Old Testament

Isaiah 53:1

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

Who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

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

What Isaiah 53:1 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In Isaiah 53:1, the prophet poses two rhetorical questions that highlight the disbelief of the people regarding God's message and the revelation of His power. The 'report' refers to the message about the coming Messiah, who would suffer for humanity's sins. The 'arm of the LORD' symbolizes God's strength and intervention in human affairs. This verse sets the stage for the profound truths that follow in the chapter, emphasizing that many will not recognize or accept the significance of the Messiah's suffering. It reflects a common theme in the Bible where God's ways are often misunderstood or rejected by people. The questions invite readers to reflect on their own belief and understanding of God's plans, urging them to consider the depth of His love and sacrifice. This verse serves as a reminder that faith often requires a response to God's revelation, even when it is not immediately apparent or accepted by the majority.

How to apply Isaiah 53:1 to your life

This verse challenges us to examine our own faith and openness to God's messages. It encourages us to seek a deeper understanding of God's plans, even when they seem difficult to grasp. By being receptive to His revelations, we can strengthen our relationship with Him and grow in faith.

Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary

Explore more of the Bible

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of the Israelites enslaved in Egypt

Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Moses

Walls uncovered by archaeologists on the mound of Tell es-Sultan, with palm trees in the distance.

Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Jericho

The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about Isaiah 53:1

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying Isaiah 53:1

At a Glance — the Book of Isaiah

Author
Isaiah the prophet
Written
Around 700 BC
Genre
Prophecy
Original Audience
Judah and the surrounding nations

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Isaiah 53:1 mean?

Isaiah 53:1 expresses the disbelief of the people regarding God's message about the coming Messiah. It highlights that many will not recognize or accept the significance of His suffering and the power of God revealed through Him.

What is the meaning of 'the arm of the LORD' in Isaiah 53:1?

In Isaiah 53:1, 'the arm of the LORD' symbolizes God's strength and His active intervention in human affairs, particularly in the context of salvation and the coming Messiah.

Why does Isaiah 53:1 use rhetorical questions?

The rhetorical questions in Isaiah 53:1 emphasize the disbelief of the people and provoke thought about their acceptance of God's message and the significance of the Messiah's suffering.

How does Isaiah 53:1 relate to faith?

Isaiah 53:1 challenges individuals to examine their faith and openness to God's revelations, encouraging a deeper understanding of His plans and the importance of responding to His message.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.