Isaiah 52:13-15
“Behold, my servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high. As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man... so shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him.”
King James Version
The prologue of the fourth Servant Song — the Servant exalted yet whose appearance is marred beyond recognition, who sprinkles many nations and silences kings.
Fulfillment References
Isaiah 53:1-12 Philippians 2:8-11 Romans 15:21 1 Peter 1:2
How Traditions Read This Prophecy
Apostolic (Oneness) PentecostalThe Servant exalted 'very high' after being marred is Jesus, given 'a name which is above every name' (Phil. 2:9); the one God humbled in flesh and exalted as Lord.
JewishThe Servant exalted after suffering; traditional Jewish readings apply the Servant of these songs to Israel, though some Talmudic and medieval sources note messianic readings here.
CatholicThe introduction to the great Suffering Servant prophecy fulfilled in Christ — humiliation followed by exaltation.
ProtestantThe pattern of suffering-then-glory (cf. Phil. 2:8-11); 'sprinkle many nations' read of the Servant's atoning, cleansing work for the Gentiles.
OrthodoxChrist marred in His passion and exalted in glory, cleansing the nations.
DispensationalThe Servant-Messiah's humiliation and exaltation, His atoning work reaching the nations.
AcademicThe prologue to Isaiah 53; scholars debate 'sprinkle' (yazzeh, cultic cleansing) vs. 'startle' (LXX) — a translation crux affecting the atonement reading.
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Bible Prophecy Explorer · based on J. Barton Payne’s Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy catalogue · an openly Apostolic (Oneness) Pentecostal study resource — all traditions presented fairly. Pastor: C. Myles Young, PhD · Bishop: Nathaniel J. Wilson, Ed.D.