Definition: Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this beautiful and poignant verse from Isaiah 53:4. It’s a really powerful statement about Jesus and the suffering He endured. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse says that God has seen the pain and hardship of humanity – the grief and sorrows we experience. And, crucially, we have also experienced those same things. It’s a recognition of our shared burden. Let's unpack it word-by-word (a little): “Surely he hath borne our griefs…” : This means God understands the pain and sorrow we feel – the disappointments, struggles, and heartaches in life. It’s like saying, “We know you’ve felt this.” “…and carried our sorrows…” : This emphasizes that He didn't just witness them; He actively experienced them too. “Yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.” : This is the core of the verse. It means we looked at Jesus and recognized that He was suffering in a way that was difficult for us to understand. Here’s what it signifies: “Struck” : This suggests being injured, damaged, or humbled by something painful. Think of a person who gets hurt – they're “struck” by an event. “Smitten of God” : This is the key part! It means He was wounded or injured by God’s grace and love. It speaks to His suffering, like a wounded child. It's not a punishment, but a demonstration of His compassion. “Afflicted” : This emphasizes that He was struggling with something difficult – perhaps facing challenges or testing in a profound way. So, putting it all together: Isaiah 53:4 says that God recognizes and understands the pain we experience as humans. He feels our sorrow alongside us, even though he didn’t suffer in the same way. It's a powerful image of God's empathy for us. Why is this important? This verse is often seen as a foreshadowing of Jesus’ suffering and sacrifice. It tells us that Jesus knew what it was like to be human, to feel pain and disappointment, and that He willingly endured that hardship to offer salvation and reconciliation with God. It's a message of immense love and understanding. In short, the verse is about recognizing our shared humanity and acknowledging that God feels our suffering in a profound way. --- Would you like me to: Explain this verse further? Connect it to a specific story or biblical context?