Context

This verse is right smack dab at the center of one of the most controversial verses in the Bible. We'll get to the drama in a second, but for now—some context.

Basically, the Prophet Isaiah is describing a character here who's commonly known as the Suffering Servant. And he's not so much a character as a symbol or idea. This guy has it rough. He's the hero of the story—God's chosen guy—but no one else seems to see him that way. Folks scorn and hate him, and he suffers a whole lot (hence his tragic, alliterative moniker).

The Suffering Servant bears it all because he can take it and because he's not just our hero, but a silent guardian, a watchful protector, a dark... Wait, that's actually Commissioner Gordon talking about Batman in The Dark Knight, a movie where a hero suffered for the people he loved and ended up being treated like the bad guy in the end.

All joking aside, that's sadly the Suffering Servant's thankless task, and everyone seems to think he's a big fat nothing. Thanks, cruel world.

Why is this verse such a hot topic? It's because Jews and Christians think it means different things. Christians tend to interpret it as an old-timey prophecy about Jesus. And, hey, we've gotta admit that the whole no-one-liked-him-and-he-suffered-a-ton shtick does fit with that guy from Nazareth. On the other hand, Jewish theologians tend to see the Suffering Servant as a symbol for Israel itself. The people will go through tough times while the rest of the world looks down on them, but God will bring them through it in the end.

Who's right? It's not for Shmoop to say, but we definitely love the embattled anti-hero vibe the Suffering Servant has going on. He and Batman would make great coffee buddies between getting beaten up. (Or doing the beating, in ol' Bat's case.)

Where you've heard it

This verse and others in Isaiah 53 are commonly trotted out in reference to Jesus, but they could be applied to anyone who's tortured and misunderstood. Justin Bieber, anyone?

Additional Notable References:

Seriously, this quote pops up all the time:

• In the 1977 miniseries Jesus of Nazareth, Nicodemus recites this whole passage during the crucifixion scene. It really adds to the super dark mood.
• The beginning of The Passion of the Christ features a variation of this quote about the Suffering Servant. ("He was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our inequities; by his wounds we are healed.")
• Acts of the Apostles features a whole scene where Philip explains all about Jesus being the Suffering Servant of Isaiah 53. And an Ethiopian eunuch is totally convinced he's right.

Pretentious Factor

If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.

Is this verse a little all-knowing sounding? Sure. It's a bit of cryptic prophecy that wouldn't be out of place in an episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, or more likely Angel, because he was the broody, tortured one.

This bit of prophecy might cause a few brawls. Use with caution at your local social engagement.