Isaiah 53:3-4
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. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse paints a stark picture of rejection, but the phrase "we hid as it were our faces from him" is particularly striking. It suggests a visceral, almost involuntary revulsion, as if his very presence was so unbearable that people couldn't bear to look, mirroring the way lepers or mourners would cover their faces. This isn't just a passive disinterest, but an active turning away, highlighting the deep societal disgust he faced.
This passage continues the prophecy about a suffering servant who will bear immense sorrow. It follows the description of his appearance being unremarkable, emphasizing that his suffering was not due to any personal fault but was a destined part of his mission. The verses following will explain the redemptive purpose behind his suffering and rejection, highlighting that his pain was for the sins of others.
Why would people turn away from someone described as a 'man of sorrows'? This verse paints a stark picture of social ostracism.
The Weight of Rejection
The verse opens with a powerful declaration: "He was despised and rejected by men." This wasn't just mild disapproval; it was active contempt and abandonment. Think of it like being deliberately left out, ignored, or even pushed away by everyone you know.
A Face No One Wanted to See
The phrase "as one from whom men hide their faces" intensifies this. It evokes the image of someone so repulsive or sorrowful that people can't bear to look. This wasn't just about not being accepted; it was about being actively avoided, as if his presence was uncomfortable or even shameful to witness. This profound rejection is a core part of his suffering.
The verse calls him 'a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.' This isn't just a bad day; it's a fundamental part of his identity.
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More Than Fleeting Sadness
The phrase "a man of sorrows" suggests that sorrow wasn't just an occasional visitor but a defining characteristic of his life. It wasn't a passing mood but a deep, pervasive state.
Intimate Knowledge of Suffering
Being "acquainted with grief" implies a deep familiarity, like an old friend you know inside and out. It means he didn't just witness suffering from a distance; he experienced it intimately, understanding its nuances and its weight. This wasn't just emotional pain but could also encompass physical suffering and the weariness that comes with constant hardship.
Understand the original words
nakah · Hebrew Verb (Passive Participle)
To be struck down, beaten, or scourged. In a theological context, it is often used to describe divine judgment or the severe punishment inflicted upon an offender.
anah · Hebrew Verb (Passive Participle)
To be humbled, bowed down, or oppressed. It describes a state of suffering, whether physical, emotional, or situational, often under the heavy hand of external circumstances or judgment.
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.
choli · Hebrew Noun
Literally 'sickness' or 'illness,' but used metaphorically to describe the frailty, pain, and suffering inherent in human life, especially as linked to the effects of sin.
This psalm directly echoes Isaiah's description, portraying the suffering servant as 'despised and rejected by the people, all who see me mock me; they make mouths at me; they wag their heads.'
Matthew 27:27-31This passage shows the Roman soldiers mocking Jesus, stripping him, and putting a crown of thorns on him, fulfilling the prophecy of him being despised and rejected in a very tangible way.
Luke 18:31-34Jesus explicitly tells his disciples about the suffering that awaited him, including being mocked, insulted, and spat upon, highlighting the 'man of sorrows' aspect of his mission before it happened.
Hebrews 12:2-3This verse reflects on Jesus' suffering, describing him as one who 'for the joy set before him endured the cross, despising the shame,' directly connecting to the shame and rejection spoken of in Isaiah.
Mark 14:65During Jesus' trial, the guards mock him, blindfolding him and striking him, which illustrates the profound contempt and rejection he faced, perfectly aligning with Isaiah's sorrowful picture.
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 paints a stark picture of rejection, but the phrase "we hid as it were our faces from him" is particularly striking. It suggests a visceral, almost involuntary revulsion, as if his very presence was so unbearable that people couldn't bear to look, mirroring the way lepers or mourners would cover their faces. This isn't just a passive disinterest, but an active turning away, highlighting the deep societal disgust he faced.
This passage continues the prophecy about a suffering servant who will bear immense sorrow. It follows the description of his appearance being unremarkable, emphasizing that his suffering was not due to any personal fault but was a destined part of his mission. The verses following will explain the redemptive purpose behind his suffering and rejection, highlighting that his pain was for the sins of others.
This passage continues the prophecy about a suffering servant who will bear immense sorrow. It follows the description of his appearance being unremarkable, emphasizing that his suffering was not due to any personal fault but was a destined part of his mission. The verses following will explain the redemptive purpose behind his suffering and rejection, highlighting that his pain was for the sins of others.
"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. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our…" — The verse paints a stark picture of rejection, but the phrase "we hid as it were our faces from him" is particularly striking. It suggests a visceral, almost involuntary revulsion, as if his very pre…
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