[1] Who would have believed what we heard? Who saw the LORD's power in this? [2] He grew up like a small plant before the LORD, like a root growing in a dry land. He had no special beauty or form to make us notice him; there was nothing in his appearance to make us desire him. [3] He was hated and rejected by people. He had much pain and suffering. People would not even look at him. He was hated, and we didn't even notice him. [4] But he took our suffering on him and felt our pain for us. We saw his suffering and thought God was punishing him. [5] But he was wounded for the wrong we did; he was crushed for the evil we did. The punishment, which made us well, was given to him, and we are healed because of his wounds. [6] We all have wandered away like sheep; each of us has gone his own way. But the LORD has put on him the punishment for all the evil we have done. [7] He was beaten down and punished, but he didn't say a word. He was like a lamb being led to be killed. He was quiet, as a sheep is quiet while its wool is being cut; he never opened his mouth. [8] Men took him away roughly and unfairly. He died without children to continue his family. He was put to death; he was punished for the sins of my people. [9] He was buried with wicked men, and he died with the rich. He had done nothing wrong, and he had never lied. [10] But it was the LORD who decided to crush him and make him suffer. The LORD made his life a penalty offering, but he will still see his descendants and live a long life. He will complete the things the LORD wants him to do. [11] "After his soul suffers many things, he will see life and be satisfied. My good servant will make many people right with God; he will carry away their sins. [12] For this reason I will make him a great man among people, and he will share in all things with those who are strong. He willingly gave his life and was treated like a criminal. But he carried away the sins of many people and asked forgiveness for those who sinned."
