King James Version

What Does Isaiah 53:9 Mean?

Isaiah 53:9 in the King James Version says “And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any ...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 53 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Isaiah 53:9 · KJV

Context

7

He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

8

He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. from prison: or, he was taken away by distress and judgment: but, etc was he: Heb. was the stroke upon him

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'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.' The expected grave is with the wicked (criminals' burial). Yet He's with 'the rich' in death. The Hebrew 'ashir' (rich) was fulfilled when wealthy Joseph of Arimathea provided his tomb (Matthew 27:57-60). Complete innocence: no violence, no deceit.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus was crucified between criminals (wicked) yet buried in a rich man's new tomb. This precise fulfillment was beyond human manipulation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does burial with the rich rather than criminals demonstrate providential care?
  2. What does complete innocence ('no violence, no deceit') mean for His qualification as substitute?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַיִּתֵּ֤ן1 of 14

“And he made”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֶת2 of 14
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

רְשָׁעִים֙3 of 14

“with the wicked”

H7563

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

קִבְר֔וֹ4 of 14

“his grave”

H6913

a sepulcher

וְאֶת5 of 14
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

עָשִׁ֖יר6 of 14

“and with the rich”

H6223

rich, whether literal or figurative (noble)

בְּמֹתָ֑יו7 of 14

“in his death”

H4194

death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin

עַ֚ל8 of 14
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

לֹא9 of 14
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

חָמָ֣ס10 of 14

“no violence”

H2555

violence; by implication, wrong; by metonymy unjust gain

עָשָׂ֔ה11 of 14

“because he had done”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

וְלֹ֥א12 of 14
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

מִרְמָ֖ה13 of 14

“neither was any deceit”

H4820

fraud

בְּפִֽיו׃14 of 14

“in his mouth”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

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 53:9 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 53:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Peter 2:22Matthew 27:57-60Mark 15:43-461 John 3:52 Corinthians 5:21Luke 23:50-53

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