Is Isaiah 53:5 talking about physical healing or spiritual healing?

Question

Isaiah 53:5

But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.

Is this about physical healing or spiritual healing or both?

Both/And Including the three (3) options is wise move! It avoids the either/or fallacy of reasoning. And more importantly, it leads to the amazing discovery of ALL the benefits of Jesus's sacrifice for us! Keep exploring the Bible, it's great for the soul...and body! (1 Peter 2:24, Matthew 8:16) — ray grant, Commented Nov 15 at 23:40

Perry Webb · Accepted Answer · 2021-10-21 14:01:39Z

There are three main things to consider in answering this question,

a) the meaning of רפא ,

b) the context within the poetic structure of the verse, and

c) the context of the previous and the next verse immediately following,

The senses of how רפא is used in the MT (generated with Logos Bible Software):

The poetic structure of verse 5 are synonymous parallels.

     But he was pierced for our transgressions; 
he was crushed for our iniquities; 
           upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, 
and with his wounds we are healed. (ESV)

This means רפא is a synonym with שָׁלֹום (translated peace). However, this word has a much richer meaning that our English word peace.

Senses of the word שָׁלֹום in the MT.

In the Law שָׁלֹום is used to mean restitution, that restitution for the wrong has been made right and the penalty paid. See Tetelestai - What did Jesus really say in John 19:30 assuming he spoke Aramaic or Hebrew?

While the concept of physical healing is included, the full meaning is that we are restored and made whole.

Verse 4 hints at including mental healing. Verse 6 is the illustration of a sheep gone astray, which again point to restoring the relationship with God. It doesn't exclude physical healing. For, a stray lamb often needed wounds healed. But, the primary focus is on a restored relationship and forgiveness of sin.

P.S.

The ultimate healing, when physical and mental as well as spiritual healing is guaranteed to be complete, is when we are in heaven.

Martin Hemsley · Accepted Answer · 2021-10-28 03:45:34Z

Fortunately, Jesus himself answered that question in Matthew by quoting the previous verse, Isaiah 53:4.

Mt. 8:16When evening came, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed; and He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were ill. 17This was to fulfill what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet: “HE HIMSELF TOOK OUR INFIRMITIES AND CARRIED AWAY OUR DISEASES.”

As Perry’s Logos chart illustrates, the word “rapha” has a strong association with physical healing. If Isaiah wanted to emphasize the salvation aspect, he could have used a word like “yeshuah” or even “arukah” which carries a connotation of restoration.

Psalm 103:3 provides a typical example of the use of הָ֝רֹפֵ֗א (hā·rō·p̄ê).

Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases;

While it is true that Isaiah 53:5 is talking about transgressions and iniquities, peace and physical healing can be by products of saving grace. Jesus often linked salvation and healing together.

Mt 9 5“Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, and walk’? 6“But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—then He said to the paralytic, “Get up, pick up your bed and go home.”

For God, physical and spiritual healing are equally easy to perform as they serve his purposes, but it is likely that physical healing is being emphasized in the passage in question.