Appendix 3. Messianic Prophecies in Isaiah


Though interpreters may vary on whether certain passages are messianic or not, these are the ones I see. I think that a passage must meet one of these three criteria to be considered messianic.

  1. Messianic Title. The passage may include a reference to the throne of David, son of David, etc., or used the idea of anointing (Hebrew māshîaḥ, from which we transliterate to get our word "Messiah."
  2. Single Personage. A single person who exerts superhuman powers or influence for God's kingdom.
  3. NT Quotation. A passage which is quoted in the New Testament as messianic or which speaks of the Age of the Messiah.

4:2-6

Speaks of "the Branch of the Lord," a messianic title used elsewhere (Isaiah 11:1; Jeremiah 33:15; Zechariah 6:23). The gathering, too, is the act of the Messiah (11:12).

6:13b

Refers to the "holy seed," which in light of Isaiah's focus in the shoot out of Jesse's stump in 11:1 probably refers to the Messiah.

7:14

Virgin shall conceive and bear a son named Immanuel. It probably has a short-term AND long-term fulfillment.

9:1-7

Light comes to Galilee area. To us a Child is born and is given titles that transcend mere mortals.

11:1-12

Root of Jesse will deliver Israel; God's Spirit is upon him.

16:5

Refers to one sitting on David's throne bringing justice.

24:1-2

The New Testament refers to these armies of heaven that will be overcome by the Messiah (Revelation 17:14; 19:19), as well as the imprisonment of fallen angels awaiting the final judgment.

28:16-17

Refers to the precious, tested cornerstone that God will lay, a reference to the Messiah (1 Peter 2:6-8; 1 Corinthians 3:11; Ephesians 2:20; Romans 9:32-33; 10:11).

32:1

40:3-11

42:1-4

Servant of the Lord with God's Spirit upon him will bring justice, is the hope of the nations.

50:4-9

Steadfast Person who is persecuted, mocked, and accused but innocent.

52:12-53:12

Suffering Servant passage, where the servant takes on himself the sins of all mankind. Clearly referenced to the Messiah in the NT.

55:1-5

Deliverer of the people.

56:8

Here God will gather both Jews and others, a function of the Messiah.

61:1-3

Jesus declared the fulfillment of the Messianic passage in himself at Nazareth (Luke 4).

65:25

Refers to the Peace of the Messiah recalling the imagery of chapter 11.

66:22-24

Everlasting kingdom which refers to the Messiah elsewhere.


Copyright © 2025, Ralph F. Wilson. <pastor@joyfulheart.com> All rights reserved. A single copy of this article is free. Do not put this on a website. See legal, copyright, and reprint information.

Sign up now!To be notified about future articles, stories, and Bible studies, why don't you subscribe to our free newsletter,The Joyful Heart, by placing your e-mail address in the box below. We respect your privacy and never sell, rent, or loan our lists. Please don't subscribe your friends; let them decide for themselves.
FirstLast
E-mail
Country(2-letter abbreviation, such as US)
Preferred FormatHTML (recommended) Plain text
Jesus' Parables for Disciples, by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson
Discipleship for New Believers


In-depth Bible study books

You can purchase one of Dr. Wilson's complete Bible studies in PDF, Kindle, or paperback format -- currently 48 books in the JesusWalk Bible Study Series.

Old Testament

  1. Abraham, Faith of
  2. Jacob, Life of
  3. Moses the Reluctant Leader
  4. Joshua
  5. Gideon
  6. David, Life of
  7. Elijah
  8. Psalms
  9. Solomon
  10. Songs of Ascent (Psalms 120-134)
  11. Isaiah
  12. 28 Advent Scriptures (Messianic)
  13. Daniel
  14. Rebuild & Renew: Post-Exilic Books

Gospels

  1. Christmas Incarnation (Mt, Lk)
  2. Sermon on the Mount (Mt 5-7)
  3. Luke's Gospel
  4. John's Gospel
  5. Seven Last Words of Christ
  6. Parables
  7. Jesus and the Kingdom of God
  8. Resurrection and Easter Faith
  9. Apostle Peter

Acts

  1. Early Church (Acts 1-12)
  2. Apostle Paul (Acts 11-28)

Pauline Epistles

  1. Romans 5-8 (Christ-Powered Life)
  2. 1 Corinthians
  3. 2 Corinthians
  4. Galatians
  5. Ephesians
  6. Philippians
  7. Colossians, Philemon
  8. 1 & 2 Thessalonians
  9. 1 &2 Timothy, Titus

General Epistles

  1. Hebrews
  2. James
  3. 1 & 2 Peter, Jude
  4. 1, 2, and 3 John

Revelation

  1. Revelation
  2. Conquering Lamb of Revelation

Topical

  1. Glorious Kingdom, The
  2. Grace: Favor for the Undeserving
  3. Great Prayers of the Bible
  4. Holy Spirit, Disciple's Guide
  5. Humility
  6. JesusWalk: Beginning the Journey
  7. Lamb of God
  8. Listening for God's Voice
  9. Lord's Supper: Disciple's Guide
  10. Names and Titles of God
  11. Names and Titles of Jesus

Pastor Ralph Wilson's books are available in paperback and Kindle from Amazon.com.
My books are available in paperback and Kindle from Amazon.