Appendix 3. Messianic Prophecies in Isaiah


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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.

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