Bible Strands
Isaiah 52:14
Just as many were appalled at Him—His appearance was disfigured beyond that of any man, and His form was marred beyond human likeness—
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Isaiah addresses the exiled community, pivoting from the Servant’s exaltation in Isaiah 52:13 to the shocking reality of his suffering in verse 14. The prophet describes a figure whose physical condition will provoke intense shock among observers.
The words — The Hebrew uses שָמְמ֤וּ (shamemu), meaning "they were appalled," and מִשְׁחַת (mishchat), rendered here as "disfigurement." These terms emphasize that the Servant’s appearance was so severely altered that it exceeded normal human likeness.
The thread — The description of severe physical violation connects to the willing submission in Isaiah 50:6 and the New Testament account of Jesus being struck in Matthew 26:67. Isaiah 53:2 later contrasts this marred form with the lack of earthly majesty that would attract observers.
Why it lands — The text states that observers will be appalled by a physical state that defies normal human appearance, establishing a stark contrast with the exaltation described in the preceding verse. It asks the reader to accept that the Servant’s path to glory requires passing through a condition that shocks ordinary perception.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men:
Cross-references
- Isaiah 50:6 I offered My back to those who struck Me, and My cheeks to those who tore out My beard. I did not hide My face from scorn and spittle.
- Matthew 26:67 Then they spit in His face and struck Him. Others slapped Him
- Isaiah 53:2 He grew up before Him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no stately form or majesty to attract us, no beauty that we should desire Him.
- Psalms 22:6 But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by men and despised by the people.
- Psalms 22:17 I can count all my bones; they stare and gloat over me.
- Matthew 27:14 But Jesus gave no answer, not even to a single charge, much to the governor’s amazement.
- Psalms 22:15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. You lay me in the dust of death.
- Psalms 71:7 I have become a portent to many, but You are my strong refuge.
- Psalms 102:3 For my days vanish like smoke, and my bones burn like glowing embers.
- Matthew 27:29 And they twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on His head. They put a staff in His right hand, knelt down before Him, and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!”