What does Isaiah 52:14 Mean?

Study Notes

so marred
The literal rendering is terrible: "So marred from the form of man was His aspect that His appearance was not that of a son of man"--i.e. not human--the effect of the brutalities described in Matthew 26:67 ; Matthew 26:68 ; Matthew 27:27-30 .

Verse Meaning

The Servant would experience the same humiliation and degradation that had marked the Israelites. Rather than appearing to be the strongest and most attractive representative of Yahweh, the Servant would appear extremely weak and unattractive to people. This description probably presents all aspects of His being: physical, mental, social, spiritual, etc. Jesus did not impress people as being the best looking, the most brilliant, the most socially engaging, or the most pious individual they had ever met, according to the Gospels. In His trials and crucifixion, Jesus" underwent beatings that marred His physical appearance, but far more than that is in view in this description of Him. By saying that His appearance was marred more than any man and His form more than the sons of men, Isaiah was saying in a very strong way that His sufferings would be very great. [source][source]

[source]

"Many is a theological term within the Song of Solomon , referring to the whole company for whose benefit the Servant acts (15a, 53:]11c, 53:]12ae). It appears here for the first time and provides a telling contrast "with the one, the solitary ... servant"." ^[1] [source]

Context Summary

It is not God that has become lethargic; but we that have slept and need to awake. Being awakened, we discover that two sets of attire are waiting for us: First, His strength, so that we may not be afraid of ten thousands of people who set themselves round about; and secondly, the beautiful garments of our Lord's character. See Colossians 3:9-17.

At last the climax of the long prophetic stairway is reached and the summons for the exodus from Babylon rings out, Isaiah 52:11. It was God's return to the desolate city, Isaiah 52:2; Isaiah 52:8. The stately procession moves slowly and fearlessly. It is not the escape of a band of fugitive slaves, dreading pursuit and recapture, Isaiah 52:12. Before it speed the heralds, appearing on the sky line as they ascend the mountains which surround the Holy City, publishing peace and salvation, Isaiah 52:7. The central body is composed of white robed priests, bearing with reverent care the holy vessels, Isaiah 52:11, of which Nebuchadnezzar despoiled the Temple, but which Cyrus restored. See Ezra 1:7-11. Thus, also, the Church marches through the world. [source]

Chapter Summary: Isaiah 52

¹  Christ persuades the church to believe his free redemption
⁷  To receive the ministers thereof
⁹  To joy in the power thereof
¹¹  And to free themselves from bondage
¹³  Christ's kingdom shall be exalted