Unit 1 (v. 12a): The reward pictured as shared victory
“Therefore” signals a conclusion drawn from what came before. The speaker says he will give the servant a “portion with the great,” and the servant will “divide the spoil with the strong.” The outcome is described in the language of receiving an honored share among prominent or powerful figures, like a victor sharing in what is gained.
Unit 2 (v. 12b): Reason 1—self-giving all the way to death
The reward is grounded “because he poured out his soul to death.” The text presents the servant’s death not as an accident but as deliberate self-emptying. The servant gives himself completely, and this complete giving is treated as a central reason for the final honor.
Unit 3 (v. 12c): Reason 2—treated as one of the guilty
Another reason is that “he was numbered with the transgressors.” The servant is counted among wrongdoers, sharing their public category and the stigma that comes with it. The verse treats this identification with offenders as part of the servant’s costly path.
Unit 4 (v. 12d): Reason 3—carrying the wrongdoing of many and speaking for offenders
The text adds a contrast (“yet”) to highlight what the servant was doing even while counted among offenders: “he bore the sin of many” and “made intercession for the transgressors.” The servant carries what belongs to others and also acts toward those offenders by intervening on their behalf. The focus stays on his actions for others, not his own benefit.
