Rabbinic interpretations from the Targum of Jonathan ben Uzziel read from Isaiah 53: "Behold My servant the Messiah shall prosper.'' This Targum clearly frames the suffering servant as the Messiah and not Israel. The Babylonian Talmud identifies the Messiah as the suffering Servant: "The Rabbis say: The leper of the house of Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi is his name, as it is stated: Indeed our illnesses he did bear and our pains he endured: yet we did esteem him injured, stricken by God, and afflicted.'' Even the Zohar portrays the Messiah bearing sickness and pain on behalf of Israel.

Through His physical suffering, Jesus bore the consequences of human sin. He took on the punishment that humanity deserved, becoming the substitute. He was pierced for our transgressions. He became the atoning sacrifice, satisfying Torah principles of substitutionary blood sacrifice of Leviticus.

By His wounds we are healed. His suffering and death provide spiritual and physical healing. His sacrifice brings reconciliation between God and humanity.