3 minutes
What is the Biblical Promise of Being Healed by His Stripes?
The Kings James Version tells us, “with His stripes we are healed.” Most modern versions replace the word “stripes” with “wounds” so that, “with His wounds we are healed.” In either case, the point is that the wounds, or stripes, suffered by Jesus were sufficient to bring healing.
However, to understand what this phrase means, we need to read it in context. To take verses out of context is dangerous and will usually lead to an incorrect understanding of what God is actually trying to say to us. We find Satan (Genesis 3:1, Matthew 4:5-6) doing this in the Bible and throughout History. False teachers often follow his lead (2 Corinthians 11:14-15).
The Context
In an effort to find Truth, let’s look at the two places we find this phrase:
But He was pierced through for our transgressions,
He was crushed for our iniquities;
The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him,
And by His scourging we are healed. – Isaiah 53:5and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. – 1 Peter 2:24
The first time we come across this phrase is in Isaiah’s prophecy of the coming Suffering Servant. As Isaiah describes the suffering of the Messiah, he writes about the reasons for His suffering: he was pierced for our transgressions (sins) and crushed for our iniquities (sins). Isaiah was pointing out that our sins required something more than the blood of the animal sacrifices being performed constantly at the Temple. Our sins needed the blood of the Messiah.
Isaiah writes in the typical Hebrew poetic form called Parallelism. While English poetry looks to rhyme the final words of each line, Hebrew poetry looks to repeat lines. Throughout the book of Psalms you will find examples of Parallelism.
Here, we see Isaiah using Parallelism. The first two lines of the verse repeat the idea that Messiah would bleed for our sins. The second two lines of the verse repeat the concept that these punishments against Messiah would bring the cure, restoration, alleviation. The question that needs to be asked here is: cure for what? Obviously, for our sin problem.
Our Sin Problem or Our Physical Problems?
What is noteworthy here is that nowhere does Isaiah speak of any physical problems that would be cured by Messiah. It is clearly for our transgressions and our iniquities that He is bringing healing.
One of the greatest false teachings of today’s Evangelical Church is that we are healed physically by His stripes, i.e.: His work on the cross. Look through Isaiah 53:5 and you will not see one mention of any physical problem. Look at Isaiah 53:4. Review Isaiah 53:6. You will find no mention of being physically healed by the work of Messiah.
Our second verse in 1 Peter 2:24 is no different. Peter writes about the work of Jesus on the cross. He explains that Jesus bore our sins on the cross. He teaches that this was done so that we could live righteously. Again, there is no mention of being physically healed by his work on the cross.
I have heard so many people take this phrase out of context and use it either in prayer or as an explanation for why sick or injured people should be confident of healing. Heather’s in the hospital? “Lord, by your stripes she is healed.” Bob’s back went out? “Don’t worry Bob, by His stripes you are healed.” This is not only unbiblical but also foolish. No one is healed physically by the work of Jesus on the cross.
All are healed spiritually by His crucifixion.
The work of Jesus on the cross heals every single person of their sin problem.
(BTW – that’s an example of parallelism)
Incorrectly Dividing the Word of God
Just this week, I heard someone change the entire verse. In their new translation, they quoted, “by His stripes we are healed physically, spiritually and emotionally.” That is nowhere in scripture. Twisting scripture like this is exactly how cults begin. It is what false teachers do. It is what Satan does.
I pray that those of you who have used this phrase to mean we are healed physically will recognize the harm you are doing to the word of God. Can God bring physical healing? Of course! Does He always? Absolutely not. Not even the Apostle Paul and his friends experienced or expected this (1 Timothy 5:23, Philippians 2:25-27, 2 Corinthians 12:7-9).
Pray for God’s healing. Encourage those in pain with the Gospel. Comfort them with reminders of what God has done in the past (i.e.: the healing miracles performed by Jesus). But do not give false hope, for this only destroys the faith of the weak and is a poor witness to the unbeliever when God decides that His Grace is sufficient and physical healing is not going to happen.
Instead, rejoice that spiritual healing is available and it is given to all who receive Christ’s work on the cross. Because of this work, we have eternal life (John 3:16). Because of this work, our suffering now is but for a moment (John 16:33, Romans 8:18, 2 Corinthians 4:17, 1 Peter 4:12). By His stripes we are healed!
So good to see this fallacy addressed with Truth. I agree that God does still heal physically, but Isaiah 53:5 has been misunderstood by many, myself included, for a long time as the enemy would have it to keep those that seek healing from receiving it. It is also important to keep our priorities when we go to God in prayer, i.e. Is it more important to be physically healed which will only last while we are on the earth or for our sins to be healed which grants us eternal Life? At times Jesus healed physical infirmities to prove who He was to those that lacked faith and especially to the religious leaders of the time as found in Matthew 9:1-7
So He got into a boat, crossed over, and came to His own city. 2 Then behold, they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.”
3 And at once some of the scribes said within themselves, “This Man blasphemes!”
4 But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? 5 For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise and walk’? 6 But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—then He said to the paralytic, “Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” 7 And he arose and departed to his house.
Thanks for this. Our current Church culture of looking to the present rather than the future has resulted in many people looking for immediate results rather than God’s eternal plan. God is more concerned with our eternal situation than our present one. Thank God He has given us Jesus to take care of eternal things and not as much the current one. Spot-on example with the paralytic. God bless!
You people misunderstood this scripture. The scripture Isaiah 53vs5 talks about physical healing! The word “AND” separate the suffering and the healing it brought to those who believe the gospel. That is why it said after explaining the suffering it said “AND” you are healed.
All the rest of the verse speaks about forgiveness from sin, so by his stripes we are healed physically? He was crushed for our iniquities, pierced for our transgressions…it doesn’t follow to be healed physically when it may have nothing to do with our sin. A baby born with downs syndrome hasn’t sinned and may never be healed but that person can be forgiven. Physical healing is not a guarantee from Jesus work on the cross in this life…. but forgiveness is.
Also, forgiveness of sins has eternal consequences, physical healing does not. Although suffering is terrible and Jesus may heal, He is only obligated to forgive sins through the cross and it causes humility in us…when it’s taught that physical healing comes from the cross people come to the conclusion that this is a benefit from God that Jesus paid for and it isn’t from humility that they ask any more but it quickly becomes a demand…..I’ve seen it
Praise the Lord, my soul,
and forget not all his benefits
who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,PSALM 103:2-3
SO IT SHOULD SAY BY HIS STRIPES WE ARE FORGIVEN IF IT IS ONLY FOR SIN
Before the Time of Restitution comes, Times of Refreshing may come – and this may include physical healing.
See Acts 3: 19-21
Do not limit the Acts of the Lord
I was totally physically healed by mediating on that scripture of major illnesses
I’m shocked to hear you deny the power of God in that scripture
Hi Mary, can you kindly let me know which scripture of major illness you were meditating on. Apologies that I seem to have missed it in the messages flowing back and forth.
Healing exists today, healing is in the Atonement. Churches who believe this have experienced Divine healings. The fact is, everyone who went to Jesus got healed. If we are Christ’s representatives on earth, then we should be healing the sick also
You have what you believe, so you believe that you are not healed, your sickness remains, you believe that Jesus, by His work on the cross healed you, then you will receive His healing.
You are so wrong and minimizing the work of Christ. The reality is you are communicating false teaching. You should research the word “healed” in the Hebrew and you will find it refers to making one healthful. Do you just forget about one of the most important works of Christ while he was on earth – healing the sick. I feel sorry for those of you that adopt this twisted doctrine. We receive healing from Jesus just as we receive salvation – by grace through faith. It is up to us to receive our healing just as our salvation. If you ever get a so called incurable disease you better hope you have a good doctor. I have the great physician! He is my healer. He has healed me and my wife many times from life taking sicknesses. I sure hope you reconsider your current beliefs.
If u say forgiveness of sins isn’t equal to physical healing then how will you interpret Matthew 9:1-8?Pls let’s publish things which will help people grow in their faith. Healed from sin is the same as healed in the flesh. God bless all those struggling with their faith.
This is all wrong. What about in Mark 16:18. They will lay hands on the sick and they shall recover. And in Acts 5:16. They brought sick people and laid them on beds. The shadow of Peter passing by….and they were ALL healed. Read the whole Bible. You are taking His Word out of context.
Amen! You are absolutely correct. Christ heals and the Word of God talks about it a great bit!
I agree with you 100%
But Matthew 8:17 links healing with these verses.
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.”
Matthew 8:16-17 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/mat.8.16-17.ESV
Hi Jeremiah. I love that you have brought up the Matthew passage. It shows you are a Berean who studies the scripture to know what is true and what is not. Great job!
Matthew is quoting Isaiah 53:4. There, it says that “he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows.” Note that Jesus is healing these people before the crucifixion. It is not by his stripes they were healed. It cannot be! Matthew is saying that it is by Jesus’ compassion they are healed. He has not simply healed them but has taken their grieves and sorrows upon himself. No wonder Isaiah also called him a man of sorrows (Isaiah 53:3)! Thanks for the comment…God bless!
I KEEP READING THAT BY HIS STRIPES WE ARE HEALED MEANS WE ARE HEALED OF OUT SINS. Praise the Lord, my soul,
and forget not all his benefits
who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,PSALM 103:2-3
SHOULDLN’T IT SAY THAT BY HIS STRIPES WE ARE FORGIVEN. IT SEEMS THAT THOSE WITH NO FAITH FOR HEALING FIND ANY EXCUSE THEY CAN NOT TO BE HEALED. JESUS SAW SUFFERING AND TOOK CARE OF IT. WHEN SOMEONE TOUCHED THE HEM OF HIS GARMENT HE DIDN’T REPRIMAND THEM FOR WANTING TO BE HEALED, HE COMMENDED THEM FOR THEIR FAITH
Thank you for using Psalm 103:3 it is a great example of what in Hebrew poetry is called Synonymous Parallelism. It is the most common form of parallelism in Hebrew poetry: two lines express similar thoughts, as terms from the first statement align with terms from the second. The Second line of the couplet is often more precise and specific than the first.
In this case vs 3 would be what he describes as a complete synonymous parallelism. when they match term for term, that is when it is called complete.
Notice how it matches terms for term
Who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases.
You should read Geoffrey W. Grogan’s book “Psalms” https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EP764UY/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
But I will give you that healing is in the atonement, but that our healing for most people is not for today, and that our complete healing is not for anyone at the moment.
In the bible we are told that we 1 “have been saved”, 2 “are being saved” and 3 “will be saved.” Our healing is part of the “will be saved” portion of our promise that is found in the death and resurrection of Jesus.
As for Isaiah 53 how did Peter use it? What was his main focal point in quoting that verse? Was it to tell us to walk in our physical healing, or was it to tell us to walk boldly into suffering following christs example?
If you scroll to the bottom of the page you will see my evaluation of the book of 1 peter. There is no way if you read the entire book of 1 peter that you will read 1 peter 2:24 as referring to physical healing.
There is no way that I can read 1 Peter 2:24 as a promise of physical healing when 1 peter is all about enduring suffering as a christian exile.
Wrong again. Peter says in 1 Peter 4:14, If you are reproached for the name of Christ…We will suffer ridicule but not illness for His name. God gets no glory for a sick Christian. Jesus said according to your faith, let it be unto you.
I will give you that 1 peter 4:14 in its context is about reproach or ridicule because we bear Christs name.
But if we use your method of looking at the context of the verse, which you did in 4:14 to say its ridicule and not sickness, lets then look at the context of chapter 2.
1 Peter 2:20For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 21For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 22He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 24He 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. 25For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
In this case he is talking about beatings, which then means that your body is the thing suffering, which points to possible injury, which is along the same lines as illness.
we are told to walk in the same Jesus footsteps and endure this pain and suffering because that is what he did on the cross. Or was did Christ not suffer in his body?
Also in immediate context 1 Peter 2:24 says that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. So what is it his death is supposed to do for us, to have us die to sin, and live to righteousness, so what is it that his wounds have done for us, they have healed us so that we might live to righteousness. It is the explanation point on the phrase before it.
How do I know this, because the very next sentence goes back to living in righteousness, “For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” We were straying, but now we have returned.
You are correct Mike. It is written…be it done unto you according to your faith, you shall have what you believe, ask anything and it shall be done for you, these signs shall follow those who believe, are there any sick among you, call for the Elders of the church… plus many more examples… as for me it’s too late, I have been healed from many sicknesses and diseases, all instantly, once I believed. I also have laid hands on many people and seen them healed instantly or shortly thereafter. I’ve sent them prayer cloth and even prayed for them over the phone on speaker. I’m over 60 now and the only thing in my medicine cabinet are Q-tips. I’ve been walking in Divine health for many years now. God loves us and he wants us well. When Satan tries to attack us with sickness and disease, all you have to do is slap him to the floor where he belongs. Jesus will heal anybody who ask him, as long as you believe. If they believe Jesus heals some people some of the time, but not all the time, they will probably be the not all the time person.. the bible says…believe only and not doubt, a double-minded person should not expect to receive anything from God. It really all boils down to faith.
David I love your comment I was started to get confused,but it is good to read the word of God for yourself and ask God for wisdom I believe what ever you ask God for by faith and believe it is possible with God and I think no one should try to go around this . thanks my brother
God is good…
David you sound like a man of God with true faith and belief. I would love to meet and have conversation with you on faith.⁸
I agree 100%, I can relate to you and we will continue doing it. Hallelujah!
Excellent written, I really feel bad for those believing what Mr. Tue is teaching. God did warn us of false teachings. To receive healing that Jesus so dearly paid the price for means we have to believe we have already been healed, not beg and plead to be healed. I you can’t believe you can’t receive it. Thanks for your post. Jesus thanks you as well!
Absolutely. Because when we look at the root cause of sickness, it is sin! Since Christ paid the price for our sin, sickness is included. Sickness doesn’t come from God, only the devil, therefore no Christian should be found in bondage to it. Healing is our inheritance.
That was a very good commentary on Isaiah 53:5 and though healing for the physical body is not mentioned, to be forgiven for sin and have sin wiped off our plate does set the stage for any needed physical healing just as sure as sin it self set the stage for sickness and we
know what the wages of sin is. Also I do believe thru our faith in Jesus and our dedicated walk with him, any healing is possible including His option to extend his wonderful all sufficient grace.
Peace be you brother.
.
The word of God Says Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. If he healed physically before, He heals physically today. He took it all to the cross. He left nothing out. Our sins keep us sick.
Hi Glenda. Thanks for your comment. You’ve written 5 sentences and all of them are correct – 100%. But here is my point: I can take any of them out of context. For instance, you point out that “he healed physically before, he heals physically today.” But if my loved one just died of cancer and you said that to me, I would tell you that you don’t know what you are talking about. It wouldn’t be because you are wrong, but because your context is wrong. Another example: Jesus says “whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell.” (Matt 5:22). It’s true, but I can take that out of context. When we say we are physically healed by his stripes, we are taking the scripture out of context. It doesn’t mean Jesus doesn’t heal. It means we cannot use this scripture to prove that. God bless.
Good evening, Just because a loved one doesn’t get healed doesn’t mean Jesus isn’t a healer. You would say that the person has no idea what they are talking about not because they are taking things out of context, but because YOU don’t have a revelation of that part of God’s character. The Word of God tells us that God heals. There’s no disputing that. I have been healed along with many others by taking Communion and declaring the very scripture in which you say has nothing to do with physical healing. All sickness starts in the spirit. The very reason for sickness is sin. Christ paid for our sins therefore freed us of the chains of sickness. When it says “all” all is all. Whether we agree with the Word or not isn’t what makes the Word true. So just because you may not see it doesn’t mean there is an error. You may be on the side of error. Pray for God to open the eyes of your understanding.
David,
I appreciate your clarity on this. We have many in our church and most notably of prayer ministry who use these scriptures, particularly 1 Peter 2:24, out of context as an absolute on physical healing. I love that Jesus still heals today and I believe that faith and trust in Jesus is important but the scriptures do not tie the work on the cross to physical healing. I have brought this to our leadership but I do not believe anyone quite agrees. Nevertheless, we are called to discern. Thank you for your insight. It matters!
Thanks for your comments, Don…I really appreciate them! I pray that you stand firm in your discernment and wisdom. While most around us will continue to take scriptures out of context, I pray that Christians such as yourself continue to read the word in context and remind those around us, in humility and grace, the truth of what God’s word is saying. God bless! David.
I have continued to think about this idea. One of the things that is mentioned is that it is past tense healed. Or that this is what Jesus did and does.
But if we apply that idea to setting the captives free… We run into a problem when John the Baptist sends his disciples to Jesus asking if he is the Messiah.
Jesus responds… Tell him what you see. The lame walk the poor have the Gospel preached to them… The blind see, the deff hear …. And where he should say the captives are set free he instead says, blessed are those who do not stumble on account of me.
Jesus is concerned first with the healing of our soul. He may effect our circumstances, but the Gospel is that we have the blessed life despite our circumstances because he has given us himself and does not count our sin against us. As stated in Psalm 32.
Great grace brother Jeremiah and others who have greatly blessed me, although as at now am still searching to be fully convicted with regards to the scriptures: BY HIS STRIPES WE ARE HEALED, but I wish you all can add my contact to any group where you study so I can learn more, either on a WhatsApp group or a group where you teach and study.
+237 674 93 44 33
I have heard many accounts of believers quoting healing scriptures daily with eventual result of being healed. Would that be positive thinking or strength, power of the Word of God – Jesus?
The Word is Health to our flesh (Proverbs 3:8, Proverbs 4:23).
Jesus is the Word (John 1:1). The Word is Life (John 1:4).
Therefore if you have Jesus, you have Life.
Sickness and Disease ultimately lead to death.
Dear Sue G,
Positive thinking won’t get it done.
Strength won’t get it done.
Only God.
Hebrews 9:27 reminds us that we are all appointed once to die, so even if we receive physical healing, it does not guarantee Eternal Life. We must realize that we are each on a definitive path in this Life that will eventually come to an end whether by death or the rapture.
God does grant physical healing according to His will and for His glory, not as the result of our pleading with Him because we do not want to be separated from a loved one. Jesus allowed Lazarus to die purposely so that He could bring him back to Life for the Father’s glory.
Also, remember our brother Paul remained afflicted with a thorn in the flesh even though he asked God to remove it. Sometimes our affliction helps to keep us humble.
When Jesus walked the earth, in most accounts, He offered forgiveness of sins before He offered physical healing because healing of the soul offers us eternal Life.
The most important thing to remember is that Jesus took the sting out of death. In John 14:18 He personally promises to come to us. I believe He is there with us to offer the strength we need to cross over to Eternity. Our recognition of Who He is and our acceptance of His sacrifice on the cross for our sins is the key to the Kingdom. Rejoice in the fact that once we allow His Holy Spirit to dwell within us, we are assured of Eternal Life!
May the peace of Christ be with you.
What scriptures do tie physical healing to today then? Which scriptures would you use that would not be out of context?
Acts 3:16
“By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.”
Yes the scriptures do tie the work of the Cross to physical healing and your leadership does well not to agree with you. The Word of God says that Christ conquered satan on the cross correct? And through sin death entered into the world right? Well, so did sickness. Sickness is a spiritual problem first that manifests in the body. Therefore when Christ dealt with the sin, he procured our physical healing as well. As I stated before, I, along with many others have received healing from taking the Lord’s Supper and declaring Isaiah 53:5 and 1 Peter 2:24 over myself and others. The finished work of Christ is for every part of us Body, Soul, and spirit. The very reason we can tell satan no when he hits us with illness is because of the Cross!! There is nothing else!!
This article was published since 2016 Aug 3. But, what is the point of debating biblical context till today 2019, rather than going out to save souls. Beloved, final reward in Heaven doesn’t include who win the debate.
Hi James. I love your heart to win people for the kingdom! Keep up the good work. I will respectfully disagree with you, however, that biblical concepts and the teaching of these to others is nothing more than an unimportant debate. Jesus’ Great Commission is not simply to save souls. He is not looking for converts – for instance in Matt 8:18-22, Jesus turns away those who would follow him (converts) if they are not willing to be disciples. Jesus calls us to make disciples, not converts. “Making disciples” is the only command in the Great Commission. He says that making disciples consists of baptizing them (evangelism) and teaching them. One without the other is not a disciple and Jesus is clear that he is looking for disciples. In Matt 23:15, Jesus scolds the Pharisees for making converts who will then become children of hell. His point was that the Pharisees were teaching their religious beliefs but not the scriptures. The purpose of this post is not to create debate – no scholar will disagree with the basis of this post. The purpose is to teach others the meaning of these scriptures and the proper way to approach scripture. If anyone prefers to twist scripture to mean something it does not say, they become a false teacher and the Bible is clear that we are to fight against these. I pray that you will continue to build the kingdom by bringing the gospel to those who are perishing. I praise God for that. But I also pray that you will never underestimate the importance of properly understanding the inspired word of God. Thanks for the comment. God bless!
Are you a Mormon or Jehovah Witnesses
No, not even close…
Neuroscientists like Dr Caroline Leaf state that 87% to 95% of diseases known to mankind are caused by what goes on in our thought lives ie. sin in our lives. Dr MK Strydom of Eagles Wings is able to show what each thought pattern that does not conform with the Word of God causes specific diseases in our lives.If we accept that scientifically there’s a link between sin and disease; we should accept that by healing our sins; the Lord’s suffering automatically heals our diseases as well!
Rom 12:2 – And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
Phil 4:8 – Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.
Sounds like there is some biblical backing to your point as well…
Thanks for the information – God bless!
Well, but this is not 100% right because the bible says “if you have faith like this mustard seed you can command this mulberry tree to be uprooted from the ground in order to be planted in the sea; it will happen”.#Luke 17v6
As you can see, this is one of the craziest statements, Jesus ever made in his days. And one of the meaning of this scripture is that: by faith anything is possible there is no limitation to what Faith in God can do for us in is and with us.#Luke 1v37
Secondly, I strongly believe that the cross obviously provides all types of healings: because after He rose from the dead, Jesus commanded the Apostles to go into the whole world and pursue his ministry by making new disciples, healing the sick and casting out devils. #Mark 16v17-18
Conclusion
The main reason why even physical healing is part of the package of salvation that the death, the burial and the resurection of Christ, provided to humanity is because:
God is not tempted by evil; He can’t fellowship with evil or think evil because in him there is no variation of shadows our God is full of light and extremely pure (James 1v13;17).
As a matter of fact not even a single peace of evil was part of God’s original plan for Man.
How do you explain the fact that even after Adam sinned against God; Natural Death still waited so long (over 900years) to take his life away? “The man Adam was so powerful to the extend which he never knew how to physically die… ” Therefore if Adam who wasn’t in christ could resist a given number of physical attacks how much more the new creation?
Lastly if victory over sickness which I consider as one the stings of death (#1cor 15v56) is not part of what Jesus did for us at cross; Jesus wouldn’t have healed the sick people in the days of his flesh and he wouldn’t have told his disciples to do so. #Mat 10v8 luke 10v9 #Mark 6v11-13 Mark 16v17-20
Thanks for the comments. I appreciate your thoughts on this. I do believe that God does heal – even miraculously. However, that is not what is meant by the verse, “by his stripes we are healed.” Isaiah and Peter have no thought of physical healing in the passages where they write this. Context is everything when trying to understand biblical passages. The context in both these passages speak of something other than physical healing. Therefore, we cannot use these passages to say that we will be healed physically because of the work of Christ on the cross. This is why many Christians suffer physical ailments and every one of us die. His stripes do not bring healing to those believers. Yet, every single person who trusts in the work of Christ on the cross, the stripes of Christ, are spiritually healed and have eternal life. Every single one. This is the healing believers have by his stripes. If we want to speak of God’s physical healing biblically, we need to find a different verse. Hope that helps! God bless!
Dear Dhauly,
One additional comment to David’s reply:
There is no limitation to what we can do through faith in God when we are found in the Will of God. He works miracles and imparts His power to us to bring Him glory and to draw others to Himself. Romans 8:28 and 2 Timothy 1:9 point to our capabilities to accomplish “God’s purpose”.
May the peace of Christ be with you.
It is God’s will for us to be physically well, that I know, my spirit was restless about this verse ‘by His wounds we were healed’, one says it is for physical healing the next says it’s for our sins alone. I don’t know, I’m praying God gives me revelation knowledge about this, but for now after reading all these comments, I conclude… Let God be true and every man a liar.
1 peter is a call about exiles to live in light of their salvation even in the midst of all kind of trials and sufferings.
18+ times suffering is mentioned in 1 peter.
The concept primary dealt with in peter is external suffering, but some of them have to be with suffering in the body.
If physical suffering is promised away because of the verse “by his stripes” then peter should have made that so much clearer… he should have said, you will have various types of suffering… of all kinds… except for physical sickness because that is promised away on the cross. But instead we get.
1 peter 1:6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in various trials
1 peter 1:11 inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories.
1 peter 2:19 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly.
1 peter 2:20 For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God.
1 peter 2:21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.
1 peter 2:23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.
1 peter 3:14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled,
1 peter 3:17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.
1 peter 3:18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,
1 peter 4:1 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,
1 peter 4:12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
1 peter 4:13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
1 peter 4:16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.
1 peter 4:19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
1 peter 5:1 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed:
1 peter 5:9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.
1 peter 5:10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
There are a couple verses of note
1 peter 4:1 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,
Notice how it talks about flesh… that could exclude sickness, but it seems easier on the text to let it included sickness.
also how the verse below is intended to be an encouragement to the exiles in Asia minor… but if sickness is excluded then where is the comfort for the person suffering from cancer in their body? Sure you can say by his stripes we are healed… but they are not experiencing said healing… how do you help them when they are not experiencing it when you clearly say they should.
1 peter 5:9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.
1 Peter 2:24 is a call to endure suffering, not a call to walk in your physical healing.
notice 1 peter 2:19 is a call to endure suffering
1 peter 2:20 is a call to endure suffering
1 peter 2:21 is a call to endure suffering because Christ suffered
1 peter 2:22 is setting up Christs suffering even though he was righteous
1 peter 2:23 is about Christ enduring suffering
1 peter 2:24 says we can endure suffering because Christ healed our Spirit and gave a new heart, we can now live to righteousness (a call to endure suffering)
Proverbs 18:14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?
So if we read proverbs 18 to tell us that a strong spirit can sustain a broken body, we can then read 1 peter 2:24 as a claim that God healed our soul by his stripes, therefore our spirit helped by his Holy Spirit will give us the ability to endure suffering…
If this is true with unjust suffering, how much more so with all other suffering including sickness?
There is no way that I can read 1 Peter 2:24 a promise of physical healing when 1 peter is all about enduring suffering as a christian exile.
Yes… suffering could include sickness and disease… but it could also be persecution… we are told that we WILL suffer persecution just like Jesus did along with the apostles… mainly from satan and religious people…I can’t picture Jesus or the apostles walking around healing people and casting out devils that were oppressing people …while being oppressed by the devil themselves… I guess it’s possible… but I believe it might have been more persecutions, beatings and the such…if it was God’s will that sickness and disease was something we were to endure as part of sufferings for Christ .. then Jesus.. going around healing all would mean he was out of Gods will for people… or commanding us to heal the sick… it is written.. we will suffer persecutions for we are not allowed to control other people… but we do have authority over the devil.. sickness and disease is from the devil and therefore we can rebuke it in the name of Jesus…. so we can suffer like Christ did… he was persecuted a lot and many Christians do still suffer persecutions especially in other countries… but the persecutors don’t make them sick… they martyr them… as a footnote.. Paul suffered many persecutions and he even listed many of them.. such as beatings.. being stoned.. shipwrecked ect… satan attacked him everywhere he went.. so we have it easy compared to Paul…
I conclude… Let God be true and every man a liar.
Judging from the writers view, BY HIS STRIPES WE ARE HEALED, The writer Isaiah used Parallelism as he calls it,
The first time we come across this phrase is in Isaiah’s prophecy of the coming Suffering Servant. As Isaiah describes the suffering of the Messiah, he writes about the reasons for His suffering: he was pierced for our transgressions (sins) and crushed for our iniquities (sins). Isaiah was pointing out that our sins required something more than the blood of the animal sacrifices being performed constantly at the Temple. Our sins needed the blood of the Messiah
The writer also mention the aspect of SIN PROBLEM!
I think the problem of sin or the danger if sin is that it imposed sicknesses, diseases afflictions and lot more, if we consider Exodus 15:26! so if the chastisement of our sin is upon him, then our sin problems too he bare, and that means if sin brought HIV AIDS, then repentance and consciousness of our justification brings healing, and that means Isaiah was talking of every danger of sin.
To conclude read Exodus 15: 26
Exodus 15:26 (KJV) And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.
If sin brings sickness therefore forgiveness, and the consciousness of our justification takes away sickness.
Also note that we are spiritual beings though living in a physical body, so what ever must affect the physical must begin in the Spiritual, so if we are spiritually healed, then physical healing will follow.
In the case of Apostle Paul, he clearly states that a messager of the Devil was sent to him, less he be puffed up with pride, so God’s grace was upon him to bear the pain, and not that everyone cannot be healed. My thoughts on this please and I stand to be corrected and of course to learn.
Thats kinda of blasphemous..Jesus was sent to be the permanent intercessor..to take the place of the highest priest that could only go to God once a year to ask forgiveness of sin of his people..God wanted to be able to talk to us on a more permanent constant level..so without Jesus we could not go to God whenever we wanted, our sin marred us too much to be even talk to God let alone ask for forgiveness and entrance to heaven..by Jesus stripes, His wounds, His death He took on all our sin so our relationship with God could be healed..That is why the tabernacle curtain where only certain priests could enter to talk to God was torn in two when Christ died on the cross..they were no longer needed to intercess for us, because Jesus became the only intercessor..His torture and death healed our relationship with God..you need only to read the surrounding verses to see that it means exactly that and not a physical healing..Paul who was Saul(who is considered one of the greatest men of God) proved that even further in his ministry when he admitted he had a thorn in his side and that it was his to bear..If Isaiah 53:5 meant the healing of physical ailments Paul would not have had that thorn in his side..You have to take in the surrounding text and the bible as a whole not just pick and choose certain passages to skew them into what you desire..Does God still heal folks? Yes, God still heals but not because of Isaiah 53:5 but because it’s His will to do so..and sometimes His will is not to heal as well..Pray diligently and ask for the HS to guide you when you read Isaiah 53..I personally am grateful that the verses mean that Jesus has healed my spiritual relationship with God..I talk to God constantly and knows He hears my praise and tearful pleads but if Jesus hadn’t been killed upon that cross God wouldn’t even think of listening to me because I am from the flesh..in other words i choose to have a personal relationship and an eternity with God than healing my many physical issues jus to go to hell physically healthy with absolutely no access to God….
Oh … so what you are saying is Jesus did not care about people when they were physically sick and that His Words about healing are meaningless especially to us today because Evidently then Jesus is not “the same yesterday, today and Forever” ..and “greater works then these you will do” died with Him and the original apostles therefore today we can interrupt His works and His Words as we chose and feel comfortable
even while we judge other Christians…(?)
Hmmmm
I would like to everyone for their insight into Isaiah 53:5 because I’ve used the verse incorrectly. I truly know that the context of any verse must be adhered to in order to ensure the truth of the word is always presented correctly. So I realize that Isaiah was addressing a spiritual and not a physical healing. I have no doubt the shedding of Jesus blood covers all situations.
The point is simple: not taking scripture out of context. I agree with David Tue. A whole industry (activities and teachings) have been built around th erroneous interpretation of this scripture. So much so that i have watched many many Christians walk away from fellowships because they have not received the healing as promised and what is even more deplorable is those Christians have been accused of not having enough faith to receive the promised healing (based upon misinterpreted scripture). Blaming the non-healed person is wicked.
Stick to the actual reading/meaning and do not hold on to lies. The Gospel is good news – be joyous in whatever situation you may find yourself in and know that, yes, He can heal, and yes, you deserve to be healed and yes, it is up to Him if you are healed.
I will advice everyone including the author of this commentary to PLEASE GO BACK TO DEUTERONOMY 29:29 TO STOP DEBATING/ARGUING WHO IS RIGHT OR WRONG. GOD BLESS US ALL.!
Gm this subject brought light to me
God had gave me the answer just this year about His stripes I’m heal is definitely talking about sin
Bless God bless you man of God.
Pastor Dewaine Smith
Rapture Ready Christ Church
2585 E. Flamingo Rd.# 12
Las Vegas
NV. 89121
702) 755-4719
My interest in Isaiah 53:5 brought me here. I have read all the comments here and have seen the different interpretations. God bless you all.
If I may, I would like to make an observation.
I looked up this verse in the Wycliffe Bible Commentary first published in 1962. Moody Press Chicago. A very reliable and honest Commentary. It says: quote ” Wounded, Transfixed or pierced, a term quite appropriate to crucifixion . Transgressions. A noun derived from the root, ‘ to rebel ‘ and implying revolt against the sovereignty of God. Bruised. More accurately, utterly crushed. The chastisement of our peace, ie: the punishment that brings about our peace or state of well-being ( not merely unfortunate consequences of man’s sin) unquote.
These are not my words. But it does give an explanation as far as the application to us is concerned.
I believe we should not get caught up into the extent of physical SUBJECTIVE healing here.
All of us are sinners, saved by Grace. We have been born-again by the Holy Spirit and we have new life In-Christ with all the assurance of eternal life NOW. unfortunately we endure suffering in this life and the residue of our sin is still a reality. Any suffering we go through is a shared suffering with Christ. We will experience it whilst we live in this fallen world.
Having said that, we must also grasp the extent of Christ’s death and resurrection.
Now a question for you. How OBJECTIVE is Christ’s death and resurrection applicable to you in your life, and also how SUBJECTIVE is it?
Your answer to this question may explain to what extent you interpret Isaiah 53 verse 5.
I am only trying to shine some light on how we come to certain opinions when we interpret scripture.
Is it possible that Christ’s death and resurrection has the objective power to deal with all our sins and also heal.
Isaiah 53:5 according to Wycliffe seems to say so.
I hasten to add, that I am not a progressive Christian who believe that Christ can heal all diseases and sufferings now. That is plainly incorrect.
My point is that Christ heals OBJECTIVELY, precisely because of His victory at the Cross.
This objective healing is a present and future reality.
Physical healing is a subjective experience only.
God bless you all, and I will see you in the Kingdom
Greetings in Jesus’ name.
The healing mentioned in Is 53v5 is physical healing without a doubt, the bible always underscores itself. I would respectfully refer you to Matt 8 v17 which states that Jesus healed the sick (read the preceding verses to see that the context was physical healing) and He did this so as to fulfil the prophesy of Isaiah (53v5),
therefore anyone suggesting that 53v5 is spiritual healing (only) is contradicted by Matt 8v17,
53v5 was a prophesy of what the Messiah would do, it was prophesied that He would heal (the sick) by His stripes.
What is so amazing is that in 1 Peter 2v24 the tense changes… in Isaiah it says …. by his stripes you ARE healed. But then (and this so cool), in 1 Peter it says by his stripes you WERE healed. In other words we were already healed on the cross by his stripes, so we can tap into that healing if we believe because we have already been healed we just need to “claim it”.
Final thought – sickness is of the Devil so if we have this healing already available to us but the Devil stands in our way but in James 4v7 we are told to resist the Devil and he will flee, so our prayer for healing should be to first resist the Devil as sickness is of him and this then frees us to lawfully tap into the healing that is available since Jesus died on the cross.
One final final thought …..The last words Jesus said before ascending (Mark 16 v18 …(he that believeth and is baptised) SHALL lay hands on the sick and they SHALL recover.
Jesus ain’t a liar and by His stripes we are already (physically) healed because by his stripes we were (physically) healed. (Matt 8v17 Jesus (physically) healed the sick.
You said it all right. Sickness is a result of sin. So automatically if, you are healed from sin then you are healed from Sickness. Healing from sin is also physical healing. Paul in 2Cor12:7 said he was given a physical ailment to keep him from being proud. God resist the pride. God is the same yesterday today and forever. Jesus Christ healed before his wounds and after his wounds. His wounds were just the sealing of the new covenant with God. If Christ healed before his death and resurrection then just imagine how great that Power is now. Just Believe and u will receive your healing for that is your right as a believer.
Blessing to you Doreen, the thorn of the flesh of Paul was not a physical ailment or sickness it was a demonic messenger or angel of Satan sent to harass Paul during his evangelical travels, this “messenger caused much persecution against Paul, and so Paul reconciles this to himself by stating it keeps him humble. He endured whippings, shipwrecks, stonings and imprisonments.
Paul actually tells us what it is in the text he says “…a thorn in the side was given me, a messenger of Satan to harass me…”
Some other biblical references for thorn in the side or thorn in the eye is in Numbers 33v55, Joshua 23v13 and Judges 2v3 where people are referred to as being thorns in your sides and thorns in your eyes.
Anyway that’s my understanding of Paul’s thorn in the side. Not a disease or illness but a messenger of Satan persecuting Paul.
Thanks for your witness. We. Need this!
At this point I Am totally confused by by his stripes we are healed being thought of as being done on the cross or not.
Catholics see it as not and born age. Christians seeing it as yes it is.
t this point don’t even bring up purgatory
When it comes down to it, isn’t Spiritual healing the greater and more important miracle?