Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?

ISAIAH 53:1KJV
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Isaiah 53:1 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 53:1 mean?

Isaiah 53:1 asks why so few have accepted the message about the LORD’s action. Its two questions express surprise that the news has met with disbelief, even though the LORD’s power is being made known.

The “arm of the LORD” pictures God’s power at work. The speakers use “our report” to identify themselves with the message they have brought or heard. Their questions follow the announcement about the LORD’s servant in Isaiah 52:13–15.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 53:1

  • “report” — שְׁמוּעָה (shemuʿah): This word can mean news or a message that is heard. “Our report” can point to what the speakers have heard as well as what they announce.
  • “arm” — זְרוֹעַ (zeroaʿ): This word means an arm. Here, the body image gives a concrete picture of the LORD’s strength and action.
  • “revealed” — גָּלָה (galah): This word carries the sense of uncovering or making something known. The question asks who has come to recognize the LORD’s power.

Why Isaiah 53:1 matters

  • The verse sets up a contrast between appearance and recognition. The servant is later described as having no outward beauty that would draw people to him, in verse 2.
  • The questions introduce a shared voice rather than a named individual. The word “our” is followed in the passage by “we,” including the admission that “we esteemed him not” in verse 3.
  • The message concerns the LORD’s action, not merely the servant’s experience. The phrase “arm of the LORD” links what happens to the servant with God’s power.

Where else these words appear

“report” Hebrew H8052 · used in 24 verses

  • 1 Samuel 2:24 Nay, my sons; for it is no good report that I hear: ye make the LORD'S people to transgress.
  • 2 Chronicles 9:6 Howbeit I believed not their words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the one half of the greatness of thy wisdom was not told me: for thou exceedest the fame that I heard.
  • Jeremiah 49:14 I have heard a rumour from the LORD, and an ambassador is sent unto the heathen, saying, Gather ye together, and come against her, and rise up to the battle.

“arm” Hebrew H2220 · used in 84 verses

  • Genesis 49:24 But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob;(from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel:)
  • Job 38:15 And from the wicked their light is withholden, and the high arm shall be broken.
  • Isaiah 59:16 And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him.

“believed” Hebrew H539 · used in 102 verses

  • Genesis 15:6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
  • 2 Kings 10:5 And he that was over the house, and he that was over the city, the elders also, and the bringers up of the children, sent to Jehu, saying, We are thy servants, and will do all that thou shalt bid us; we will not make any king: do thou that which is good in thine eyes.
  • Psalms 106:12 Then believed they his words; they sang his praise.