Isaiah 53:8
He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.
Isaiah 53:8 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse comes from the book of Isaiah in the Old Testament of the Bible. It is a prophecy about the suffering servant, who is identified by many scholars as Jesus Christ. The verse speaks of the servant being taken from prison and judgment, indicating that he was unfairly accused and condemned. It also mentions that he was "cut off out of the land of the living," which foreshadows Jesus' crucifixion and death. The verse goes on to say that the servant was stricken for the transgressions of the people, meaning that he suffered and died to atone for the sins of humanity. The phrase "who shall declare his generation?" suggests that the servant's true nature and purpose may not be fully understood by all. Overall, this verse is a powerful portrayal of Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross and the redemption it brings to believers.
Theological Overview
One theological interpretation of the verse "He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken." is that it prophesies the suffering and death of Jesus Christ. This verse is often seen as referring to the Messiah who would be taken away unjustly, and who would suffer for the sins of others. The phrase "for he was cut off out of the land of the living" is understood as a foreshadowing of Jesus' crucifixion and death. The mention of "the transgression of my people" points to Jesus' sacrificial atonement for the sins of humanity. The question "who shall declare his generation?" can be interpreted as a reference to the eternal nature of Christ, who would not have physical descendants but would impact generations through the salvation he offers.
Isaiah 53:8 in other translations
American Standard Version
By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who [among them] considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living for the transgression of my people to whom the stroke [was due] ?
World English Bible
He was taken away by oppression and judgment; and as for his generation, who considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living and stricken for the disobedience of my people?
Douay-Rheims
He was taken away from distress, and from judgment: who shall declare his generation? because he is cut off out of the land of the living: for the wickedness of my people have I struck him.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Hee was taken out from prison, and from iudgement: and who shall declare his age? for he was cut out of the lande of the liuing: for the transgression of my people was he plagued.