Isaiah 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.
Isaiah 53:3 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Isaiah (53:3) describes the prophesied suffering and rejection of Jesus Christ. It highlights the idea that despite His divinity, Jesus came to earth and experienced the full range of human emotions and struggles. The verse speaks to the rejection and indifference that Jesus faced during His time on earth, as people did not recognize Him for who He truly was. Despite being the Savior of mankind, He was despised, sorrowful, and acquainted with grief. The imagery of turning away and hiding faces symbolizes the rejection and lack of understanding that Jesus faced during His time on earth. This verse serves as a reminder of the humble and selfless nature of Jesus' sacrifice, as He endured suffering and rejection in order to bring salvation to all. Each time this verse is read, it serves as a poignant reminder of the depth of Jesus' love and the extent of His sacrifice for humanity.
Theological Overview
This verse, which is found in the book of Isaiah, prophesies about the suffering servant who will be despised, rejected, and acquainted with grief. The phrase "a man of sorrows" highlights the deep emotional pain that the servant will endure on behalf of others. The rejection and lack of esteem by men indicate the loneliness and abandonment that the servant will face. The theological interpretation of this verse often points to Jesus Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of this prophecy. In the New Testament, these words are applied to Jesus, who suffered rejection and scorn from his own people as he carried out his mission of salvation. The word studies in this verse can delve into the various meanings of "sorrows," "grief," "despised," and "rejected," shedding light on the depth of suffering and emotional turmoil experienced by the servant. Overall, this verse foreshadows the sacrificial love of Christ and serves as a reminder of the redemptive work accomplished through his suffering and death.
Isaiah 53:3 in other translations
American Standard Version
He was despised, and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and as one from whom men hide their face he was despised; and we esteemed him not.
World English Bible
He was despised, and rejected by men; a man of suffering, and acquainted with disease. He was despised as one from whom men hide their face; and we didn’t respect him.
Douay-Rheims
Despised, and the most abject of men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with infirmity: and his look was as it were hidden and despised, whereupon we esteemed him not.
Geneva Bible (1599)
He is despised and reiected of men: he is a man full of sorowes and hath experience of infirmities: we hidde as it were our faces from him: he was despised and we esteemed him not.