The Forbidden Chapter: Isaiah 53 in the Hebrew Bible

Did you know that Isaiah 53 is a FORBIDDEN CHAPTER in most synagogues? We read this powerful prophecy with Israelis on the streets. See how deeply they were moved as they came face to face with their Messiah!

Isaiah 53 is sometimes called the “Forbidden Chapter” because of its revelation of Jesus as the Messiah, though it is a regular part of the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh). While Jewish interpretations have varied, viewing the “Suffering Servant” as the collective people of Israel is a long-standing tradition found in classic Jewish texts, predating Rashi.

The term “forbidden” stems from the chapter’s removal from the Haftarah readings in some synagogues due to the confusion and arguments caused by Christian missionaries, but it is not truly forbidden and is present in all Hebrew Bibles.