Expanded study on the "Healed" of Isaiah 53:5

Expanded study on the "Healed" of Isaiah 53:5


Word Studies Healing

Preamble: The following study focuses on the word "healed" from Isaiah 53. This is the Hebrew word Rapha' . The following is not an exhaustive study on healing, in and of itself. The focus is Isaiah's prophecy and how that prophecy should be viewed in the light of scripture.

Healing is one of those topics that seems to run the full gamut in the church. There are those who believe that God heals no one with no exception. For these, the healings in the New Testament were solely for the purpose of showing that Christ was the true savior and those healings ended once the New Testament was written and the church was established. There are others who believe that without question, in this very life, everyone is to be healed without fail. There are those who preach that healing power rests in God and that God is completely sovereign, and there are those who say that whether or not healing occurs is a matter of our faith that we grow and we administer. If we can just be tenacious enough, and be careful not to say anything to negate our faith, faith will do whatever we set it out to do. If we aren't being healed, then we must dig in harder because it is us who has done something incorrectly.

In reference to Isaiah 53:4-5Isaiah 53:4-5 (ESV)
Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.
, the former group, which says that no one is healed today, often points to Matthew 8:16-17, showing that the healing prophesied in Isaiah 53 was fulfilled and therefore, is done with:

When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: “He Himself took our infirmities And bore our sicknesses." (NKJV)

The latter group, believing that healing will always come if we have done things correctly often point to verses such as Isaiah 53:5Isaiah 53:5 (ESV)
But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.
, stating that healing is a part of the covenant which provides our salvation (for spirit, soul, and body); and Luke 17:6, which says “If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you." (NKJV) (here, the "if you have faith" is often stressed). This camp often uses the examples of Jesus as examples perfectly set for today's world because (as it is said), Jesus is "perfect theology." While this sounds good, you sure do have to throw out large portions of the Bible if Jesus (as only seen in the New Testament stories about him and in what he said) is the full and perfect theology of God. I would argue that the Bible as a whole is the perfect theology of God. Interestingly, John chapter 1John 1:1-5, 14 (ESV)
1-5: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

14: And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
would say that Jesus is the full Word of God (Bible) as well ("and the Word became flesh") - so in that sense, I would agree that Jesus is the perfect theology of God, but this is not what is meant when you typically hear that phrase.

The above extremes are not the only positions you'll find in churches today. There are many opinions and teachings between the diverse teachings. I've wrestled in this continuum for years. I certainly don't believe the former. I've been healed and I've seen many healings. God does heal today! Cessationist theology is easily shown incorrect with scripture. And while I may have at one time been closer to the latter camp which states that everyone is always healed today, more and more of that camp's teachings have begun to sit off with me. I've realized I'd have to ignore numerous parts of the Bible for their points to work. Also, simple observation has to make you question. Many people of great faith simply aren't healed, despite prayer, prophecies, and promises. The word of faith movement has very questionable beginnings (a history I encourage everyone to study) and preaches a "truth" that is not practiced by the preachers themselves. I've known people who refuse to go to doctors as they see it as a lack of faith; I've heard preachers preach that trusting in a physician shows a lack of faith, yet these very preachers, when faced with a difficult physical challenge, typically go to doctors themselves. When researched, this too is an interesting study which reveals that the word of faith preachers themselves often don't trust in the very words they preach. And let's face it, if what they preach and show on their personal TV shows were completely real, we'd see similar happenings more often outside of those very TV shows.

For this study, I want to look at Isaiah 53:5 and the word "healed."  Looking at the New King James, verse 5 is the only verse in this chapter which contains the word "healed." The verse reads:

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.

This verse is the most common verse I've heard regarding "proof" that physical healing is guaranteed to all Christians today. It is said that the verse speaks to our sin and the guilt for that sin (transgressions and iniquities - our spiritual healing), our peace (mental healing) and in the last line, our physical healing, which occurs because of "His stripes." I know I've preached this myself.

The word for "healed" in this verse is translated from Strongs H7495: rapha' . In this instance, it is in the perfect tense, suggesting a completed action. It could therefore be read, "And by His stripes we are already healed." It is also of the Niphal stem, which here represents the passive voice. The healing is something that is done to us, not something we do to ourselves (compare "we healed" {as in our healing others} to "we were healed" {by someone else}).

From this we can say that our healing (however we will define it) is something that was already done to us.

So what does "healed" (rapha' - H7495) mean? Strongs Concordance gives this definition: a primitive root; properly, to mend (by stitching), i.e. (figuratively) to cure:—cure, (cause to) heal, physician, repair, × (This symbol denotes a rendering that results from an idiom peculiar to the Hebrew) thoroughly, make whole.

The Gesenius' Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon adds the following: (Qal tense) Rapha' means (1) properly, to sew together, to mend. This root imitates the sound of a person sewing rapidly (thus the definition to mend by stitching). (2). To heal (a wound, a wounded person - which is done by sewing up the wound). (2a). God is said to heal a person, a people, a land, i.e. to restore to pristine felicity (sometimes from the calamities He inflicted). (2b). To pardon. (2c). Rapha' is also used for "to comfort". The passive voice (Niphal tense) of (1) above would be "be made whole again." The passive of (2) can be "to be healed," whether a disease or a sick person himself. Isaiah 53:5 could be stated, "there was healing to us," i.e., God pardoned us. Bitter water can also be healed. The active form of the verb (Piel tense) could be stated as (1) to mend, to repair (as in a broken alter), (2), to heal, as a wound, the sick, water, and can also mean "to comfort." (3) In the transitive sense, it can mean "to cause to be healed, to take the charge of healing." In the reflexive Hithpael tense, it would mean "to cause oneself to be healed."

The word "rapha'" is used only 67 times in the old testament. To get a better sense of how this word is used, all 67 occurrences are listed below by scripture reference with a brief commentary as to what the healing was.

Genesis 20:17Genesis 20:17 (ESV)
Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech, and also healed his wife and female slaves so that they bore children.
- opening up of the wombs that the Lord himself had previously closed.

Genesis 50:2Genesis 50:2 (ESV)
And Joseph commanded his servants the physicians to embalm his father. So the physicians embalmed Israel.
- referencing physicians (used as a noun in English) who would embalm Joseph's father. Here it is the active participle verb form and might be translated, "the ones who do healing."

Exodus 15:26Exodus 15:26 (ESV)
saying, “If you will diligently listen to the voice of the Lord your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and give ear to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, your healer.”
- this is the great "I AM" declaration of God being Jehovah Rapha, the "Lord who heals you." It is interesting that in this verse God heals us by not putting diseases on us as he had on the Egyptians (if we diligently heed the voice of the Lord our God and do what is right in his site, giving ear to his commandments and keeping all his statutes).

Exodus 21:19Exodus 21:19 (ESV)
then if the man rises again and walks outdoors with his staff, he who struck him shall be clear; only he shall pay for the loss of his time, and shall have him thoroughly healed.
- refers to physical healing, provided by doctors, at the expense of the one who caused the injury.

Leviticus 13:18Leviticus 13:18 (ESV)
“If there is in the skin of one's body a boil and it heals,
- refers to bodily healing of a boil.

Leviticus 13:37Leviticus 13:37 (ESV)
But if in his eyes the itch is unchanged and black hair has grown in it, the itch is healed and he is clean, and the priest shall pronounce him clean.
- refers to bodily healing of a scale on the skin.

Leviticus 14:3Leviticus 14:3 (ESV)
and the priest shall go out of the camp, and the priest shall look. Then, if the case of leprous disease is healed in the leprous person,
- refers to leprosy being healed.

Leviticus  14:48Leviticus  14:48 (ESV)
“But if the priest comes and looks, and if the disease has not spread in the house after the house was plastered, then the priest shall pronounce the house clean, for the disease is healed.
- refers to a plague on a house (think black mold) being healed (by facet of the plastering of the house to fix the problem).

Numbers 12:13Numbers 12:13 (ESV)
And Moses cried to the Lord, “O God, please heal her—please.”
- refers to Moses asking God to heal Miriam of leprosy.

Deuteronomy 28:27 and 28:35Deuteronomy 28:27 & 28:35 (ESV)
28:27 The Lord will strike you with the boils of Egypt, and with tumors and scabs and itch, of which you cannot be healed.

28:35 The Lord will strike you on the knees and on the legs with grievous boils of which you cannot be healed, from the sole of your foot to the crown of your head.
- refers to the not healing of skin conditions given by the Lord (from which you cannot be healed).

Deuteronomy 32:39Deuteronomy 32:39 (ESV)
‘See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god beside me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand.
- refers to God as the one who wounds and heals (along with kills and makes alive).

1 Samuel 6:31 Samuel 6:3 (ESV)
They said, “If you send away the ark of the God of Israel, do not send it empty, but by all means return him a guilt offering. Then you will be healed, and it will be known to you why his hand does not turn away from you.”
- refers to the hoped removing of the plague from the Philistines who were cursed by God for having the Ark of God.

1 Kings 18:301 Kings 18:30 (ESV)
Then Elijah said to all the people, “Come near to me.” And all the people came near to him. And he repaired the altar of the LORD that had been thrown down.
- refers to Elijah's repairing the alter of the Lord which had been broken.

2 Kings 2:21-222 Kings 2:21-22 (ESV)
Then he went to the spring of water and threw salt in it and said, “Thus says the LORD, I have healed this water; from now on neither death nor miscarriage shall come from it.” So the water has been healed to this day, according to the word that Elisha spoke.
- refers to the healing of water which was bad

2 Kings 8:29 and 9:152 Kings 8:29 & 9:15 (ESV)
8:29 And King Joram returned to be healed in Jezreel of the wounds that the Syrians had given him at Ramah, when he fought against Hazael king of Syria. And Ahaziah the son of Jehoram king of Judah went down to see Joram the son of Ahab in Jezreel, because he was sick.

9:15 but King Joram had returned to be healed in Jezreel of the wounds that the Syrians had given him, when he fought with Hazael king of Syria.) So Jehu said, “If this is your decision, then let no one slip out of the city to go and tell the news in Jezreel.”
- refers to recovering from physical wounds received in battle.

2 Kings 20:5, 82 Kings 20:5, 8 (ESV)
Turn back, and say to Hezekiah the leader of my people, Thus says the LORD, the God of David your father: I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will heal you. On the third day you shall go up to the house of the Lord... And Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “What shall be the sign that the Lord will heal me, and that I shall go up to the house of the Lord on the third day?”
- refers to God's healing Hezekiah of a malady (after God initially said he would die).

2 Chronicles 7:142 Chronicles 7:14 (ESV)
if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
- refers to God healing the land of the lack of rain and pestilence that He had previously sent, if His people would humble themselves, pray, seek his face, and turn from their wicked ways.

2 Chronicles 16:122 Chronicles 16:12 (ESV)
In the thirty-ninth year of his reign Asa was diseased in his feet, and his disease became severe. Yet even in his disease he did not seek the Lord, but sought help from physicians.
- refers to physical healing sought via physicians without seeking the Lord (not seeking the Lord for being Lord - this does not condemn Asa for not seeking the Lord for his healing, but as a whole)

2 Chronicles 22:62 Chronicles 22:6 (ESV)
and he returned to be healed in Jezreel of the wounds that he had received at Ramah, when he fought against Hazael king of Syria. And Ahaziah the son of Jehoram king of Judah went down to see Joram the son of Ahab in Jezreel, because he was wounded.
- refers to recovering from wounds received in battle.

2 Chronicles 30:202 Chronicles 30:20 (ESV)
And the Lord heard Hezekiah and healed the people.
- refers to God giving purification to people who had not correctly purified themselves according to the Jewish rules laid down by Moses. This is a spiritual healing/cleansing.

Job 5:18Job 5:18 (ESV)
For he wounds, but he binds up; he shatters, but his hands heal.
- Job is crediting God as being the one who "makes whole" after God has wounded (Job did not have the behind the scenes view we do to know that in this case, Satan was doing the wounding with God's permission).

Job 13:4Job 13:4 (ESV)
As for you, you whitewash with lies; worthless physicians are you all.
- referring to physicians.

Psalm 6:2Psalm 6:2 (ESV)
Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am languishing; heal me, O Lord, for my bones are troubled.
- This Psalm of David refers to David asking God to give healing from the emotional and physical anguish caused by David's sin.

Psalm 30:2Psalm 30:2 (ESV)
O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me.
- refers to healing brought by God when David cried to him. From the other verses, this is likely the healing of salvation (from God's anger and from enemies)

Psalm 41:4Psalm 41:4 (ESV)
As for me, I said, “O Lord, be gracious to me; heal me, for I have sinned against you!”
- David is asking for healing of his soul as he has sinned against God

Psalm 60:2Psalm 60:2 (ESV)
You have made the land to quake; you have torn it open; repair its breaches, for it totters.
- refers to the healing of the earth which has been broken and made to tremble by God.

Psalm 103:3Psalm 103:3 (ESV)
who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases,
- refers to the healing of diseases (listed as a benefit of God along with forgiving of all sins).

Psalm 107:20Psalm 107:17-20 (ESV)
Some were fools through their sinful ways, and because of their iniquities suffered affliction; ​they loathed any kind of food, and they drew near to the gates of death. ​Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction.
- refers to the healing of those in distress because of their sin when they cried out to God (the distress is specified in vs. 17-18: "Fools, because of their transgression, And because of their iniquities, were afflicted. Their soul abhorred all manner of food, And they drew near to the gates of death.")

Psalm 147:3Psalm 147:3 (ESV)
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
- refers to the healing of the brokenhearted, the outcasts of Israel.

Ecclesiastes 3:3Ecclesiastes 3:3 (ESV)
a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
- there is a season for everything (A time to kill, a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up).

Approximately 9% of the uses of rapha' are found in Isaiah, from where our source scripture originates. It is noted that no use of rapha' by Isaiah clearly and plainly points to physical healing alone. Isaiah always seems to be talking about a spiritual healing (from sins/backsliding/etc.) though in some verses, a physical healing could also be assumed to be included with the spiritual healing. The primary, though, is always spiritual when used in Isaiah.

Isaiah 6:10Isaiah 6:10 (ESV)
Make the heart of this people dull, and their ears heavy, and blind their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.”
- refers to a spiritual healing and understanding for a dull people (not a physical healing).

Isaiah 19:22Isaiah 19:22 (ESV)
And the Lord will strike Egypt, striking and healing, and they will return to the Lord, and he will listen to their pleas for mercy and heal them.
- refers to the healing of Egypt who God will strike; they will return to the Lord as the Lord will send them a savior and a mighty one (not a physical healing).

Isaiah 30:26Isaiah 30:26 (ESV)
Moreover, the light of the moon will be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun will be sevenfold, as the light of seven days, in the day when the Lord binds up the brokenness of his people, and heals the wounds inflicted by his blow.
- a prophecy of future healing of his people/land/nature from the effects of sin. It would seem this is still to come.

Isaiah 53:5Isaiah 53:5 (ESV)
But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.
- referring to us as a people (those who have accepted Christ) and the healing that acceptance will bring. This most certainly refers to a spiritual healing as seen in context of the entire chapter, but there is no reason in the verse itself not to find application for physical healing. The main purpose, though, in light of Isaiah 53, is the spiritual healing bought for us by Christ's sufferings. This will be discussed more below.

Isaiah 57:18-19Isaiah 57:17-19 (ESV)
17 Because of the iniquity of his unjust gain I was angry, I struck him; I hid my face and was angry, but he went on backsliding in the way of his own heart.
18 I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; I will lead him and restore comfort to him and his mourners,
19 creating the fruit of the lips. Peace, peace, to the far and to the near,” says the Lord, “and I will heal him.
- refers to a spiritual healing of a people. Physical healing could be included here as well, but the primary message is of spiritual healing. The healing is a return from backslidings.

Over 16% of the times rapha' is used is in Jeremiah. Very much like the first major prophet, Isaiah, all instances of healing in Jeremiah refer to healing in a spiritual sense. While there are a small number of verses that could possibly be interpreted as referring to physical healing, in no instance is such healing the primary mode of healing being discussed in the verse.

Jeremiah 3:22Jeremiah 3:22 (ESV)
“Return, O faithless sons; I will heal your faithlessness.” “Behold, we come to you, for you are the Lord our God.
- refers to healing of backsliding.

Jeremiah 6:14 and 8:11Jeremiah 6:14 & 8:11 (ESV)
6:14 They have healed the wound of my people lightly, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace.

8:11 They have healed the wound of my people lightly, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace.
- referring to the false healing of false prophets who say "peace peace" when there is no peace.

Jeremiah 8:22Jeremiah 8:22 (ESV)
Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then has the health of the daughter of my people not been restored?
- referring to a spiritual physician needed for a broken people.

Jeremiah 15:18Jeremiah 15:18 (ESV)
Why is my pain unceasing, my wound incurable, refusing to be healed? Will you be to me like a deceitful brook, like waters that fail?
- referring to a wound that won't be healed... the wound seems to be the pain of being isolated and persecuted for following God.

Jeremiah 17:14Jeremiah 17:14 (ESV)
Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise.
- "Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; Save me, and I shall be saved..." (this seems to refer to a general saving and healing; not necessarily physical, but not denying the physical either).

Jeremiah 19:11Jeremiah 19:11 (ESV)
and shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts: So will I break this people and this city, as one breaks a potter's vessel, so that it can never be mended. Men shall bury in Topheth because there will be no place else to bury.
- here, made whole would refer to restoration to a people and city which have been broken by God as one breaks a potter's vessel.

Jeremiah 30:17Jeremiah 30:17 (ESV)
For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, declares the Lord, because they have called you an outcast: ‘It is Zion, for whom no one cares!’
- while this could refer to physical healing, when read in context of the chapter, this is primarily about God's restoration of his people.

Jeremiah 33:6Jeremiah 33:6 (ESV)
Behold, I will bring to it health and healing, and I will heal them and reveal to them abundance of prosperity and security.
- here the healing is for a city (not physical healing for the people - but healing for the city itself).

Jeremiah 51:8-9Jeremiah 51:8-9 (ESV)
Suddenly Babylon has fallen and been broken; wail for her! Take balm for her pain; perhaps she may be healed. We would have healed Babylon, but she was not healed. Forsake her, and let us go each to his own country, for her judgment has reached up to heaven and has been lifted up even to the skies.
- refers to the healing of Babylon (the healing of a city, similar to 33:6 above).

All the uses of rapha' in Lamentations, Ezekiel, Hosea, and Zechariah refer to spiritual healing.

Lamentations 2:13Lamentations 2:13 (ESV)
What can I say for you, to what compare you, O daughter of Jerusalem? What can I liken to you, that I may comfort you, O virgin daughter of Zion? For your ruin is vast as the sea; who can heal you?
- refers to spiritual healing.

Ezekiel 34:4Ezekiel 34:4 (ESV)
The weak you have not strengthened, the sick you have not healed, the injured you have not bound up, the strayed you have not brought back, the lost you have not sought, and with force and harshness you have ruled them.
- refers to spiritual and possibly physical healing that was the responsibility of the shepherds of God who were self-seeking. This would be similar to the type of healing that would be the responsibility of a pastor or caretaker of a people.

Ezekiel 47:8-9, 11Ezekiel 47:8-9, 11 (ESV)
And he said to me, “This water flows toward the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah, and enters the sea; when the water flows into the sea, the water will become fresh. And wherever the river goes, every living creature that swarms will live, and there will be very many fish. For this water goes there, that the waters of the sea may become fresh; so everything will live where the river goes... But its swamps and marshes will not become fresh; they are to be left for salt.
- refers to healing waters in Ezekiel's vision. Vs. 11 refers to marshes and swamps that will not be healed.

Hosea 5:13Hosea 5:13 (ESV)
When Ephraim saw his sickness, and Judah his wound, then Ephraim went to Assyria, and sent to the great king. But he is not able to cure you or heal your wound.
- this speaks to a physical healing, but the sickness and healing are clearly only representative of the spiritual state of God's people.

Hosea 6:1Hosea 6:1 (ESV)
“Come, let us return to the Lord; for he has torn us, that he may heal us; he has struck us down, and he will bind us up.
- refers to healing of wounds the Lord has inflicted ("Come, and let us return to the Lord; For He has torn, but He will heal us; He has stricken, but He will bind us up."). This is using a physical condition to refer to a spiritual state.

Hosea 7:1, 11:3, and 14:4Hosea 7:1, 11:3 & 14:4 (ESV)
7:1 When I would heal Israel, the iniquity of Ephraim is revealed, and the evil deeds of Samaria; for they deal falsely; the thief breaks in, and the bandits raid outside.

11:3 Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk; I took them up by their arms, but they did not know that I healed them.

14:4 I will heal their apostasy; I will love them freely, for my anger has turned from them.
- refers to spiritual healing of a people, even from their apostasy (14:4).

Zechariah 11:16Zechariah 11:16 (ESV)
For behold, I am raising up in the land a shepherd who does not care for those being destroyed, or seek the young or heal the maimed or nourish the healthy, but devours the flesh of the fat ones, tearing off even their hoofs.
- Similar to Ezekiel 34:4Ezekiel 34:4 (ESV)
The weak you have not strengthened, the sick you have not healed, the injured you have not bound up, the strayed you have not brought back, the lost you have not sought, and with force and harshness you have ruled them.
, this refers to the healing that should come via the shepherds of God.

In reviewing all of the uses of rapha' above, less than 25% of the passages speak solely to a physical healing. Often, the malady being healed was actually a malady directly related to the sin of the people.  Several of the instances referring to physical healing are from Leviticus and the laws concerning leprosy or other skin conditions.

Most instances of rapha' refer to spiritual healing, which at times may have a physical component. Spiritual healing, though, is the primary use of this word - especially when used in the prophetic books. The prophecies regarding the future church is that God would draw us back in, bringing spiritual healing. The prophecies using rapha' do not focus on physical healing though they may use physical healing as a component of - or representation of spiritual healing. Spiritual healing is the goal, but physical healing may be manifest in the fulfillment of that goal.

When viewed this way the claim that Isaiah 53:5 ("and with his stripes we are healed.") speaks specifically to physical healing in and of itself is poorly supported. If this is the case, then the word is used in a contrary manner and with a unique meaning to how it is otherwise exclusively used not only by Isaiah, but by all of the prophets. If we let scripture interpret scripture, we would not likely come to this popular conclusion regarding Isaiah 53:5Isaiah 53:5 (ESV)
But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.
. I don't say this to disprove that God heals. I've already stated I believe God heals. But to study the Bible honestly, I find it weak ground to say that per Isaiah 53:5, current physical healing is the primary intent of the prophecy. In looking at all of Isaiah 53, it does become clear that Jesus did indeed bear our sin, sickness, mental anguish and everything else that results from our being fallen creatures. Ultimately, we will be delivered from all these things because of what Jesus accomplished at the cross, but as we shall see, we are not necessarily delivered of all these things in this life. The simple fact is, if we were delivered of all the effects of sin in this life because of the cross, we would be a perfect people and we would never die physically upon becoming a Christian.

Some use Isaiah 53:5Isaiah 53:5 (ESV)
Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.
to say that all Christians everywhere should be perfectly healed, just as we are perfectly forgiven. Interestingly, some use Isaiah 53:4-5Isaiah 53:4-5 (ESV)
But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.
to show that healing is no longer relevant today as the Isaiah prophecies were fulfilled in Matthew 8. As mentioned previously, some cessationists will point to Matthew 8:16-17Matthew 8:16-17 (ESV)
That evening they brought to him many who were oppressed by demons, and he cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick. This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: “He took our illnesses and bore our diseases.”
as being the ultimate and complete fulfillment of the prophecy of healing found in Isaiah 53. This is clearly not a logical interpretation of these verses, as healing is completely entwined with the forgiveness of sin. If the prophecies in Isaiah 53 were completed in this one incident, then all of us would be in sad shape, as the prophecy as a whole would no longer be relevant to us and we would no longer have forgiveness of sins. What Matthew likely meant in his writing was that one had come who was the fulfillment of the prophecies and who would ultimately fulfill the prophecies (at the cross). With this interpretation, the prophecy of salvation is available for all who believe through all of time. With this interpretation, we can also know that it was indeed Jesus who bore every aspect of the consequences of sin (including sickness) and ultimately, we will see the deliverance bought for us because of this (at the end of this age, and in parts, before). Further, because healing of sickness is shown to occur because of the Isaiah 53 prophecies, we are negated from attempting to claim that physical healing is not included in what Jesus did for us (this greatly weakens the incorrect cessationist argument).

To support this last point, we must remember that Isaiah 53:4Isaiah 53:4 (ESV)
Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.
's "griefs" is the Hebrew word choliy (Strongs H2483). This word literally means "disease/sickness." It is interesting that Matthew took care to not allow this word to be "spiritualized" in his writing. The Greek Septuagint (the Greek rendering of the original Hebrew Old Testament) uses the word odynaō (Strongs G3600 ὀδυνάω) to translate the Hebrew choliy.  Odynaō means sorrow or torment - a rather vague term for the purpose of this discussion. Matthew instead chose not to quote from the Greek Septuagint. Rather, when Matthew quoted Isaiah, he wrote: “He Himself took our infirmities (Strongs G769) And bore our sicknesses (Strongs G3554)”

Strongs G769 is astheneia, and this word is best translated as infirmities, weakness, disease and sickness.

Strongs G3554 is nosos, and this word is best translated as disease, infirmity, or sickness -  all physical ailments. In fact, Strongs specifies that this word is not used figuratively or of moral disability. An overview of biblical usage confirms this word speaks to the physical.

While the "healed" of Isaiah 53:5Isaiah 53:5 (ESV)
Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.
may not speak specifically to the physical, Matthew leaves no question with his quoting Isaiah 53:4 that Jesus did take on our physical ailments, just as he took on every other aspect of our fallen state.

The Greek of "healed" from Isaiah 53:5Isaiah 53:5 (ESV)
Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.
, as translated in the Septuagint is Strong's G2390 (iaomai). This is also the word Peter uses in 1 Peter 2:241 Peter 2:24 (ESV)
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.
when he quotes Isaiah 53:5Isaiah 53:5 (ESV)
Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.
from the Old Testament. Iaomai, much like the Hebrew rapha', speaks both to physical and spiritual healing. Only used 30 times in the New Testament, the word typically speaks to physical healing in individualized situations (such as in Matthew 8:8, 13Matthew 8:8, 13 (ESV)
8 But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed.

13 And to the centurion Jesus said, “Go; let it be done for you as you have believed.” And the servant was healed at that very moment.
and Luke 8:47Luke 8:47 (ESV)
And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed.
) and it speaks to spiritual healing when referencing prophetic passages and passages speaking to God healing a people (rather than a person) (such as in Matthew 13:15/Acts 28:27Matthew 13:15 & Acts 28:27 (ESV)
Matthew 13:15 For this people's heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.

Acts 28:27 For this people's heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed; lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.
and  John 12:40John 12:40 (ESV)
He has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, lest they see with their eyes, and understand with their heart, and turn, and I would heal them.
).

Knowing that Isaiah 53:5Isaiah 53:5 (ESV)
Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.
's "healed" speaks most directly to spiritual healing of a people (and this is likely how God ultimately sees our healing - as spiritual, for he sees us as spiritual beings and he is most interested in our eternal salvation), we need to consider what Jesus took upon himself to purchase that healing for us. We just saw that Matthew confirmed physical sickness was a part of this, but we must consider everything. Looking at Isaiah 53:3-5Isaiah 53:3-5 (ESV)
He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. ​But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.
, we have:

He is despised and rejected by men, (Jesus took on rejection by the world) 
A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. (Jesus took on sorrow and grief - grief is literally disease/sickness - Strongs H2483, choliy)
And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; (rejection from his own people)
He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. (hatred and lack of consideration for who he really was)
Surely He has borne our griefs (confirmation he took on OUR disease/sickness) 

And carried our sorrows; (OUR mental and physical pain, sorrow - Strongs H4341)
Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. (in our foolishness, people thought God was punishing Jesus for his own sins)

But He was wounded for our transgressions, (the correction to the above - he was not wounded for his sins, but for ours)
He was bruised for our iniquities; (he took on the punishment for our sin)
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, (He took on OUR guilt born because of sin)

And by His stripes we are healed.

And by His stripes we are healed is the first place where this text speaks of us rather than of him. For the previous three verses, the scripture lists the many aspects of what Jesus went through for our healing. He took upon himself undeserved rejection (from strangers and his own people), our grief, sorrow, our disease, our sickness, our sin, the punishment for our sin, and the lack of peace that comes from having sin. And finally, at the end of verse 5, we see that because of all that he took upon himself, by his stripes - representing the very physical demonstration of everything above - we are healed. It is only logical that this is therefore a complete spiritual healing.

So what about physical healing? If Isaiah 53:4-5Isaiah 53:4-5 (ESV)
But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.
speaks to the ultimate spiritual healing that was to be purchased for us and uses words that speak to physical aspects of healing, and if Matthew 8 and the Greek iaomai, astheneia, and nosos also link that healing with the physical, we must ask, what is a Biblical view of how we should see physical healing play out in our lives today?

Seeing as Jesus took on all these things for our ultimate spiritual healing, then how our physical healing plays out should be similar to how everything else plays out. Jesus took on our pain and disease. Jesus took on our sin. Jesus took on our lack of peace. Jesus took on rejection from all people (friends and foes). Jesus took on all these things to ultimately remove them from us - to give us true healing. But we know we don't see the perfect manifestation of any of these things in this world. We know we can't expect such perfection in this world - the Bible simply doesn't paint that picture. So if we don't see perfection regarding sin or peace, then why do we separately think we should see perfection regarding physical health? I don't think we should.

Regarding sin, Paul spoke of struggling to not do what he knew he shouldn't and struggling to do what he knew he should because he was still trapped in a carnal body (See Romans 7). Jesus said if they rejected him they would reject us (See Luke 10:16Luke 10:16 (ESV)
“The one who hears you hears me, and the one who rejects you rejects me, and the one who rejects me rejects him who sent me.”
and John 15:18John 15:18 (ESV)
“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.
). Paul had to live with his thorn, which was a messenger of Satan who buffeted him - clearly causing issues with his peace. Paul says in Galatians 4:13Galatians 4:13-14 (ESV)
You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first, and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus.
"You know that because of physical infirmity I preached the gospel to you at the first" which shows Paul dealt with sickness - and further, it was because of this sickness that Paul preached the gospel to the Galatians! Also, Paul gives examples of others who dealt with sickness during their walk as Christians (see Philippians 2:25-30Philippians 2:25-30 (ESV)
I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.
, 2 Timothy 4:202 Timothy 4:20 (ESV)
Erastus remained at Corinth, and I left Trophimus, who was ill, at Miletus.
). Finally, John implies in Revelation 21:4 and 22:3Revelation 21:4 & 22:3 (ESV)
21:4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

22:3 No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him.
that it is in Heaven at the end of the age where there will be no more death, sorrow, crying, pain, tears, and curse (sickness is part of the curse). If these things will ultimately be wiped away at the end of things, then these things are still here now. And to avoid a misinterpretation, we must remember John is talking to believers here - this does not refer to the removal of those who do not know God and therefore they are the ones who died, sorrowed, cried, had pain, tears, etc. and it is through their removal that these things are removed. That is not what these scripture are saying.

The logical conclusion is that yes, healing is included in the atonement. Sickness and disease are part of what Jesus took upon himself at the cross so that we could be fully healed. However, the fulfillment of that is not yet seen and we, on earth, still struggle with all the things that Jesus took upon himself for us. Does this mean that we should not expect to be healed? Not at all. We should expect healing. We should expect a reduction of sinful living. We should expect an increase in peace. But to say we should expect perfection in these things in this life just isn't biblical when the fullness of scripture is considered. It is interesting that we should expect rejection, even though Jesus suffered rejection as part of the atonement. Even so, many of those who preach perfect health also preach that we should be perfectly esteemed by others, given promotions, and be liked by everyone - an idea not supported in scripture.

While it would be nice to be able to point to the "with his stripes we are healed" of Isaiah 53:5Isaiah 53:5 (ESV)
Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.
to say that in all instances, we should receive perfect physical healing in this life, this interpretation of this verse is not consistent with the meaning of healed as used by all of the Old Testament prophets nor is it in line with the overall interpretation of the Greek rendering of the same word in the New Testament. Yes, this word can refer to healings - in the Bible this is typically shown in isolated incidents. When applied specifically to God's people as a whole, it points to a spiritual healing. Additionally, we have seen that this verse is the culmination of what is given to us because of what Jesus took upon himself. He took every aspect of sin's consequences upon himself, yet for all of those, we still struggle in this life, eagerly awaiting the final redemption. Romans 8:18-25Romans 8:18-25 (ESV)
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
makes it clear - we are waiting in perseverance for what is to ultimately come because of what Jesus did at the cross. Our best life is not now. On this side of eternity, we see and experience only in part (see 1 Corinthians 13:9-121 Corinthians 13:9-12 (ESV)
For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.
) and we look forward in hope for what has not yet fully come. Yes, God heals, and he is sovereign to do so and he does heal today. We should seek him for healing - he purchased it for us, but in those instances when it doesn't happen, we need to realize that we are not alone, our circumstance is not unbiblical, and it may not be an issue of our faith or lack thereof. We need to remember, and even be encouraged, that God used Paul's "physical infirmity" to spread the gospel (Galatians 4:13Galatians 4:13 (ESV)
You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first,
- the Greek, dia (Strongs G1223) shows that it was because of, by, or for the sake of the physical infirmity that Paul preached - it was the channel of Paul's preaching). We need to remember that others in the New Testament times were not healed. We need to keep moving forward, trusting that God's grace is sufficient, no matter the apparent outcome of our prayers, not giving up or blaming ourselves, but looking forward in hope for that final redemption of our bodies which has not yet come, but which is coming (see Romans 8:22-25Romans 8:22-25 (ESV)
For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
). As Romans 8:23 says, we have the first fruits, but at this time we do not have the fullness.


Comments left for this article, saved from an earlier version of this website:

William Bateman said (12/18/2019):

Hi David! I have just found your site here at My Metanoia and I am so excited about the information I have uncovered so far. I have not even begun to dent the amount contained here. From your description of your past life, you are not unlike me. I've come to a point, "it just don't all add up". I have been involved in Pentecostal/Charismatic/Word of Faith preaching and teaching since 1972 with a lot of giving up and going my own way because it just didn't pan out like they said (so frustrated). I haven't read all that is contained in your site but I will stick with it, my friend. This is outstanding material. I have one question no one has been able to answer or can I find any peace of satisfaction in the material I find, so far. I believe YaHoVah heals yesterday, today and will continue to do so in the future until the end of the age when healing is no longer needed for those who chose Jesus Christ. Why are some people totally healed today and others are not. I personally am experiencing that (not being healed), my wife experienced that (not being healed and had to have cataract surgery on both eyes) and many, many people we know experienced that. Others I have seen received instant healing or healing that took place over a very short time. You know what Pentecostal, Charismatic and Word of Faith folks say about all of this, "you don't have enough faith", "you have sin in your life", you are full of unbelief and on and on and on. Can you help me to understand or send me to material that will help me understand, when I obey the Word of God and lay hands on sick folks and they don't recover or why others lay hands on me and I don't recover and have to go through major surgery, what is wrong? Where am I and others missing it? What is the missing link. All I want to know is the truth. I can't have faith or confidence God will heal me when I have nothing but failure to be healed to stand on. I'm not doubting God, I'm doubting "ME" and what I don't know (yet) and regretting I ever heard any healing messages from all those groups I mentioned. I'm tired of all this real good feel good gospel on TV and won't listen to it. I am seeking the truth from the Kingdom of God. Thanks for your help and I am looking forward to hearing from you (a like minded seeker), soon. Thank you in advance. Billy

My response (12/18/2019)

Billy,

Thank you for taking the time to leave your thoughts. I understand your frustration and I think sometimes we have to accept that we're not going to have perfect knowledge on this side of heaven. As I noted in this entry, God sees healing much more thoroughly than we do. We tend to think of "perfect physical healing" but God's healing is much deeper. God knows what we truly need and I do believe he provides that for us - and this is not an instant process. Consider: Some get physically healed and then quit, walking away from God because they no longer have a need for him - they got what they want... for those, did they really need healed, or did they need to strive, continuing to press in to God, getting to know him better, learning to trust him regardless. It's hard to say.

Also, as physical healing is clearly tied with the healing of the whole self, including our propensity to sin and everything that goes with that. It seems odd to me that we would expect Christ's sacrifice to perfectly get rid of physical ailments while we're still trapped in our carnal flesh bodies in this carnal world (a double cage, if you will) yet we seem perfectly content to accept that we'll still sin while we're trapped in these carnal bodies in this carnal world. God doesn't seem to have separated the one from the other, but we have, expecting perfection in the one (healing) but accepting our failings in the other (sin). On this side of heaven we should strive for perfection in both, but accept that we've not been perfectly changed yet - that doesn't happen until we die and are in the presence of the Lord or until he comes back, and we're changed in a twinkling of an eye (see 1 Corinthians 15:52-531 Corinthians 15:52-53 (ESV)
in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”
).

If you've not listened to the video by Joni Eareckson Tada referenced in this entry, then you might enjoy her talk. She speaks well to God's "deeper healing" he desires for us and the way he sometimes uses our pain to show us the greater evil we need to focus on first.

Again, I enjoyed reading your thoughts. Sincerely.

David
Billy's response same day (12/18/2019):

Thank you, David for such a timely response. I appreciate that and the time you took to help me understand more. The information you responded to me with is outstanding. I immediately started seeing and understanding things I hadn't seen before. I would like to ask you a couple more questions in the future, once I get a little more established in how to ask them. You have a great site here, David. Thank you again for you help.

Billy
Response from Greg Shaffer (11/30/2021):

The word Healed has a dual meaning in Hebrew. It could mean "Physical Healing" or "Spiritual Healing" By His Stripes we are Healed. If it were to mean Physical healing then everyone who asked would be healed but that is definitely not the case. It could only mean Spiritual healing where everybody will be Spiritually healed.
Sarah Hann said (12/30/2020):

I enjoy the in depth explanation you have given. Very thorough. However, your commentary seems to hold an experience. Of someone being sick and not getting healed. I feel like there is some bitterness in your words when you clarify your belief that sometimes it is not the Lord's will to physically heal all of the time. I love you brother or sister and I'm so sorry if there is hurt there. I will pray for anything you need and I respect you deeply for fearing the Lord and feeding His sheep.

My Response (1/9/2021):

Thank you for your thoughts. When read alone, I do see how this post could lead you to your conclusion, though hopefully in light of my other posts which speak to healing, the clearer intent might be seen. I do believe God does heal, even today! But there are times when he doesn't as well, as he sovereignly chooses. He always knows his greater purpose and those purposes are always for the greater good, even if we don't understand it in the moment of our pain. So many popular TV/Internet Preachers today falsely claim that in all cases and in all times God always completely heals IF WE have enough faith. If we don't have enough faith, then our lack of healing is our fault, and we bear the full responsibility. Andrew Wommack is an excellent example of someone who puts seeking Christians in a place of unbearable guilt and self-condemnation for not being healed. I've seen people I personally know greatly harmed by his false teaching - to the point of nearly abandoning God. There are many other "ministries" like his. My goal is to show the truth of what the Word of God actually says, so that people can seek Him, and not the fictitious formulas and false promises so common in the Word of Faith movement today. Again, thank you for your thoughts. They are greatly appreciated.

David
Nancy Rogate said (11/6/2021):

Thank you so much for your time to to write this post. It could not have been explained any better. May God continue to bless you

Repectfully,
Nancy

A Healthy Theology of Healing by Phil Moore Some Thoughts on Citizenship