Why Do Christians Believe the Bible is God's Word

January 4, 2011

Why Do Christians Believe the Bible is God’s Word?

As promised, I have started this thread to discuss the evidentiary merits of Scripture with those who have agreed to engage the issue in this thread.

At the outset, I wish to frame this debate and ask that all participants remain within subject matter. First of all, let me explain what this debate is not.
This is not a debate on the doctrine of inspiration. That is another discussion altogether and deserves its own thread.
Secondly, this is not a debate about the Bible. vs. other religious documents. Again, that is a worthy subject, but deserves its own thread.
Thirdly, this is not about whether there are contradictions in the Bible. That is another worthy topic of discussion in which I am willing to engage in a different thread but would be an endless quagmire for this particular thread.
This is also not a debate about Christianity vs. other religions. The topic at hand pertains to the evidentiary nature of the Christian faith particularly as it relates to believing the Bible is the word of God.

January 4, 2011

Our assertion that the Bible is the Word of God is not based merely on opinion, but on the very claims of the Bible itself and supporting evidence, both internal and external.

The Christian faith is not a blind faith. In fact, faith by nature is never blind. Faith is the extension of trust into the future based upon proven reliability in the past. For example: Imagine you have the phone numbers of 10 people whose numbers you have used many times in the past, and you look these numbers up in the phone book and the numbers appear to be the same numbers you have been using already, all you have done is confirm what you already know. However, if you call 10 numbers of people who you do not know and you have never used those numbers before, and the numbers match the correct person as listed in the phone book, you have established a basis for trusting the phonebook in the future. You will have no reservations about using the phonebook because you have found it to be accurate in the past. That is faith at work.

Faith is used every time you patronize a restaurant. You trust that the food is being prepared properly in a sanitary environment. You trust that the food you have purchased at the grocery store is safe to feed to your children. All of this is based on evidence you have collected from past visits to your favorite eateries, and your grocery store of choice. In the same way, we as Christians believe that we can establish the reliability of the Bible beyond a reasonable doubt and that enough evidence exists for a reasonable person to conclude that faith in the Bible as Gods word does not require one to disconnect their intellect.

This is an empirical approach to applying faith to the Bible. There is so much of the Bible that can be demonstrated as accurate by history. The Bibles geographic and historic accuracies are numerous and it mentions many personalities that have been confirmed by modern archeology. There is also much about the Bible that has not yet been proven true. There are things in the Bible that we cannot prove occurred such as specific conversations, cities mentioned that have not yet been found and so forth. Because of the preponderance of accurate data that is contained in the Bible with regard to things like history and geography, we believe we can have faith in the accuracy of what cannot be proven.

Its like the phone book. I dont have to call every number in the phone book to believe that it is a reliable source of information. I dont even have to call the numbers. If you need to know a number, I can look it up in the book, I can look it up and give it to you with full assurance of faith that the information is accurate and that if you call the number, you will successfully reach the intended recipient. I do not call on the phone company to provide me with PROOF that the phone book is accurate before I trust it.

Of course, no amount of evidence will convince a person who is unwilling to be convinced. It is possible to set the standards of proof so high that he/she is beyond being convinced. Often, skeptics set impossible standards of evidence/proof that cannot possibly be met and then pretend they have scored a victory. All they have done is preserve their unbelief against having to deal with something that seriously challenges their assumptions about the Bible. They have not really dealt with the evidence.

This is the introductory post and I will get into the evidence itself in future posts.

Leonard · January 5, 2011

It has proved itself to be so........

wyguy · January 5, 2011

Of course, no amount of evidence will convince a person who is unwilling to be convinced. It is possible to set the standards of proof so high that he/she is beyond being convinced. Often, skeptics set impossible standards of evidence/proof that cannot possibly be met and then pretend they have scored a victory.

Ain't that the truth!

mead · January 5, 2011

Nice topic bro, I look forward to this.

January 5, 2011

Why Do Christians Believe the Bible is God's Word?....

The Proof Of The Pudding

Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts. Jeremiah 15:16

Is In The Tasting

O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. Psalms 34:8

I See

As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. Psalms 42:1

>>>>>()<<<<<

Be Blessed Beloved Of The KING

The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:

The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:

The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them. Numbers 6:24-27

Love

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Psalms 119:11

Joe

OneLight · January 5, 2011

For me, it is not just knowledge (brain food) but the living word (moving in my heart). This one can not "prove", for those who need proof, unless you knew me before and after.

Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

nChrist · January 5, 2011

The Holy Bible is the WORD OF GOD.

The Holy Bible is the Word of God. All of the writers were used by God as HIS organs in communicating HIS will to men. The title, "The Word", is one of majesty and power belonging to Jesus Christ, THE LORD OF HOSTS, THE LIVING WATER, OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR, ALMIGHTY GOD. THE WORD IS ALIVE!

Exodus 19:6 (KJV)6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These [are] the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.

Exodus 25:21-22 (KJV)21 And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee. 22 And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which [are] upon the ark of the testimony, of all [things] which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel.

2 Timothy 3:15-16 (KJV)15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

Revelation 1:10-11 (KJV)10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, 11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send [it] unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

Jeremiah 30:2 (KJV)2 Thus speaketh the LORD God of Israel, saying, Write thee all the words that I have spoken unto thee in a book.

Psalms 40:7 (KJV)7 Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book [it is] written of me,

Revelation 22:19 (KJV)19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and [from] the things which are written in this book.

Isaiah 34:16 (KJV)16 Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read: no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate: for my mouth it hath commanded, and his spirit it hath gathered them.

2 Peter 1:19-21 (KJV)19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost.

Ephesians 6:17 (KJV)17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Isaiah 40:8 (KJV)8 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.

Hebrews 4:12 (KJV)12 For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Hebrews 1:1-2 (KJV)1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by [his] Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

Revelation 19:13 (KJV)13 And he [was] clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.

Romans 3:2 (KJV)2 Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.

Acts 7:38 (KJV)38 This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and [with] our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:

Hebrews 5:12 (KJV)12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which [be] the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.

1 Peter 4:11 (KJV)11 If any man speak, [let him speak] as the oracles of God; if any man minister, [let him do it] as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Luke 12:11-12 (KJV)11 And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and [unto] magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say: 12 For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.

Psalms 33:6 (KJV)6 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.

Psalms 147:15 (KJV)15 He sendeth forth his commandment [upon] earth: his word runneth very swiftly.

Hebrews 11:3 (KJV)3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

John 1:1 (KJV)1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 17:17 (KJV)17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

1 Peter 1:23 (KJV)23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

Matthew 21:42 (KJV)42 Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?

John 5:39 (KJV)39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

If you wish to view the portions of Scripture I used in more context or in a different translation, you might try the following if you don't have your own materials:

Blue Letter Bible - Home Page

nChrist · January 5, 2011

THE WORD OF GOD

From Timeless Grace Gems

James Smith, New Park Street Church, London, 1849

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17

The Bible is God's book, written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and therefore free from error; "Holy men of God wrote as they were moved by the Holy Spirit."

It contains God's law, the church's history, and Christ's gospel.

It reveals God, opens heaven, and directs man.

It makes known God's thoughts, the world's doom, and the church's blessedness.

It unfolds eternity to time, brings heaven to earth, and makes invisible realities known.

It was written for sinners, has been preserved by a special providence, and is the godly man's treasure.

Infidels scorn it, angels study it with wonder, and the saints delight in it.

It is a token of God's love, a proof of his regard, and a display of his concern for our welfare.

This Word of God contains . . .

the Law - commanding, condemning, and cursing;

the Psalms - disclosing, elevating, and praising;

the Gospel - unfolding, inviting, and directing;

the Prophets - predicting, exhorting, and denouncing.

It contains a rich variety, a divine fullness, and is exactly adapted to meet the case and condition of sinners.

Its histories are true, instructive, and impartial.

Its precepts are just, holy, and good.

Its cautions are beneficial, wise, and useful.

Its exhortations are judicious, adapted, and profitable.

Its reproofs are kind, solemn, and suitable.

Its directions are merciful, practical, and plain.

Its instructions are deep, spiritual, and extensive.

Its corrections are loving, just, and judicious.

Its doctrines are divine, sublime, and glorious.

Its descriptions are vivid, correct, and impartial.

Its invitations are general, attractive, and gracious.

Its promises are great, numerous, and invaluable.

Its warnings are solemn, preventing, and tender.

Its threatenings are dreadful, alarming, and just.

Its parables are simple, instructive, and edifying.

Its types are significant, impressive, and suitable.

Its examples are bright, winning, and worthy.

It is in every part, and every way, worthy of a God!

We have this blessed book as God's free gift, procured for us by our adorable Redeemer, and bestowed upon us through the Holy Spirit. Its revelations were delivered, first orally, then written, then printed: first given to a few, then written for many, then printed for all: first freely bestowed, then hard to be obtained and now easily to be gotten. Given by God, opposed by the devil, blasphemed by many, rejected by more, unknown to thousands - but highly prized by a few. It is suited to youth, adapted to manhood - but peculiarly applicable to old age. It is the child's lesson book, the learner's class book, and the scholar's text book. Many study it, all Christians believe it - but none fully comprehend it.

This divine testimony is exceedingly useful; for it produces morality in the world, spirituality in the church, and good in all who believe it. It . . .

enlightens the dark,

instructs the ignorant,

comforts the desponding,

directs the lost,

encourages the seeking,

assures the waiting soul,

warns the wayward,

threatens the unruly,

condemns the impenitent,

invites the weary,

strengthens the weak,

consoles the dejected,

alarms the careless,

accuses the indifferent,

confounds the worldly-wise,

cautions the venturesome,

reproves the heedless,

gives promises to the diligent,

frowns on the thoughtless,

curses the profane,

damns the hypocrite,

urges the halting,

exhorts the obedient,

rewards the persevering,

debases man,

exalts the Savior,

glorifies God,

astonishes angels,

confounds infidels,

delights perishing sinners.

The Bible is God's will, the saints' treasure and the devils' eye-sore!

This holy writing is intended for earth, it is placed before our eyes, to be copied into our memories, and observed in our lives. The world has it, the church owns it, and every part of God's family may equally enjoy it. It is intended for the whole of this life, to be used through our entire journey - but will be dispensed with when we get home. It is here in written characters, there in substance, and both here and their prized and enjoyed. It is here to be read, believed, and tasted; but its fullest blessings are reserved for that better land. Now we need it, while on earth we cannot dispense with it - but in heaven we shall be able to do without it.

This book is pure - unmixed with error, untainted by sin, and worthy of a holy God.

This book is true - and may therefore be firmly believed, implicitly trusted, and unreservedly depended upon.

This book is sure - and cannot possibly deceive, lead astray, or sanction a mistake.

This book is right - being in perfect accordance with the holiness, justice, and grace of God.

This book is assimilating - he who believes it, loves it, and obeys it - must resemble it.

This book is divine - the offspring of God, bearing the impress of divinity, and is always acknowledged by Jehovah when pleaded at his throne.

This book is spiritual - and therefore cannot be understood by the carnal, the worldly wise, or anyone who is untaught of God.

This book is mysterious - containing mysteries which are to be believed, reverenced, and acknowledged, though never in this world to be fully comprehended.

This book is excellent - in its matter, style, and design.

This book is extensive - embracing more than the human mind can contain, than any creature could invent, or the whole of time will unfold.

This book is firm - and cannot be removed, driven out of the world, or destroyed.

This book is full - containing all that is necessary, ornamental, or useful.

This book is feeding - it feeds the memory, the intellect, and the heart.

This book is filling - it satisfies the illiterate, the learner, and the scholar.

This book is glorious - and glorifies God, the Savior, and the church.

This book is harmonious - every part accords, harmonizes, and agrees.

This book is honest - it exposes, commends, and reproves, as the case may be.

This book is immutable - it can undergo no change in its doctrines, requirements, or promises.

This book is irrevocable - heaven and earth may pass away, but its predictions, threatenings, and promises shall stand forever.

This book is inviting - for God stoops to write, instruct, and give wisdom to worms.

This book is incomparable - it never had, has not now, nor ever will have - an equal.

This book is infallible - here are no mistakes, misquotations, or exceptions, all is the word of God, and worthy of a God.

This book is lively - it gives life, quickens the dull and sleepy, and preserves the life given.

This book is ministerial - being the seed of God, the scepter of the Messiah, and the sword of the Spirit.

This book is necessary - for our information, consolation, and establishment.

This book is nourishing - it strengthens our faith, animates our hope, and quickens our love.

This book is conquering - it overcomes Satan, destroys sin, and leads sinners as willing captives to the Prince of peace.

This book is original - nothing is borrowed, stolen, or altered - all is of divine origin.

This book is penetrating - it wounds the heart, pierces the conscience, and divides between soul and spirit.

This book is perfect - as a whole, and in every part; it contains a perfect system of doctrine, a perfect code of precepts, and a perfect variety of truth to meet every possible case.

The Bible is compared to . . .

a fire, that burns;

a hammer, that breaks;

a sword, that pierces and slays;

a light, that shines in a dark place;

a lantern, that guides the feet;

milk, which nourishes and feeds;

a suit of armor, which protects the person;

incorruptible seed, which always brings forth fruit.

It is called . . .

the word of God,

the word of righteousness,

the word of reconciliation,

the word of life,

the word of faith,

the word of salvation,

the word of grace,

the word of truth,

the faithful word,

a more sure word of prophecy,

the word of the saint's testimony,

and the word of Christ.

Of this word, Job could say, "I have esteemed the words of his mouth, more than my necessary food."

Jeremiah exclaims, "Your words were found, and I ate them; and your word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of my heart!"

David appeals to the Lord and says, "Your word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against you. I will delight myself in your statutes, I will not forget your word. Your word is very pure, therefore your servant loves it. My eyes stay open through the watches of the night - that I may meditate on your word."

Jesus said, "The Scriptures testify of Me."

Paul insists, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

O, for greater love to the Scriptures - that we may know them, enjoy them, conform to them, exercise faith in them, and make them our delight! May we read them daily, pray over them constantly, meditate on them frequently, and manifest their holy tendency in life and death. May our memories be stored with them, our hearts be sanctified by them, and our lives correspond with them.

O may these heavenly pages be

My ever dear delight;

And still new beauties may I see,

And still increasing light!

PUBLIC DOMAIN - Permission is not required to reproduce this material.

nChrist · January 5, 2011

Messianic Prophecy Fulfilled By Jesus Christ - Part 1 of 4

Messianic = Pertaining to the Messiah - The Saviour - Jesus Christ - God The Son.

Prophecy = Details and events foretold before they happen, specifically in God's Word - the Holy Bible.

The below is impossible without the works of Almighty God. To get you started, Almighty God is a Holy Trinity: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ - Also called The Word), and God the Holy Spirit - YET THE THREE ARE ONE. You will soon find out that Jesus Christ is also the Promised Messiah and Anointed King of Israel, and the living Lord and Saviour of all men who place their faith in Him as Lord over their lives. Jesus Christ is - in fact - God - the Creator - along with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit. He was made manifest in the flesh in a most supernatural way - born of a virgin. This is a brief and is not intended to be an in-depth study. I'm hoping that you will use this material for your own study and find out who Jesus Christ really is - VERY GOD. Jesus Christ is Alive today, and He is NOT in the form of a man now. He was in the form of a man when He was crucified on the cross for the sins of mankind. He did die, but He was resurrected from the dead on the third day, and He ascended back to Heaven. This was the First Coming of Christ about 2,000 years ago. The Second Coming of Christ is in our near future.

Hundreds of details and events about the Messiah were foretold in the Old Testament of the Holy Bible. Not only were they foretold centuries before they happened - they were foretold by numerous writers - of various Books - over 1,000 years. These details and events are known as Messianic Bible Prophecy, and Jesus Christ did fulfill many of them - so many that there is no reason to doubt still future Messianic Prophecy that Jesus Christ will also fulfill. The probability that one Messianic Prophecy would be fulfilled is slim - much less hundreds. However, Messianic Prophecies are one type of proof that the Holy Bible is God's Word. It must be supernatural. Otherwise, it would be impossible for a group of men writing a book over centuries to foretell so many things that came to pass perfectly. The Holy Bible proves itself in many other ways, but the Messianic Prophecies are one of the most interesting ways.

Jesus Christ is the most written about person in the history of mankind, so He is obviously part of recorded history - much more than just in the Holy Bible. However, we don't give other books the amount of trust that we do the Holy Bible. No other book can be compared to it in terms of beauty, accuracy, and timeless information that applies today just as it did thousands of years ago. The Holy Bible was written by men who were inspired by God for what they wrote. There is no other possible explanation for such an accurate and flowing masterpiece written by many over a long period of time. There is agreement and proof from cover to cover because it is God's Word. Our future is also foretold in the Holy Bible, but the purpose here is to illustrate Messianic Prophecy that was fulfilled.

* Old Testament - Blue

** New Testament - Green

I want to start with two longer portions of Scripture from the Old Testament that describe the suffering and Glory of Christ. Psalms 22 and Isaiah 53 are amazing prophecies that mirror the Gospels. Make the comparisons yourself and try to count how many Messianic Prophecies were fulfilled by Jesus Christ in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. After the two longer portions of Scripture, additional Scripture will be given in Old Testament Book order. You do some study yourself and discover the significance. If you need some help, ask a stronger and more mature Christian. This is just a small sampling of fulfilled Bible Prophecy.

* Psalms 22:1-31 To the chief Musician upon Aijeleth Shahar, A Psalm of David. My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? 2 O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent. 3 But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel. 4 Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and thou didst deliver them. 5 They cried unto thee, and were delivered: they trusted in thee, and were not confounded. 6 But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people. 7 All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, 8 He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him. 9 But thou art he that took me out of the womb: thou didst make me hope when I was upon my mother's breasts. 10 I was cast upon thee from the womb: thou art my God from my mother's belly. 11 Be not far from me; for trouble is near; for there is none to help. 12 Many bulls have compassed me: strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round. 13 They gaped upon me with their mouths, as a ravening and a roaring lion. 14 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels. 15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death. 16 For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. 17 I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me. 18 They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture. 19 But be not thou far from me, O LORD: O my strength, haste thee to help me. 20 Deliver my soul from the sword; my darling from the power of the dog. 21 Save me from the lion's mouth: for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns. 22 I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee. 23 Ye that fear the LORD, praise him; all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him; and fear him, all ye the seed of Israel. 24 For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard. 25 My praise shall be of thee in the great congregation: I will pay my vows before them that fear him. 26 The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the LORD that seek him: your heart shall live for ever. 27 All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee. 28 For the kingdom is the LORD'S: and he is the governor among the nations. 29 All they that be fat upon earth shall eat and worship: all they that go down to the dust shall bow before him: and none can keep alive his own soul. 30 A seed shall serve him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation. 31 They shall come, and shall declare his righteousness unto a people that shall be born, that he hath done this.

* Isaiah 53:1-12 Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed? 2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. 3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. 8 He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. 9 And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. 10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. 11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. 12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.