He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse emphasizes that "we hid as it were our faces from him," creating a powerful image of revulsion and avoidance. This isn't just about being ignored; it’s about actively turning away, as if from something so unbearable that looking is impossible.
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage appears in the midst of a profound prophetic poem describing a suffering servant who will be misunderstood and rejected. The preceding verses set the stage for a surprising reveal of God's power, while the verses that follow will explain the servant's suffering as atonement for humanity's sins. This verse specifically details the utter disdain and revulsion the servant will face from humankind, painting a picture of someone so ostracized that people couldn't bear to look at him.
Why would people turn away from someone so clearly chosen by God? This verse paints a stark picture of societal rejection.
Isaiah 53:3 describes the Messiah not just as disliked, but as actively despised and rejected. The phrase 'as one from whom men hide their faces' is particularly powerful. It suggests an instinctive aversion, as if his appearance or presence was so painful or shameful that people couldn't bear to look. This wasn't just a polite disagreement; it was a visceral turning away, a complete dismissal of his worth. This rejection is a key theme throughout the suffering servant's story, highlighting the profound disconnect between God's plan and human perception.
What does it mean to be 'acquainted with grief'? This verse reveals a life marked by deep, personal suffering.
The verse calls the servant 'a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.' This isn't just a passing sadness, but a deep, habitual familiarity with suffering. The original language suggests that grief and sorrow were not just experiences he had, but were part of his very identity and daily life. This familiarity wasn't for his own sake alone. It speaks to a profound empathy and a willingness to enter into the pain of others, making him uniquely equipped to bear their burdens. His 'acquaintance' with grief prepared him to be the ultimate comforter and healer.
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mak'ob · Hebrew Noun
Deep emotional, physical, or mental pain and distress. In Scripture, it often refers to the natural consequences of sin in a fallen world.
This passage, written during the Babylonian exile, speaks of a future suffering servant who would be rejected by his own people. The exiles, experiencing national disgrace and hardship, would find a profound, albeit unexpected, hope in this figure who would bear their sorrows and griefs, ultimately leading to their restoration and vindication.
c. 740 BC
Isaiah's Prophetic Ministry Begins
Isaiah begins his prophetic ministry in Judah during a time of political instability and impending Assyrian threat. His prophecies address both the sins of Israel and Judah and offer hope for a future restoration.
c. 734-732 BC
Syro-Ephraimite War
The northern kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) and Syria attack Judah. Isaiah advises King Ahaz to trust in the Lord rather than Assyria, a difficult message that highlights the suffering servant theme.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Siege of Jerusalem
King Sennacherib of Assyria invades Judah and besieks Jerusalem. Isaiah's prophecies during this time often speak of judgment and deliverance, setting a context for the suffering servant's ultimate vindication.
c. 597 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Babylon deports King Jehoiachin and many skilled citizens of Judah, including the prophet Ezekiel. This marks the beginning of the Babylonian exile.
c. 586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians destroy Jerusalem and its Temple, leading to the second and larger deportation. The people of Judah face a profound national crisis.
c. 540-539 BC— this verse
Second Isaiah's Ministry
The prophet known as Second Isaiah (or Deutero-Isaiah) delivers prophecies during the Babylonian exile, offering comfort and hope for return. This section includes the famous 'Suffering Servant' passages.
c. 539 BC
Cyrus the Great Conquers Babylon
Cyrus of Persia conquers Babylon, opening the way for the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple.
This psalm deeply echoes Isaiah's description, portraying the suffering servant as 'despised' and 'scorned,' and expressing the profound shame and isolation of being treated with utter contempt by all who see him.
Matthew 27:27-31Here we see the Gospel account of Jesus' suffering where Roman soldiers mock him, dress him in kingly robes, and spit on him, fulfilling the prophecy of his despised and rejected state in a brutal, tangible way.
Luke 18:31-34This passage shows Jesus directly explaining to his disciples that he must suffer greatly, be rejected, and be put to death, demonstrating that this suffering was not accidental but a foreseen and necessary part of his mission, directly aligning with Isaiah's prophetic vision.
Philippians 2:5-8Paul describes Jesus emptying himself, taking the form of a servant, and becoming human, ultimately going to the cross – a profound act of humility and suffering that reflects the 'man of sorrows' and 'acquainted with grief' described in Isaiah.
Hebrews 4:15This verse highlights Jesus' ability to sympathize with our weaknesses because he was tempted and suffered, directly connecting to Isaiah's depiction of him as 'acquainted with grief,' emphasizing his deep, personal experience of human sorrow.
wesleyIsaiah 53:3: "He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not."
53:3 We hid - We scorned to look upon him.
clarkeIsaiah 53:3: "He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not."
Acquainted with grief - For וידוע vidua, familiar with grief, eight MSS. and one edition have וירע veyada, and knowing grief; the Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate read it ויודע veyodea. We hid as it were our faces from him "As one that hideth his face from us" - For וכמסתר uchemaster, four MSS. (two ancient) have ו…
The verse emphasizes that "we hid as it were our faces from him," creating a powerful image of revulsion and avoidance. This isn't just about being ignored; it’s about actively turning away, as if from something so unbearable that looking is impossible.
This passage appears in the midst of a profound prophetic poem describing a suffering servant who will be misunderstood and rejected. The preceding verses set the stage for a surprising reveal of God's power, while the verses that follow will explain the servant's suffering as atonement for humanity's sins. This verse specifically details the utter disdain and revulsion the servant will face from humankind, painting a picture of someone so ostracized that people couldn't bear to look at him.
This passage appears in the midst of a profound prophetic poem describing a suffering servant who will be misunderstood and rejected. The preceding verses set the stage for a surprising reveal of God's power, while the verses that follow will explain the servant's suffering as atonement for humanity's sins. This verse specifically details the utter disdain and revulsion the servant will face from humankind, painting a picture of someone so ostracized that people couldn't bear to look at him.
"He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not." — The verse emphasizes that "we hid as it were our faces from him," creating a powerful image of revulsion and avoidance. This isn't just about being ignored; it’s about actively turning away, as if fr…
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Last reviewed October 2026