Verse Breakdown

Scripture: "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

Commentary Insights

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry emphasizes that this servant, whom Christians identify as Christ, was to endure great rejection by the very people He came to save. His sorrows and grief symbolize the burdens of humanity, demonstrating profound empathy and connection to human suffering.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes notes that the phrase "man of sorrows" indicates that Jesus would experience intense personal suffering throughout His life, including His solitary moments of prayer and deep anguish in Gethsemane. The widespread rejection is a foreshadowing of His ultimate sacrifice.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke elaborates on the societal attitudes towards the suffering servant. The disdain and disregard for Him reflect humanity’s tendency to underestimate what is divine. He suggests that this rejection was a fulfillment of prophecy, signifying a greater plan of salvation through suffering.

Key Themes

In exploring Isaiah 53:3, some key themes emerge that resonate throughout Scripture:

• Rejection: The servant’s rejection not only signifies personal anguish but symbolizes the broader rejection of divine truth.
• Suffering: His sorrows highlight the depth of human experience and God's willingness to suffer alongside humanity.
• Empathy: The intimate acquaintance with grief signifies a deep empathy towards human suffering, presenting a relatable God.

Bible Verse Cross-References

Isaiah 53:3 connects deeply with several other scriptures that enhance understanding:

• Psalm 69:20 - "Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness." This psalm parallels the theme of rejection and grief.
• John 1:11 - "He came unto his own, and his own received him not." This verse shows the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy about rejection.
• Matthew 26:38 - “My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death.” Here, Jesus expresses deep sorrow, mirroring the descriptors in Isaiah 53:3.
• Luke 9:22 - "The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders." This verse reinforces the theme of foretold suffering and rejection by leadership.
• Hebrews 4:15 - “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities.” This emphasizes Jesus’ intimate understanding of human sorrow.
• 1 Peter 2:24 - "Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree." This speaks to the connection of His suffering to our redemption.
• Acts 3:14 - "But ye denied the Holy One and the Just." This verse reflects the reality of rejection expressed in Isaiah 53:3.

Connections Between Bible Verses

The connections between Isaiah 53:3 and the New Testament serve to underscore the continuity of God's plan. In various passages, the themes of sorrow, rejection, and sacrifice resonate, creating a web of scriptural connections that enhance understanding. Notably, examining how Old Testament prophecies align with New Testament fulfillments helps deepen one’s insight into the person of Christ and His mission.

Thematic Bible Verse Connections

Engaging in a comparative analysis of these verses can reveal thematic connections that offer richer meanings. For example, the themes of suffering and rejection are prevalent not just in Isaiah but also throughout the Gospels, drawing a line of continuity in the life of Christ.

• Tools for Bible Cross-Referencing: Utilizing a Bible concordance or cross-reference guide can enhance study, revealing themes such as redemption and forgiveness.
• Cross-Reference Bible Study: Approaches to cross-referencing can provide insights into how suffering is treated throughout scriptures.

Inter-Biblical Dialogue

Engaging in inter-Biblical dialogue encourages readers to look at how themes in Isaiah 53:3 interact with the rest of Scripture. It can help shed light on Christ's mission and the fulfillment of prophecies. By examining connections between the Prophets and Apostolic teachings, the reader can gain insights into the overarching narrative of salvation.

Conclusion

Isaiah 53:3 is a profound verse that encapsulates the essence of suffering and rejection. Through the insights of renowned commentators and careful analysis of cross-references, we can appreciate the depth and significance of this prophecy. It serves to remind us of the extent to which God entered into human sorrow, providing hope and redemption through Christ’s suffering.