Isaiah 52:14

14 Just as many were appalled at You^[a]- His appearance was so disfigured that He did not look like a man, and His form did not resemble a human being^[b]-

Isaiah 52:14 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 52:14

As many were astonished at thee
Not so much at the miracles he wrought, the doctrines he taught, and the work he did; or at his greatness and glory, at his exaltation and dignity, though very wonderful; as at his humiliation, the mean appearance he made, the low estate he was brought into; the sufferings and death which he underwent. These words are placed between the account of his exaltation and humiliation, and may be thought to have respect to both; and indeed it is astonishing that one so great as he was, and is, should become so low as he did; and also that one that was brought so low should be raised so high: his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the
sons of men;
though fairer than the children of men, as he was the immediate workmanship of the divine Spirit, and without sin; yet, what with his griefs and sorrows he bore, and troubles he met with; what with watchings and fastings, with laborious preaching, and constant travelling about to do good; what with sweat and blood, with buffetings and scourgings, never was any man's face more marred, or his form more altered, than his was.

Isaiah 52:14 In-Context

12 For you will not leave in a hurry, and you will not have to take flight; because the Lord is going before you, and the God of Israel is your rear guard.

13 See, My servant will act wisely; He will be raised and lifted up and greatly exalted.

14 Just as many were appalled at You- His appearance was so disfigured that He did not look like a man, and His form did not resemble a human being-

15 so He will sprinklemany nations. Kings will shut their mouths because of Him, For they will see what had not been told them, and they will understand what they had not heard.

Footnotes

• [a]. Some Hb mss, Syr, Tg read Him
• [b]. Mt 26:67; 27:30-31; Jn 19:1-5