Isaiah 53:5 – Meaning & Devotional
"But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."
What This Verse Means
Isaiah prophesies the substitutionary suffering of the Messiah with devastating clarity. Every wound Jesus received served a purpose: He was wounded for our transgressions (rebellious acts), bruised for our iniquities (moral corruption), chastised for our peace (punished so we could have wholeness), and striped for our healing.
The word 'our' appears repeatedly — this suffering is vicarious. He took what we deserved so we could receive what He deserved. This is the heart of the gospel: Christ's substitution for sinful humanity.
Historical Context
Isaiah 53 is the fourth and most detailed Servant Song, written approximately 700 years before Christ. The Jewish nation expected a conquering Messiah, but Isaiah described a suffering one. This chapter is the most quoted Old Testament passage in the New Testament.
How to Apply This Today
Meditate on what Christ endured for you personally. His wounds purchased your forgiveness. His bruises paid for your corruption. His punishment bought your peace. His stripes secured your healing. Receive these gifts with gratitude and live in the freedom they provide.
Related Verses
1 Peter 2:24
"Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed."
Romans 5:8
"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
🙏 A Prayer from Isaiah 53:5
Lord Jesus, You were wounded for me. You bore my transgressions, my iniquities, and my punishment. Thank You for the healing and peace purchased by Your suffering. Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Bible Questions
Common questions people ask about this passage — answered with KJV scripture.
What Is the Book of Isaiah About?
The Book of Isaiah is a sweeping prophecy of judgment and salvation, presenting the Messiah as the suffering Servant and foretelling the redemption of Israel and the nations.
Read answerWhat Is the Atonement?
The atonement is Christ's sacrificial death on the cross, which reconciles sinners to God.
Read answerWhat Is Wrong with the Prosperity Gospel?
The prosperity gospel falsely promises that faith guarantees health and wealth, contradicting Jesus' teaching that discipleship involves suffering, self-denial, and cross-bearing.
Read answerWhat Is Atonement in the Bible?
Atonement is the work of Christ on the cross by which He satisfied God's justice and reconciled sinners to God.
Read answerDeep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
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Isaiah 53:5 Commentary
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O Sacred Head, Now Wounded
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Isaiah 53:3-4 — Meaning & Devotional
The Suffering Servant
Isaiah 53:4-5 Commentary
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Psalm 147:3 — Meaning & Devotional
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More Verse Devotionals on Atonement
Explore more KJV verse meanings, contexts, and applications.
- Isaiah 53:4 — Suffering Servant
- Psalm 147:3 — Healing
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- Psalm 147:3 — Healing
- Psalm 147:3 — Healing
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- 2 Chronicles 7:14 — Revival
- Psalm 103:1-5 — Praising God
- 2 Chronicles 7:14 — Repentance
- 2 Chronicles 7:14 — Repentance
- James 5:16 — Prayer
- Isaiah 53:3-4 — The Suffering Servant
- James 5:16 — Prayer
- 2 Chronicles 7:14 — Repentance
- Psalm 34:18 — Comfort
- Isaiah 61:1 — Mission
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