Isaiah 50 6

Isaiah 50:6 kjv

I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.

Isaiah 50:6 nkjv

I gave My back to those who struck Me, And My cheeks to those who plucked out the beard; I did not hide My face from shame and spitting.

Isaiah 50:6 niv

I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting.

Isaiah 50:6 esv

I gave my back to those who strike, and my cheeks to those who pull out the beard; I hid not my face from disgrace and spitting.

Isaiah 50:6 nlt

I offered my back to those who beat me
and my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard.
I did not hide my face
from mockery and spitting.

Isaiah 50 verses

Isaiah 50 6 Meaning

This verse describes the suffering Servant's willingness to endure physical abuse, including being struck and spat upon. It emphasizes his commitment to not turning away from the humiliation, thereby demonstrating his resolve and unwavering obedience to God's will, even in the face of intense shame.

Isaiah 50 6 Context

This chapter is part of the Servant Songs in Isaiah, which foretell the suffering and eventual exaltation of a Messiah figure. Isaiah 50 is presented from the perspective of this Servant. The immediate context (chapters 49-52) describes the Servant's commission, his rejection by Israel, and his suffering for the sins of the people. The verse itself is a response to accusations or challenges directed at the Servant. The audience for Isaiah would have been ancient Israel, a people undergoing exile and longing for redemption. There is an implied polemic against pagan deities who are powerless and ineffective, contrasting them with the powerful and suffering God who acts through his Servant.

Isaiah 50 6 Word analysis

• 'Anî (אֲנִי) - "I"

  • This personal pronoun establishes a first-person perspective, highlighting the Servant's direct experience of suffering.

• nâtatî (נָתַתִּי) - "I gave" (from nâtan)

  • This is a voluntary act, not forced. The Servant chose to submit. This signifies agency and a willing sacrifice.

• 'ôref (עֹרֶף) - "back of the neck," "nape"

  • Figurative for yielding to blows, presenting oneself for smiting. It implies a posture of submission.

• makkî (מַכִּים) - "striking," "smitting" (present participle from mâkâ)

  • Refers to those who inflict physical punishment or beatings.

• lĕfâneq (לְחַפְּפְנִי) - "to me" (dual suffix of pâneh)

  • The face or cheeks, indicating a more personal and humiliating form of abuse.

• mĕnaqqeqîm (מְנַקֵּקִים) - "plucking," "pulling out" (present participle from mânaq - Niphal stem)

  • The Hebrew verb refers to drawing something out. In context, it means plucking out the beard, a severe act of humiliation and insult in ancient Near Eastern cultures.

• pĕnê (פָּנַי) - "my face" (plural form of pâneh meaning "face," here referring to the cheeks)

  • The face is often the focus of humiliation.

• mĕzal·lîm (מְזַלְּלִים) - "reviling," "insulting," "contemptuous" (from zâlâl)

  • This implies spitting, an act of extreme contempt and shame.

• lōʾ (לֹא) - "not"

  • This is a strong negation, emphasizing the Servant's endurance.

• qîlîm (קִלּוֹס) - "reproach," "dishonor," "shame" (related to the verb qâlâl - to curse, treat lightly)

  • This noun encompasses all forms of verbal and social degradation.

• mĕbaṣraîm (מְבַסְּרִים) - "scattering," "spreading" (from bāsar)

  • This phrase signifies not turning away or becoming dismayed in the face of shame. The sense is that he does not retreat or shy away from this dishonor.

• word-group: "nâtatî ‘ôref lĕmakkîm wĕpânay lĕmenaqqeqîm" (I gave my back to those who strike, and my cheeks to those who pull out the beard)

  • This is a parallel construction depicting the intensity and variety of the Servant's physical suffering. It emphasizes complete exposure and surrender to abuse.

• word-group: "lōʾ qîlîm wĕmĕbaṣraîm" (not reproaches and spitting)

  • The Servant does not turn away from or become defiled by these shameful acts. The word mĕbaṣraîm can also imply disgust or sputtering in anger, but here it is the acted upon. The point is his unwavering gaze.

Isaiah 50 6 Bonus Section

The suffering depicted here aligns with the cultural understanding of profound shame and dishonor in the ancient Near East. Plucking out a man's beard was an egregious insult. This specific phrasing, "plucking out the beard," appears unique within biblical prophecy related to the Messiah's suffering. The act of turning away ("lō' qîlîm wĕmĕbaṣraîm") is often understood as not being embarrassed or turned aside from his mission due to shame. He faced it head-on. This sets the stage for chapter 53, where the Servant will be "despised and rejected," yet ultimately will bear our iniquities. The willing giving ("nâtatî") is crucial; it's not passive victimization but an active offering.

Isaiah 50 6 Commentary

Isaiah 50:6 is a powerful prophecy depicting the immense suffering and humility of the Servant of the Lord. The Servant's willing submission to being struck on the back and having his beard plucked out by his enemies is a stark image of physical abuse and deep humiliation. His resolute refusal to turn away from such indignities or become dismayed signifies his extraordinary commitment to God's purpose, even when faced with extreme shame. This voluntary endurance underscores the profound sacrifice being made on behalf of others. It foreshadows Christ's suffering during his passion, where he endured beatings, spitting, and mockings, demonstrating the same unyielding spirit of obedience and love. The passage highlights that true strength is found not in avoiding suffering, but in persevering through it with faith and purpose.