The Healing Sacrifice of Christ
“But He was pierced for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities; upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with His wounds we are healed.”
— Isaiah 53:5
Reflecting on the Saving Grace
What saving grace! What boundless love! That the Most High, God, should lower Himself to live as one of us—suffered, and ultimately died a painful, horrific death at the hands of man—to save us. Through His sacrifice, we are reconciled to the Father, redeemed, and blessed with healing, peace, joy, and everlasting life.
Many of us are familiar with this powerful scripture, written centuries before its fulfillment. However, by exploring some of the key words in their original languages, we can draw out a deeper, richer meaning from this passage.
Key Words from Isaiah 53:5
Below are several important terms from this scripture. Each is presented with its English meaning, Hebrew equivalent, transliteration, and pronunciation guide.
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Transgression
- Hebrew: פֶּשַׁע
- Transliteration: peshaʻ
- Pronunciation: peh'-shah
- Meaning: Rebellion; an act against God
- Reflection: Christ was pierced for our rebellion against God.
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Iniquity
- Hebrew: עָוֺן
- Transliteration: ʻâvôn
- Pronunciation: aw-vone'
- Meaning: Perversity (moral evil), gross injustice, or wickedness
- Reflection: He was killed for our perverse injustice and wickedness.
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Chastisement
- Hebrew: מוּסָר
- Transliteration: mûwçâr
- Pronunciation: moo-sawr
- Meaning: Discipline; correction
- Reflection: Jesus endured the discipline we deserved, which is death.
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Peace
- Hebrew: שָׁלוֹם
- Transliteration: shâlôwm
- Pronunciation: shaw-lome'
- Meaning: Completeness, safety, health, prosperity, quiet, tranquility, and contentment
- Reflection: His sacrifice has given us true peace—a wholeness that goes far beyond the mere absence of conflict. We are made whole, safe, truly prosperous, and completely at peace in Him.
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Wounds
- Hebrew: חַבּוּרָה
- Transliteration: chabbûwrâh
- Pronunciation: khab-boo-raw'
- Meaning: Scourging; wounds; bruises; hurt
- Reflection: Jesus endured severe scourging and hurt in the chastisement He willingly underwent in total obedience to the Father.
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Healed
- Hebrew: רָפָא (or רָפָה)
- Transliteration: râphâʼ (or râphâh)
- Pronunciation: raw-faw'
- Meaning: To cure, cause to heal, repair, or make whole
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Reflection: By His wounds, we have been cured, healed, repaired, and made whole.
In Conclusion
We have been healed—cured of death, repaired, and made whole—through the sacrificial love of Christ. May this reflection encourage you to delve deeper into the Scriptures and appreciate the profound dimensions of His sacrifice.
Amen!
