Isaiah 53 7

Isaiah 53:7 kjv

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.

Isaiah 53:7 nkjv

He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So He opened not His mouth.

Isaiah 53:7 niv

He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.

Isaiah 53:7 esv

He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.

Isaiah 53:7 nlt

He was oppressed and treated harshly,
yet he never said a word.
He was led like a lamb to the slaughter.
And as a sheep is silent before the shearers,
he did not open his mouth.

Isaiah 53 verses

Isaiah 53 7 meaning

Isaiah 53:7 profoundly describes the silent, submissive, and voluntary suffering of the Servant, who faces intense oppression and affliction without protest. This verse presents two powerful animal metaphors: a lamb led to slaughter and a sheep silent before its shearers, both conveying a complete absence of self-defense or complaint in the face of death or severe harm. The Servant's lack of resistance is central to his role as an atoning sacrifice.

Isaiah 53 7 Context

Isaiah 53:7 is part of the fourth and most detailed "Servant Song" (Isa 52:13–53:12), which stands as the heart of Isaiah's messianic prophecies. This section details the Suffering Servant's mission, His innocent suffering, His atoning death, and ultimate vindication. Coming directly after the declaration of the Servant's exalted future (Isa 52:13), verse 7 underscores the path through which that exaltation is achieved – not through might or triumph, but through willing endurance of injustice and death. The broader context of Isaiah's prophecy speaks to Israel's rebellion, judgment, and promised redemption, with the Servant identified as the means for that redemption, even for the gentiles. For the original audience, this vision of a suffering redeemer contrasted sharply with conventional expectations of a glorious, conquering Messiah.

Isaiah 53 7 Word analysis

• He was oppressed (nagaś - נָגַשׂ): This Hebrew verb often implies being pressed, driven, or forced by an external, authoritative, or cruel power, such as an oppressive taskmaster (e.g., Ex 3:7, 5:6). It speaks to an undeserved, heavy imposition of burden and pressure from human hands, denoting an unceasing, severe affliction laid upon the Servant.

• and he was afflicted (naʿană - נֶעֱנָה): This verb suggests deep personal suffering, humiliation, and distress. It denotes being humble, lowly, or submissive under affliction. The passive construction here emphasizes that the Servant was acted upon, not actively seeking his distress, but receiving it, willingly accepting it.

• yet he opened not his mouth (wəloʾ yip'taḥ pîv - וְלֹא יִפְתַּח־פִּיהוּ): This phrase signifies profound silence, a deliberate refusal to speak in self-defense, accusation, or protest. It points to voluntary submission, dignity, and inner strength rather than helplessness. His silence is active, not passive or coerced, indicating a decision not to retaliate or argue against his oppressors.

• he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter (kaśśeh laṭṭevaḥ yuvāl - כַּשֶּׂה לַטֶּבַח יוּבָל):

  • lamb (śeh - שֶׂה): A common, gentle, and vulnerable animal, frequently used for sacrifice in the Old Testament. Its meekness is contrasted with its fate. The term evokes innocence and a lack of guile.
  • to the slaughter (ṭevaḥ - טֶבַח): Refers to the act or place of slaughtering, specifically for killing animals. This metaphor immediately connects the Servant's fate to sacrificial death, emphasizing its fatal and violent purpose. The "bringing" highlights a passive movement, being led, not going independently to save oneself.

• and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb (ûḵəraḥēl lip̄nê gōzəzêhā neʾĕlāmā - וּכְרָחֵל לִפְנֵי גֹזְזֶיהָ נֶאֱלָמָה):

  • sheep (raḥel - רָחֵל / referring to śeh in parallel thought): Again, a mild, docile creature, not resisting or protesting even when its fleece (its "covering" or "pride") is forcibly removed. While raḥel usually means ewe, the overall imagery here connects to the gentleness of seh.
  • her shearers (gōzəzêhā - גֹזְזֶיהָ): Those who cut off its wool. This action, though not directly lethal, is invasive and disorienting for the sheep, demonstrating the sheep's complete submission even under potentially distressing circumstances.
  • is dumb (neʾĕlāmā - נֶאֱלָמָה): This means to be speechless, silenced, or mute. It reinforces the earlier idea of not opening one's mouth, emphasizing utter quietude and absence of protest. It's an internal state, a resolute refusal to utter a sound.

• so he opened not his mouth (wəloʾ yip'taḥ pîv - וְלֹא יִפְתַּח־פִּיהוּ): This is a powerful repetition, underscoring the central theme of voluntary silence. The deliberate reiteration deepens the significance of the Servant's non-resistance and willingness to suffer without complaint or defense, linking it to the meekness of the sacrificial animal.

Isaiah 53 7 Bonus section

The double metaphor in Isaiah 53:7 – the lamb for slaughter and the sheep before shearers – adds layers of meaning to the Servant's silent suffering. The "lamb to the slaughter" points directly to his impending death as a sacrificial act, while the "sheep before shearers" highlights his willingness to endure humiliation and to be stripped bare (perhaps of honor, reputation, and possessions) without protest before that ultimate sacrifice. This twofold imagery illustrates not only the fatal consequence but also the intermediate, painful, and demeaning processes leading up to it, all met with the same steadfast silence. The Servant’s choice to remain silent despite extreme oppression indicates an inner resolve driven by purpose, not weakness. This prophetic image was instrumental in the early church's understanding of Jesus as the Lamb of God whose silent suffering accomplished cosmic redemption, making His quiet submission a source of profound spiritual power and victory rather than defeat.

Isaiah 53 7 Commentary

Isaiah 53:7 reveals the core characteristic of the Suffering Servant: absolute, willing submission to an unjust and brutal fate. He is portrayed not as a helpless victim, but as one who actively chooses silence, refusing to defend himself or retaliate against the oppressive forces arrayed against him. The double analogy of the lamb led to slaughter and the sheep silent before shearers is pivotal, identifying the Servant with a pure, innocent, and sacrificial victim. This silence signifies his profound humility, unwavering obedience, and redemptive purpose. His non-resistance is a deliberate act of atonement, a self-emptying love that contrasts sharply with human instincts for self-preservation. In the New Testament, this verse finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, whose silent endurance during His trial and crucifixion perfectly embodied this prophecy, demonstrating His identity as the perfect Lamb of God offered for the sins of the world. His suffering was vicarious, intended for the redemption of humanity, achieved not through words of defense but through a deed of ultimate sacrifice.