Isaiah 53:12
לָכֵ֞ן אֲחַלֶּק־לֹ֣ו בָרַבִּ֗ים וְאֶת־עֲצוּמִים֮ יְחַלֵּ֣ק שָׁלָל֒ תַּ֗חַת אֲשֶׁ֨ר הֶעֱרָ֤ה לַמָּ֨וֶת֙ נַפְשֹׁ֔ו וְאֶת־פֹּשְׁעִ֖ים נִמְנָ֑ה וְהוּא֙ חֵטְא־רַבִּ֣ים נָשָׂ֔א וְלַפֹּשְׁעִ֖ים יַפְגִּֽיעַ
Focus on the Cohortative and Imperfect: אֲחַלֶּק and יְחַלֵּק
The verse begins with אֲחַלֶּק, a cohortative form of the root ח־ל־ק (“to divide,” “to apportion”), conveying volition or resolve — “I will apportion.” This form expresses divine intent. The verb יְחַלֵּק (same root) is a piel imperfect 3ms and shifts the focus to the Servant’s role in distributing the spoils, a poetic inversion of earlier suffering. The parallel structure בָרַבִּים… שָׁלָל emphasizes glory among the many and victory over the strong.
Syntax of Reversal: תַּ֗חַת אֲשֶׁ֨ר
The word תַּ֗חַת means “in place of” or “because,” introducing a subordinate clause of explanation or consequence. The phrase אֲשֶׁ֨ר הֶעֱרָ֤ה לַמָּוֶת֙ נַפְשֹׁ֔ו means “because he poured out his soul to death,” using הֶעֱרָ֤ה, a hiphil perfect form of ע־ר־ה (“to lay bare,” “to expose”), metaphorically expressing self-sacrifice. The grammar sets up a causative relationship: exaltation follows humiliation.
Passive Inclusion: נִמְנָ֑ה
נִמְנָ֑ה is a Niphal perfect 3ms from מ־נ־ה (“to count, number”), meaning “he was counted.” The passive voice shows the Servant’s identification with sinners — he was numbered with the transgressors (אֶת־פֹּשְׁעִ֖ים). This emphasizes solidarity and substitution, essential themes in the passage.
Verb of Bearing Sin: נָשָׂ֔א
The verb נָשָׂ֔א (Qal perfect 3ms) means “he bore,” from the root נ־שׂ־א. The phrase חֵטְא־רַבִּ֣ים נָשָׂ֔א — “he bore the sin of many” — parallels the earlier phrase חֳלָיִנוּ נָשָׂא (Isaiah 53:4). In both, the servant lifts and carries the burden of others’ iniquity. The syntax marks him as a substitutionary figure.
Intercessory Verb: יַפְגִּֽיעַ
יַפְגִּֽיעַ is a hiphil imperfect 3ms of פ־ג־ע, which in this stem can mean “to intercede” or “to entreat.” With לַפֹּשְׁעִ֖ים (“for the transgressors”), the meaning is: “he intercedes for the transgressors.” This conveys action on behalf of others, underscoring the Servant’s priestly role even after death.
Parsing Table: Key Verbs in Isaiah 53:12
| Hebrew Verb | Root | Form | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| אֲחַלֶּק | ח־ל־ק | Piel cohortative (1cs) | Volitional: “I will divide” |
| יְחַלֵּק | ח־ל־ק | Piel imperfect (3ms) | “He will divide” — ongoing/future action |
| הֶעֱרָה | ע־ר־ה | Hiphil perfect (3ms) | “He poured out” — causative: gave up soul |
| נִמְנָה | מ־נ־ה | Niphal perfect (3ms) | “Was numbered” — passive inclusion |
| נָשָׂא | נ־שׂ־א | Qal perfect (3ms) | “He bore” — sin-bearing action |
| יַפְגִּיעַ | פ־ג־ע | Hiphil imperfect (3ms) | “He will intercede” — for transgressors |
The Grammar of Substitution and Triumph
Isaiah 53:12 weaves complex verb forms and poetic syntax to express themes of sacrifice, identification, and victory. The Servant is not just passive but volitional — he chooses to suffer, intercede, and ultimately triumph. The grammar itself tells the story: cohortatives voice divine will, causatives expose voluntary death, and passives emphasize his inclusion among the guilty. This verse demonstrates how Biblical Hebrew grammar does not merely describe action — it interprets and elevates it.
