King James Version

What Does Isaiah 53:11 Mean?

Isaiah 53:11 in the King James Version says “He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify man...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 53 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.”

Isaiah 53:11 · KJV

Context

9

And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. death: Heb. deaths

10

Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. thou: or, his soul shall make an offering

11

He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.

12

Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

Read Isaiah 53 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.' The Servant sees the fruit of His suffering and is 'satisfied' (savea - filled, content). 'Justify many' - legal acquittal - through His 'knowledge' (either the Servant's knowledge or knowledge of Him). Iniquity-bearing completes the substitution.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This describes the result of atonement: many are justified (declared righteous) because the Servant bears their iniquities. This is the heart of gospel theology - imputed righteousness.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean that Christ sees His travail and is 'satisfied'?
  2. How does bearing iniquities enable justification?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
מֵעֲמַ֤ל1 of 12

“of the travail”

H5999

toil, i.e., wearing effort; hence, worry, whether of body or mind

נַפְשׁוֹ֙2 of 12

“of his soul”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

יִרְאֶ֣ה3 of 12

“He shall see”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

יִשְׂבָּ֔ע4 of 12

“and shall be satisfied”

H7646

to sate, i.e., fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively)

בְּדַעְתּ֗וֹ5 of 12

“by his knowledge”

H1847

knowledge

יַצְדִּ֥יק6 of 12

“justify”

H6663

to be (causatively, make) right (in a moral or forensic sense)

צַדִּ֛יק7 of 12

“shall my righteous”

H6662

just

עַבְדִּ֖י8 of 12

“servant”

H5650

a servant

לָֽרַבִּ֑ים9 of 12

“many”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

וַעֲוֺנֹתָ֖ם10 of 12

“their iniquities”

H5771

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

ה֥וּא11 of 12
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

יִסְבֹּֽל׃12 of 12

“for he shall bear”

H5445

to carry (literally or figuratively), or (reflexively) be burdensome; specifically, to be gravid

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Isaiah 53:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Isaiah 53:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 5:18-191 Peter 2:24Revelation 5:9-10Isaiah 53:4-6John 12:27-321 Peter 3:18

Test Your Knowledge

Isaiah 53 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterIsaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Isaiah 53 with CommentaryAll Isaiah ChaptersComplete Isaiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes