By His Stripes We Are Healed – Meaning of Isaiah 53:5

The Bible passage “By His stripes we are healed” is found in the Old Testament book of Isaiah and is referenced in the New Testament as well. It carries profound significance and speaks to the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, connecting His suffering and sacrifice with the spiritual healing and restoration of humanity. Let’s delve into the extensive meaning of this passage:

The passage comes from Isaiah 53:5, which reads (New King James Version):

“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes, we are healed.”

1. Messianic Prophecy: Isaiah 53 is a Messianic prophecy, foretelling the coming of a Savior who would bear the burdens of humanity and bring redemption through His suffering. Christians believe this prophecy finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is regarded as the Messiah.
2. Atonement for Sin: The passage emphasizes that Jesus’ suffering, depicted as wounds, bruises, and stripes, was not just a random act of violence but had a profound purpose. It speaks of the concept of atonement, where Jesus took upon Himself the punishment and consequences of humanity’s sin. His wounds and stripes represent the physical and emotional agony He endured on the cross to provide forgiveness and reconciliation between God and humanity.
3. Spiritual Healing: The phrase “by His stripes, we are healed” refers primarily to spiritual healing. Through Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection, humanity can be healed from the spiritual consequences of sin, which include separation from God, guilt, shame, and brokenness. His wounds became the means of salvation and restoration, offering a path for individuals to find forgiveness, peace, and eternal life.
4. Physical Healing: While the primary focus is on spiritual healing, some interpret “by His stripes, we are healed” to include physical healing as well. The belief is that God’s redemptive work through Jesus extends to the physical realm, and healing from sickness or infirmity can be sought through faith in Christ.
5. Divine Exchange: The passage reveals the concept of a divine exchange, where Jesus took upon Himself the consequences of humanity’s sin and offered His righteousness in return. He bore our wounds and afflictions so that we might receive His healing and righteousness. This exchange is a powerful expression of God’s love and grace towards humanity.
6. Personal Application: The message of “by His stripes we are healed” invites individuals to accept and appropriate the benefits of Jesus’ sacrifice personally. It calls for faith and trust in Christ’s finished work on the cross for salvation and healing. Through belief in Him, individuals can experience the transformative power of His love, grace, and healing in their lives.

Bible verses on Healing

Here is a selection of some notable Bible verses on healing:

1. Exodus 15:26 (NIV) “He said, ‘If you listen carefully to the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you.'”
2. Psalm 103:2-3 (NIV) “Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases.”
3. Isaiah 53:5 (NIV) “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds, we are healed.”
4. Jeremiah 30:17 (NIV) “But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the LORD.”
5. Matthew 4:23-24 (NIV) “Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.”
6. Matthew 8:16-17 (NIV) “When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: ‘He took up our infirmities and bore our diseases.'”
7. Mark 5:34 (NIV) “He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.'”
8. Luke 6:19 (NIV) “and the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all.”
9. James 5:14-15 (NIV) “Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.”
10. 1 Peter 2:24 (NIV) “He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; ‘by his wounds, you have been healed.'”

In conclusion, the Bible passage “by His stripes we are healed” encapsulates the heart of the Christian faith, pointing to the redemptive work of Jesus Christ on the cross. It speaks of the spiritual healing and restoration made possible through His suffering and sacrifice. It invites all who believe to partake in the divine exchange and receive forgiveness, peace, and the gift of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.