Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

ISAIAH 53:12KJV
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Isaiah 53:12 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 53:12 mean?

Isaiah 53:12 describes how the servant, after suffering and dying, will be honored and rewarded alongside the great and strong because he willingly gave up his life, was counted among sinners, carried the sins of many, and pleaded for those who did wrong. The verse highlights both the servant’s suffering and his ultimate recognition and victory.

In the book of Isaiah, this verse is part of a prophecy spoken to the people of Israel, describing a figure often called the "suffering servant." The context is one of deep suffering, injustice, and sacrifice, but also of final vindication. Isaiah 53:12 sums up the servant’s role: he identifies with sinners, takes on their wrongdoing, and acts as a mediator for them, which leads to his being given a share in victory and honor.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 53:12

  • "divide" (חָלַק, ḥālaq): This word means to share out or apportion. Here, it shows that the servant receives a share of honor or reward, not just suffering.
  • "great" (רַבִּים, rabbîm): This word means "many" or "great ones." The servant is placed among those considered important or victorious, emphasizing his ultimate honor.
  • "bare" (נָשָׂא, nāśā’): This word means to carry or lift up. The servant "carried" the sin of many, showing he took on a burden that was not his own.
  • "intercession" (פָּגַע, pāga‘): This word means to plead or intervene. The servant acts on behalf of the transgressors, not just suffering for them but also speaking up for them.

Why Isaiah 53:12 matters

  • Isaiah 53:12 clarifies that the servant’s suffering was not pointless; it leads to honor and a share in victory, which counters the idea that suffering always ends in defeat.
  • The verse emphasizes the servant’s identification with sinners and his active role in carrying their wrongdoing, which deepens the picture of self-sacrifice.
  • Isaiah 53:12 connects the servant’s suffering to his later vindication, tying together the themes of pain, mediation, and ultimate reward that run through Isaiah 53.

Where else these words appear

“out” Hebrew H6168 · used in 14 verses

  • Genesis 24:20 And she hasted, and emptied her pitcher into the trough, and ran again unto the well to draw water, and drew for all his camels.
  • Psalms 37:35 I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.
  • Isaiah 22:6 And Elam bare the quiver with chariots of men and horsemen, and Kir uncovered the shield.

“numbered” Hebrew H4487 · used in 27 verses

  • Genesis 13:16 And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered.
  • 1 Chronicles 21:1 And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.
  • Isaiah 65:12 Therefore will I number you to the sword, and ye shall all bow down to the slaughter: because when I called, ye did not answer; when I spake, ye did not hear; but did evil before mine eyes, and did choose that wherein I delighted not.

“strong” Hebrew H6099 · used in 31 verses

  • Genesis 18:18 Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?
  • Deuteronomy 26:5 And thou shalt speak and say before the LORD thy God, A Syrian ready to perish was my father, and he went down into Egypt, and sojourned there with a few, and became there a nation, great, mighty, and populous:
  • Daniel 8:24 And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people.

“sin” Hebrew H2399 · used in 33 verses

  • Genesis 41:9 Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults this day:
  • Deuteronomy 19:15 One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.
  • Psalms 51:9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.