I really like the simplicity of the Contemporary English Version of this verse.  Have you stopped to think about the fact that it was written about 700 years before Christ was born?  Yet, it gives us a clear picture of the cross.  A cross that didn’t exist.  Made from a tree that hadn’t taken root.

“He was wounded” is the original phrase “chalel” which is translated familiarly as wounded or pierced.  This phrase is also translated as began.  I find that very interesting because Jesus’ death began the pathway to eternal life with God.

“For our transgressions” is also translated as our rebellion.  Isn’t that true?!  Our sin is a rebellion against God.

“He was bruised for our iniquities” sounds painful doesn’t it?  We’ve all experienced a bruise.  The kind of bruising that is spoken of here is broken to pieces for our depravity (moral corruption).

“the chastisement of our peace” or the correction of our peace (well being).

“was upon Him and with His stripes we are healed” is translated as being all laid on Christ and by the blows that marked His skin we are made well (healed).

In other words all of the damage that we’ve done to our relationship with God, was the cause of the harm that was done to Jesus Christ.  And because He was willing to take this on Himself,  our broken relationship can be repaired, and we can be healed and whole again.

I never want to forget this act of love in my life. It was a debt that was paid on my behalf that I could never in a lifetime pay. I could not in 100 lifetimes pay it. It is too big and too impossible no matter what I try to do.  But Jesus paid my debt in full and in gratitude I want to honor Him by living for Him and sharing His Story with others.  I pray that you too will desire to remember and honor Christ with your life and share as well.