In Isaiah 53 we read of a suffering servant who makes his soul an offering for sin. In the Christian interpretation of this verse the suffering servant is Jesus who atones for human sin by his death on the cross. What is the Jewish interpretation of this verse?
No interpretation of Yeshayahu (Isaiah) is necessary. G-d tells us exactly who His suffering servant is, only certain religions must pretend that Chapter 41, Verse 8 doesn’t exist.
Yeshayahu (Isaiah) 41:8-10 – “But you, Israel, are my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend…be not dismayed; for I am your G-d: I will strengthen you.”
Jacob is the father of the 12 tribes that comprise the Jewish Nation, and Israel is the 2nd name that G-d gave to Jacob/the Jewish people. The perpetually suffering servant clearly refers to the Jewish people.
Regards, Eliahu Levenson