Great Isaiah Scroll (1QIsaᵃ, Qumran Cave 1)c. 125–100 BC · [Dead Sea Scrolls / Second Temple Hebrew]
Excerpt or editorial summary: Normalized Hebrew reflecting the 1QIsaᵃ 'light' reading at Isaiah 53:11; consult a diplomatic transcription for the unpointed manuscript text.
Critical Analysis: The 'light' reading has support in 1QIsaᵃ and other witnesses. Its textual priority and theological force require argument rather than assumption.
1 Clement 16:1–14c. AD 96 · [Apostolic Fathers]
Excerpt or editorial summary: For Christ is of those who are humble-minded, and not of those who exalt themselves over His flock... 'Lord, who has believed our report? And to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?... He was wounded for our transgressions, and bruised for our iniquities...'
Critical Analysis: Clement of Rome quotes Isaiah 53 extensively and applies the servant's humility and suffering to Christ.
Justin Martyr, Dialogue with Trypho §13c. AD 155 · [Ante-Nicene Apologist]
Excerpt or editorial summary: Isaiah did not send you to a bath, there to wash away murder and other sins, which not even all the water of the ocean could cleanse; but, as may be supposed, it was that of old to which he referred, when he said: 'He was led as a sheep to the slaughter...'
Critical Analysis: Justin presents a literary dialogue with Trypho over Christian and Jewish readings of prophetic passages, including the servant material.