Isaiah 53:3-5
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. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The phrase "acquainted with grief" doesn't just mean he experienced sadness; it suggests an intimacy, as if grief were a constant companion. Furthermore, "we hid as it were our faces from him" paints a vivid picture of utter aversion, as if his appearance itself was so unsettling people couldn't bear to look.
This passage is part of a larger prophetic poem describing a suffering servant who will bear the sins of many. It follows the servant's initial lack of outward appeal or beauty, suggesting that his suffering and rejection are central to his purpose. The verses that follow will explain the atoning nature of his suffering and its ultimate redemptive consequences.
We often think of Jesus as 'a man of sorrows.' But what does that really mean? It goes deeper than just feeling down.
The verse uses two distinct Hebrew words to describe the Servant's suffering: 'sorrows' and 'grief.' While we often lump these together, the original language suggests a profound depth.
This isn't just about a melancholic disposition. It paints a picture of someone intimately familiar with the pain and sickness that afflicts humanity. His life was a lived experience of suffering, not just an observation of it.
Imagine walking down the street and everyone averting their gaze. This verse describes a profound social rejection, not just a quiet disapproval.
The phrase 'as one from whom men hide their faces' paints a powerful picture of rejection. In ancient Near Eastern culture, hiding one's face was a strong gesture of disdain, shame, or even disgust.
Understand the original words
pesha' · Hebrew Noun
A term denoting a failure to observe the law, a violation of a trust, or an act of rebellion against God’s authority. It implies a conscious breach of the covenant relationship.
avon · Hebrew Noun
A moral term referring to twistedness, perversity, or guilt. It signifies an act that deviates from the moral standard established by God, often carrying the idea of associated guilt and the need for punishment.
musar · Hebrew Noun
Discipline, correction, or punishment intended to bring about repentance or restoration. In a substitutionary context, it refers to the penalty suffered by one party to secure the welfare or peace of another.
shalom · Hebrew Noun
The prophecy of Isaiah 53, written centuries before Jesus, describes a suffering servant who is despised and rejected. This context highlights how the ancient Israelites, living through periods of exile and oppression, would have understood suffering. When Jesus arrived, many were looking for a triumphant king, not a man of sorrows. This verse speaks to the profound disconnect between the expectation of many and the reality of the Messiah's mission, a disconnect that continues to challenge people today.
c. 700 BC
Isaiah's Prophetic Ministry
Isaiah prophesies during a tumultuous period in Judah, warning against idolatry and injustice, and foretelling both judgment and future restoration.
c. 605-586 BC
Babylonian Exile Begins
The first wave of deportations to Babylon occurs, marking the beginning of the exile, a period of immense suffering and alienation for the Jewish people.
c. 539 BC
Persian Conquest of Babylon
Cyrus the Great conquers Babylon, paving the way for the return of exiled peoples, including the Jews, to their homeland.
c. 515 BC
Second Temple Completed
The rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem is finished, symbolizing a return of worship and national identity, though under foreign rule.
This passage directly echoes Isaiah 53:3, describing the suffering servant as 'despised' and 'a reproach' to mankind, emphasizing the societal rejection he faced.
Matthew 27:27-31This New Testament account illustrates the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy, showing Jesus being mocked, spat upon, and treated with utter contempt by Roman soldiers, fulfilling the 'despised and rejected' aspect.
Luke 4:28-29This passage depicts a moment where Jesus, after reading from Isaiah, is rejected by his own townspeople. They wanted to throw him off a cliff, showing the intense rejection and hostility he faced, even from those who knew him.
Philippians 2:5-8This text speaks of Christ Jesus, who 'emptied himself, taking the form of a servant... [and] humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.' This aligns with the sorrowful, rejected figure described in Isaiah, highlighting the voluntary nature of his suffering for humanity.
Hebrews 4:15This verse directly connects to Isaiah's description of Jesus as 'acquainted with grief,' stating that Jesus was tempted in every way, yet without sin, showing his deep understanding and experience of human suffering and 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 phrase "acquainted with grief" doesn't just mean he experienced sadness; it suggests an intimacy, as if grief were a constant companion. Furthermore, "we hid as it were our faces from him" paints a vivid picture of utter aversion, as if his appearance itself was so unsettling people couldn't bear to look.
This passage is part of a larger prophetic poem describing a suffering servant who will bear the sins of many. It follows the servant's initial lack of outward appeal or beauty, suggesting that his suffering and rejection are central to his purpose. The verses that follow will explain the atoning nature of his suffering and its ultimate redemptive consequences.
This passage is part of a larger prophetic poem describing a suffering servant who will bear the sins of many. It follows the servant's initial lack of outward appeal or beauty, suggesting that his suffering and rejection are central to his purpose. The verses that follow will explain the atoning nature of his suffering and its ultimate redemptive consequences.
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It's one thing to be disliked, but another to be considered utterly insignificant. This verse reveals a profound lack of value placed upon the Servant.
The final phrase, 'and we esteemed him not,' cuts to the core of the Servant's rejection. It's not just that people actively hated him, but that they failed to recognize his true worth. They didn't just despise him; they didn't even count him as anything important.
A state of wholeness, completeness, or reconciliation with God. It encompasses not just the absence of conflict, but the presence of divine well-being and covenantal harmony.
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.
c. 400s BC
Post-Exilic Period
The Jewish community rebuilds its society and religious life, facing ongoing challenges from foreign powers and internal divisions. The prophecies of Isaiah continue to be studied and applied.
c. AD 28-30— this verse
Jesus' Ministry and Rejection
Jesus begins his public ministry, teaching, healing, and gathering disciples. He is increasingly met with opposition, disbelief, and ultimately rejection by many, including the religious and political leaders.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus is betrayed, tried, and crucified. His death is seen by believers as a sacrifice for sins, fulfilling prophecies of a suffering servant. His resurrection confirms his divine identity and victory over death.
"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 phrase "acquainted with grief" doesn't just mean he experienced sadness; it suggests an intimacy, as if grief were a constant companion. Furthermore, "we hid as it were our faces from him" paints…
