New International Version He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. New Living Translation He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth. English Standard Version He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth. Berean Standard Bible He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth. Berean Literal Bible He was oppressed and he was afflicted, and he did not open his mouth; like a lamb led to the slaughter, and like a sheep before the faces of her shearers is silent, so He did not open his mouth. King James Bible He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. New King James Version He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So He opened not His mouth. New American Standard Bible He was oppressed and afflicted, Yet He did not open His mouth; Like a lamb that is led to slaughter, And like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, So He did not open His mouth. NASB 1995 He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He did not open His mouth; Like a lamb that is led to slaughter, And like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, So He did not open His mouth. NASB 1977 He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He did not open His mouth; Like a lamb that is led to slaughter, And like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, So He did not open His mouth. Legacy Standard Bible He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He did not open His mouth; Like a lamb that is led to slaughter, And like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, So He did not open His mouth. Amplified Bible He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He did not open His mouth [to complain or defend Himself]; Like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, And like a sheep that is silent before her shearers, So He did not open His mouth. Berean Annotated Bible He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth. Christian Standard Bible He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth. Like a lamb led to the slaughter and like a sheep silent before her shearers, he did not open his mouth. Holman Christian Standard Bible He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. Like a lamb led to the slaughter and like a sheep silent before her shearers, He did not open His mouth. American Standard Version He was oppressed, yet when he was afflicted he opened not his mouth; as a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and as a sheep that before its shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth. Contemporary English Version He was painfully abused, but he did not complain. He was silent like a lamb being led to the butcher, as quiet as a sheep having its wool cut off. English Revised Version He was oppressed, yet he humbled himself and opened not his mouth; as a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and as a sheep that before her shearers is dumb; yea, he opened not his mouth. GOD'S WORD® Translation He was abused and punished, but he didn't open his mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. He was like a sheep that is silent when its wool is cut off. He didn't open his mouth. Good News Translation "He was treated harshly, but endured it humbly; he never said a word. Like a lamb about to be slaughtered, like a sheep about to be sheared, he never said a word. International Standard Version He was oppressed and he was afflicted, yet he didn't open his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, as a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. NET Bible He was treated harshly and afflicted, but he did not even open his mouth. Like a lamb led to the slaughtering block, like a sheep silent before her shearers, he did not even open his mouth. New Heart English Bible He was oppressed, yet when he was afflicted he did not open his mouth. He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and like a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he does not open his mouth. Webster's Bible Translation He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleHe was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth. World English Bible He was oppressed, yet when he was afflicted he didn’t open his mouth. As a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and as a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he didn’t open his mouth. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionIt has been exacted, and He has answered, "" And He does not open His mouth, "" He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, "" And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, "" So He does not open His mouth. Berean Literal Bible He was oppressed and he was afflicted, and he did not open his mouth; like a lamb led to the slaughter, and like a sheep before the faces of her shearers is silent, so He did not open his mouth. Young's Literal Translation It hath been exacted, and he hath answered, And he openeth not his mouth, As a lamb to the slaughter he is brought, And as a sheep before its shearers is dumb, And he openeth not his mouth. Smith's Literal Translation He was pressed, and he was afflicted, and he will not open his mouth: he was brought as a sheep for the slaughter, and as a sheep before his shearers being dumb and he will not open his mouth. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleHe was offered because it was his own will, and he opened not his mouth: he shall be led as a sheep to the slaughter, and shall be dumb as a lamb before his shearer, and he shall not open his mouth. Catholic Public Domain Version He was offered up, because it was his own will. And he did not open his mouth. He will be led like a sheep to the slaughter. And he will be mute like a lamb before his shearer. For he will not open his mouth. New American Bible Though harshly treated, he submitted and did not open his mouth; Like a lamb led to slaughter or a sheep silent before shearers, he did not open his mouth. New Revised Standard Version He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleHe drew near and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; he was led as a lamb to the slaughter; and as an ewe before her shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated He came near and he was afflicted, and he did not open his mouth. He was led as a lamb for slaughter, and like a ewe lamb he was silent, and he did not open his mouth OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917He was oppressed, though he humbled himself And opened not his mouth; As a lamb that is led to the slaughter, And as a sheep that before her shearers is dumb; Yea, he opened not his mouth. Brenton Septuagint Translation And he, because of his affliction, opens not his mouth: he was led as a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before the shearer is dumb, so he opens not his mouth. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context The Suffering Servant…6We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all. 7He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth. 8By oppression and judgment He was taken away, and who can recount His descendants? For He was cut off from the land of the living; He was stricken for the transgression of My people.… Cross References He was oppressed and afflicted, Luke 22:63-65 The men who were holding Jesus began to mock Him and beat Him. / They blindfolded Him and kept demanding, “Prophesy! Who hit You?” / And they said many other blasphemous things against Him. Mark 15:15-20 And wishing to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed Him over to be crucified. / Then the soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium) and called the whole company together. / They dressed Him in a purple robe, twisted together a crown of thorns, and set it on His head. … Matthew 27:28-31 They stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. / And they twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on His head. They put a staff in His right hand, knelt down before Him, and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” / Then they spit on Him and took the staff and struck Him on the head repeatedly. … yet He did not open His mouth. Matthew 27:12-14 And when He was accused by the chief priests and elders, He gave no answer. / Then Pilate asked Him, “Do You not hear how many charges they are bringing against You?” / But Jesus gave no answer, not even to a single charge, much to the governor’s amazement. Mark 15:3-5 And the chief priests began to accuse Him of many things. / Then Pilate questioned Him again, “Have You no answer? Look how many charges they are bringing against You!” / But to Pilate’s amazement, Jesus made no further reply. Luke 23:8-9 When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased. He had wanted to see Him for a long time, because he had heard about Him and was hoping to see Him perform a miracle. / Herod questioned Jesus at great length, but He gave no answer. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, Acts 8:32 The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture: “He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before the shearer is silent, so He did not open His mouth. John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 1 Peter 1:18-19 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life you inherited from your forefathers, / but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot. and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, 1 Peter 2:23 When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly. Psalm 39:2-3 I was speechless and still; I remained silent, even from speaking good, and my sorrow was stirred. / My heart grew hot within me; as I mused, the fire burned. Then I spoke with my tongue: Psalm 38:13-14 But like a deaf man, I do not hear; and like a mute man, I do not open my mouth. / I am like a man who cannot hear, whose mouth offers no reply. so He did not open His mouth. Matthew 26:39 Going a little farther, He fell facedown and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.” John 18:11 “Put your sword back in its sheath!” Jesus said to Peter. “Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given Me?” Philippians 2:8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross. 1 Peter 2:23 When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly. Treasury of Scripture He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he opens not his mouth. yet Matthew 26:63 But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God. Matthew 27:12-14 And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing… Mark 14:62 And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. he is Acts 8:32,33 The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: … Jump to Previous Afflicted Cruel Death Dumb Exacted Gentle Humbled Lamb Makes Mouth Mute Open Opened Openeth Oppressed Quiet Shearers Sheep Silent Slaughter Sound Wool WordJump to Next Afflicted Cruel Death Dumb Exacted Gentle Humbled Lamb Makes Mouth Mute Open Opened Openeth Oppressed Quiet Shearers Sheep Silent Slaughter Sound Wool WordIsaiah 53 1. The prophet, complaining of incredulity, excuses the scandal of the cross4. By the benefit of his passion 10. And the good success thereof He was oppressed and afflicted, The Servant endured unjust persecution, humiliation, and physical suffering at the hands of those He came to save. Jesus faced false witnesses before the Sanhedrin, mockery from soldiers, scourging under Pilate, and crucifixion outside Jerusalem (Matthew 26:67–68; John 19:1–3). His suffering was not accidental but part of God’s redemptive purpose. Luk 22:63-65 The men who were holding Jesus began to mock Him… yet He did not open His mouth. Jesus did not answer the false accusations brought against Him before Pilate and Herod (Matthew 27:12–14; Luke 23:8–9). His silence revealed willing obedience to the Father rather than helpless resignation. He entrusted Himself to the righteous Judge while bearing the guilt of others. Mat 27:12-14 And when He was accused by the chief priests and elders,… He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, The sacrificial lambs of Israel pointed ahead to the one sufficient sacrifice for sin. Jesus fulfilled that pattern as the Lamb of God, whose death removes sin for all who believe (John 1:29; 1 Peter 1:18–19). Though fully aware of the cross that awaited Him, He willingly gave Himself according to the Father’s will. Act 8:32 The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture:… and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, The Servant accepted shame and violence without retaliation. Jesus could have called for heavenly deliverance, yet He chose the path of suffering in order to accomplish salvation (Matthew 26:53–54). His meekness displayed both His humility and His sovereign commitment to redeem His people. 1Pe 2:23 When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate… so He did not open His mouth. The repeated emphasis on silence underscores the deliberate nature of His sacrifice. Jesus’ restraint fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy and demonstrated His complete trust in God’s justice. At the cross, the innocent Servant bore judgment so that the guilty could receive peace with God. Mat 26:39 Going a little farther, He fell facedown and prayed,… Persons / Places / Events 1. The Suffering ServantThis passage is part of the "Servant Songs" in Isaiah, which Christians traditionally interpret as a prophecy about Jesus Christ, the Messiah, who suffers for the sins of humanity. 2. Isaiah The prophet who authored the book of Isaiah, delivering messages from God to the people of Israel, often foretelling the coming of the Messiah. 3. The Lamb Symbolically represents innocence and sacrifice. In the context of this verse, it refers to Jesus Christ, who is often called the "Lamb of God." 4. The Shearers Represents those who would oppress and afflict the Servant, analogous to the religious leaders and Roman authorities during Jesus' trial and crucifixion. 5. The Oppression and Affliction Refers to the suffering and injustice faced by the Servant, which Christians believe was fulfilled in the trials and crucifixion of Jesus. Teaching Points The Model of Humility and SubmissionJesus' silence in the face of suffering exemplifies humility and submission to God's will. Believers are called to trust in God's plan, even when facing injustice or persecution. The Fulfillment of Prophecy Isaiah 53:7 is a powerful testament to the accuracy and reliability of biblical prophecy, encouraging believers to trust in the Scriptures. The Sacrificial Lamb Jesus as the Lamb of God highlights the necessity of His sacrifice for the atonement of sin. This calls believers to live lives of gratitude and worship. Responding to Injustice Jesus' response to oppression teaches believers to respond to personal injustice with grace and patience, leaving judgment to God. The Power of Silence There is strength in choosing silence over retaliation. Believers can learn to practice restraint and seek God's wisdom in their responses. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Isaiah 53:7?2. How does Isaiah 53:7 foreshadow Jesus' silent suffering during His trial? 3. What does "He did not open His mouth" teach about humility? 4. How can we emulate Christ's patience in suffering as seen in Isaiah 53:7? 5. What New Testament events fulfill the prophecy in Isaiah 53:7? 6. How does Isaiah 53:7 deepen our understanding of Christ's sacrificial love? 7. How does Isaiah 53:7 foreshadow the suffering of Jesus Christ? 8. Why is the imagery of a lamb significant in Isaiah 53:7? 9. How does Isaiah 53:7 align with the New Testament portrayal of Jesus? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 53? What Does Isaiah 53:7 Mean He was oppressed and afflictedIsaiah paints a picture of the Servant enduring crushing external pressure and deep internal suffering. • In the Gospels we see Jesus surrounded by injustice: false accusations (Matthew 26:59-61), brutal mockery and beating (Luke 22:63-65), and the scourging that preceded the cross (John 19:1-3). • “Surely He took on our infirmities and carried our sorrows” (Isaiah 53:4) links His oppression to a substitutionary purpose—He bears what rightly belongs to us. • Acts 8:30-35 confirms this verse speaks of Jesus; Philip explains to the Ethiopian that the One Isaiah describes is “Jesus” who suffered though innocent. Yet He did not open His mouth Silence here is not weakness but willing submission. • During His trial, “He gave no answer, not even to a single charge” (Matthew 27:12-14). • Peter later highlights this deliberate restraint: “When He was reviled, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats” (1 Peter 2:23). • The Servant’s quiet acceptance fulfills the Father’s redemptive plan (John 18:11). His silence speaks louder than any self-defense, testifying to perfect trust and obedience. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter The imagery shifts to sacrificial language familiar to every Israelite. • John the Baptist identifies Jesus: “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). • Passover foreshadowed this moment (Exodus 12:5-7). Paul echoes it: “Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed” (1 Corinthians 5:7). • Revelation portrays the triumphant yet still-slain Lamb (Revelation 5:6), underscoring the everlasting significance of this sacrifice. As a sheep before her shearers is silent A sheared sheep loses its fleece without protest; it yields to hands that remove what it bears. • Jesus allowed sinful men to strip Him—of clothing (Matthew 27:28), of dignity, and ultimately of life. • Isaiah couples humiliation with purpose: “By His wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). The Servant’s quiet surrender secures our restoration. So He did not open His mouth The repetition bookends the verse, stressing the wonder of His self-imposed silence. • Pilate was amazed: “Pilate was amazed that He made no answer” (Mark 15:5). The governor had never encountered such composure under threat of death. • Christ’s silence fulfilled prophecy precisely, reinforcing the reliability of Scripture (Luke 24:25-27). • His choice models how believers may respond when suffering for righteousness’ sake (1 Peter 2:20-21). summary Isaiah 53:7 foretells Jesus’ willing, silent submission to unjust suffering as God’s sacrificial Lamb. Though oppressed and afflicted, He uttered no protest, fulfilling prophecy and accomplishing redemption. His silence magnifies His sovereignty, His love, and Scripture’s accuracy, inviting us to trust and follow the Lamb who bore our sins. (7) He was afflicted . . .—More accurately, He let himself be afflicted, as implying the voluntary acceptance of the suffering.Opened not his mouth.—The silence of absolute acquiescence, as in Psalm 38:14; Psalm 39:9. As a lamb to the slaughter.—It is suggestive, as bearing both on the question of authorship, and that of partial fulfilment, that Jeremiah (Jeremiah 11:19) appropriates the description to himself. In our Lord’s silence before the Sanhedrin and Pilate it is allowable to trace a conscious fulfilment of Isaiah’s words (Matthew 26:62; Matthew 27:14... Verse 7. - He was oppressed. As Israel under the Egyptian taskmasters (Exodus 3:7). The cruel ill usage in the high priest's house, and before Herod is, perhaps, specially pointed at. He was afflicted; rather, he abased himself (comp. Isaiah 31:4 and Exodus 10:3). The position of the emphatic pronoun (hu) between the first participle and the second detaches the second clause from the first and conjoins it with the third. Otherwise the rendering of the Authorized Version might stand. Translate, He was oppressed, but he abased himself and opened not his mouth. The silence of Jesus before his judges (Matthew 26:62, 63; Matthew 27:14), when he could so easily have vindicated himself from every charge, was a self-abasement. It seemed like an admission of guilt. He opened not his mouth (comp. Psalm 38:13, 14; Psalm 39:2, 9). The contrast of the Servant's silence and passivity with men's ordinary vehemence of self-assertion under ill usage is most striking. Who was ever silent but he under such extremity of provocation? (For a contrast, see the account of the Jewish martyrdoms in 2 Macc. 7.) He is brought as a lamb; rather, as the lamb. The Paschal lamb is, perhaps, intended, or, at any rate, the lamb of sacrifice. The prophet has often seen the dumb, innocent lamb led in silence to the altar, to be slain there, and thinks of that touching sight. It was probably the use of this imagery here which caused the Baptist to term our Lord "the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). As a sheep before her shearers. A second image, a reflex of the first, somewhat weaker, as so often in Isaiah (Isaiah 1:22, 30; Isaiah 5:18, 24; Isaiah 8:14; Isaiah 10:24, 27, 34; Isaiah 11:8; Isaiah 13:14; Isaiah 24:13; Isaiah 25:7, etc.).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew He was oppressedנִגַּ֨שׂ (nig·gaś) Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5065: To drive, to tax, harass, tyrannize and afflicted, נַעֲנֶה֮ (na·‘ă·neh) Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 6031: To be bowed down or afflicted yet He did not וְלֹ֣א (wə·lō) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no open יִפְתַּח־ (yip̄·taḥ-) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6605: To open wide, to loosen, begin, plough, carve His mouth. פִּיו֒ (pîw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 6310: The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to He was led יוּבָ֔ל (yū·ḇāl) Verb - Hofal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 2986: To conduct, bear along like a lamb כַּשֶּׂה֙ (kaś·śeh) Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7716: A member of a, flock, a sheep, goat to the slaughter, לַטֶּ֣בַח (laṭ·ṭe·ḇaḥ) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2874: Something slaughtered, a beast, butchery and as a sheep וּכְרָחֵ֕ל (ū·ḵə·rā·ḥêl) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-k | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 7353: A ewe before לִפְנֵ֥י (lip̄·nê) Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct Strong's 6440: The face her shearers גֹזְזֶ֖יהָ (ḡō·zə·ze·hā) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular Strong's 1494: To cut off, to shear a, flock, shave the hair, to destroy an enemy is silent, נֶאֱלָ֑מָה (ne·’ĕ·lā·māh) Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 481: To tie fast, to be tongue-tied so He did not וְלֹ֥א (wə·lō) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no open יִפְתַּ֖ח (yip̄·taḥ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6605: To open wide, to loosen, begin, plough, carve His mouth. פִּֽיו׃ (pîw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 6310: The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to Additonal Resources Isaiah 53:7 Blue Letter BibleIsaiah 53:7 Bible Gateway Isaiah 53:7 Bible.com Isaiah 53:7 NIV |
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