“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5)

Centuries before Christ was born, the prophet Isaiah wrote of Israel’s need for restoration (Isaiah chapters 1-39) and Israel’s hope of restoration (Isaiah chapters 40-66). Isaiah 53 is a great signpost pointing to the Servant, the Lord Jesus Christ. His suffering and death so that Israel (and ultimately all who would come to Him) could be saved from sin is highlighted in 53:5.The impact of Christ’s suffering so that we may benefit cannot be overstated. He suffered; we benefited eternally from it.

While we cannot overstate the impact of Christ’s suffering, it is possible to misunderstand it. The popular notion that we can somehow automatically receive physical healing because Christ received “his stripes” is one example of such a misunderstanding. The awful sacrifice of Jesus is too critical to cheapen. Some argue that the mere mention of healing in a Bible verse justifies “claiming” guaranteed healing. Such a practice can lead to heartbreak and a warped view of our God. It also misses the point of Isaiah 53. The entire chapter shows Christ the Servant suffering but we the sinners benefiting. Picture him this way: HE was despised, rejected, wounded, bruised, beaten, oppressed, afflicted, cut off, stricken, the bearer of sin, killed, and buried with the wicked (53:3-12). Picture us this way: WE esteemed him not, are healed, have our iniquities carried by him, and receive intercession from him (53:3-12). The agony of Christ is for our benefit, but Isaiah 53 speaks overall of forgiveness of sin–not physical healing.

The one verse that refers to healing does so in the context of spiritual healing. While the ancient word for “healed” (53:5) is used for physical healing in some settings (Genesis 20:17 and Exodus 21:19, for example), in other settings the same word refers to repairing an altar (I Kings 18:30) or cleansing foul water (II Kings 2:22). The word “healed,” then, fits the context of Isaiah 53 in the sense of spiritual healing since the rest of the chapter fits that theme.

Is God a healing God? Yes–on His terms. Does He heal because we “claim” healing? No. Dare we use Isaiah 53:5 as a rabbit’s foot or magic wand? No. The eternal healing of the soul spoken of in Isaiah 53 comes through the costly shedding of the blood of His Son. Let’s not cheapen that by misunderstanding or mishandling His Word.