Isaiah 52:14

Old Testament Major Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Isaiah 52:14 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Like as many were astonished at thee (his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men),” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Like as many were astonished at thee (his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men),
Isaiah 52:14 — American Standard Version

Context — Isaiah 52

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
14Like as many were astonished at thee (his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men),

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“As many were astonished at thee, &c.] Not so much at the miracles he wrought, the doctrines he taught, and the work he did; or at his greatness and glory, at his exaltation and dignity, though very wonderful; as at his humiliation, the mean appearance he made, the low estate he was brought into; the sufferings and death which he underwent. These words are placed between the account of his exaltation and humiliation, and may be thought to have respect to both; and indeed it is astonishing that one so great as he was, and is, should become so low as he did; and also that one that was brought so low should be raised so high: his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Summary of Messiah's history, which is set forth more in detail in the fifty-third chapter. "Just as many were astonished (accompanied with aversion, Jer 18:16; Jer 19:8), &c.; his visage, &c.; so shall He sprinkle," &c.; Israel in this answers to its antitype Messiah, now "an astonishment and byword" (Deu 28:37), hereafter about to be a blessing and means of salvation to many nations (Isa 2:2-3; Mic 5:7). thee; his--Such changes of persons are common in Hebrew poetry. marred--Hebrew, "disfigurement"; abstract for concrete; not only disfigured, but disfigurement itself. more than man--CASTALIO translates, "so that it was no longer that of a man" (compare Psa 22:6). The more perfect we may…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Notes on Isaiah 52:13-15 and Isaiah 53:1-12 The most important portion of Isaiah, and of the Old Testament, commences here, and here should have been the beginning of a new chapter. It is the description of the suffering Messiah, and is continued to the close of the next chapter. As the closing verses of this chapter are connected with the following chapter, and as it is of great importance to have just views of the design of this portion of Isaiah, it is proper in this place to give an analysis of this part of the prophecy. And as no other part of the Bible has excited so much the attention of the friends and foes of Christianity; as so various and conflicting views have prevailed in regard…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Astonished - At his humiliation. Thee - At thee, O my servant. His form - Christ, in respect of his birth, breeding, and manner of life, was most obscure and contemptible. His countenance also was so marred with frequent watchings, and fastings, and troubles, that he was thought to be near fifty years old when he was but about thirty, Joh 8:57, and was farther spoiled with buffetings, and crowning with thorns, and other cruel and despiteful usages. Isaiah 52:15”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“52:14-15 Despite the servant’s greatness, the actual way he would appear on earth would shock people. 52:14 were amazed: No one expected that the rescuer would suffer and die.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“many: Psa 71:7; Mat 7:28, Mat 22:22, Mat 22:23, Mat 27:14; Mar 5:42, Mar 6:51, Mar 7:37, Mar 10:26, Mar 10:32; Luk 2:47, Luk 4:36, Luk 5:26 his visage: Isa 50:6, Isa 53:2-5; Psa 22:6, Psa 22:7, Psa 22:15, Psa 22:17, Psa 102:3-5; Mat 26:67, Mat 27:29, Mat 27:30; Luk 22:64 Isaiah 52:15”
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Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · 19th-century historical commentary
“The prophecy concerning him passes now into an address to him, as in Isa 49:8 (cf., Isa 49:7), which sinks again immediately into an objective tone. "Just as many were astonished at thee: so disfigured, his appearance was not human, and his form not like that of the children of men: so will he make many nations to tremble; kings will shut their mouth at him: for they see what has not been told them, and discover what they have not heard." Both Oehler and Hahn suppose that the first clause is addressed to Israel, and that it is here pointed away from its own degradation, which excited such astonishment, to the depth of suffering endured by the One man. Hahn's principal reason, which Oehler…”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification