews as shameful and disqualifying for a Messiah.
This Psalm directly echoes the sentiment of Isaiah 53, describing the Messiah as despised and rejected by people, explicitly stating 'I am a worm and not a man, scorned by mankind and despised by the people.'
Philippians 2:7-8This passage from the New Testament highlights Jesus' self-emptying, taking on the 'form of a servant' and being made in human likeness, which aligns with the description of the suffering servant having 'no form or majesty.'
John 1:14This verse speaks of the Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us, emphasizing that while divine glory was present, it was not outwardly apparent in a way that would draw physical admiration, reflecting the servant's humble appearance.
Zechariah 3:8Zechariah prophesies about the coming 'servant, the Branch,' who will remove the iniquity of the land in a single day. This hints at a humble, root-like beginning, contrasting with the powerful accomplishment of his mission.
bensonIsaiah 53:2: "For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him."
Isaiah 53:2-3 . For he shall grow up, &c. — And the reason why the Jews will generally reject their Messiah is, because he shall not come into the world with secular pomp, but he shall grow up, (or, spring up, out of the ground,) before him, (before the unbelieving Jews, of whom he spake, Isa…
wesleyIsaiah 53:2: "For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him."
53:2 As a root - And the reason why the Jews will generally reject their Messiah, is, because he shall not come into the world with secular pomp, but he shall grow up, (or spring up, out of the ground) before him, (before the unbelieving Jews, of whom he spake ver.1, and that in the singular…
The verse highlights that the Messiah’s humble beginnings – like a small shoot from parched earth – meant his true glory was hidden to the eyes of those looking for earthly splendor, not spiritual significance. This imagery corrects the idea that God's chosen one would necessarily be outwardly impressive, emphasizing instead a hidden beauty meant to be discerned by faith.
The prophet begins to describe the Suffering Servant, who will be rejected by many despite God's salvific plan. This servant will grow up from humble origins, lacking any outward grandeur or striking appearance that would naturally draw people's admiration. Instead, his ministry will be marked by unassuming beginnings and a lack of worldly beauty, leading to his ultimate rejection by those who fail to see beyond his physical circumstances.
The prophet begins to describe the Suffering Servant, who will be rejected by many despite God's salvific plan. This servant will grow up from humble origins, lacking any outward grandeur or striking appearance that would naturally draw people's admiration. Instead, his ministry will be marked by unassuming beginnings and a lack of worldly beauty, leading to his ultimate rejection by those who fail to see beyond his physical circumstances.
"For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him." — The verse highlights that the Messiah’s humble beginnings – like a small shoot from parched earth – meant his true glory was hidden to the eyes of those looking for earthly splendor, not spiritual si…
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Last reviewed October 2026