The marred servant, prophesied of in Isaiah 52:13, was also spoken of in the last chapter. In that chapter, he was to sprinkle many nations and strike awe into the hearts of kings (3 Nephi 20:43-45). Elder Bruce R. McConkie explained that this had reference to Christ, who was marred in mortality, but would come again to seek vengeance upon the wicked.
Yet, one of the many wonders of Isaiah's prophecies is that they can apply to more than one individual or circumstance. Elder Dallin Oaks said, "The book of Isaiah contains numerous prophecies that seem to have multiple fulfillments…The fact that many of these prophecies can have multiple meanings underscores the importance of our seeking revelation from the Holy Ghost to help us interpret them. As Nephi says, the words of Isaiah 'are plain unto all those that are filled with the spirit of prophecy' (2 Ne. 25:4)." (Ensign, Jan. 1995, "Scripture Reading & Revelation").
Therefore, in this chapter, the Savior uses the same phrase to describe the Prophet Joseph Smith. The Lord promises that his life will be in his hand. This is reminiscent of the word of the Lord to Joseph at a time when he worried about his life, Thy days are known, and thy years shall not be numbered less; therefore, fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever (DC 122:9).
Neal A. Maxwell
"Because living prophets are so precious a presence on the human scene, adversarial efforts to diminish and to mar them-past and present-should not be surprising. These men are thus called upon to endure efforts to "mar" them. The word mar, as used in certain scriptures, suggests to 'spoil to a certain extent or to render less attractive,' as if one were to mar furniture by scratching its surface but not harming its substance.
"Isaiah speaks of the Lord's servant whose 'visage' (or appearance) is marred (Isaiah 52:14). The resurrected Jesus speaks of a 'great and marvelous work' which will not be believed by many, 'although a man shall declare it unto them.' This latter-day servant who was to bring Christ's word forth 'shall be marred. . . . Yet . . . I will show unto them that my wisdom is greater than the cunning of the devil.' (3 Nephi 21:9–10.) The Doctrine and Covenants (10:43) uses those same last words (about the wisdom of the Lord proving greater than the cunning of the devil) in reference to Joseph Smith and the coming forth of the Book of Mormon.
"Joseph Smith, Sr., gave a father's blessing to the Prophet Joseph on 9 December 1834. In part of that blessing Father Smith quoted from ancient Joseph, who wondered how his latter-day posterity would receive the word of God. Then ancient Joseph's eyes beheld Joseph Smith, Jr., to be raised up in the last days. Ancient Joseph's soul was satisfied and he wept. Ancient Joseph was quoted by Father Smith as saying that the choice seer to arise 'shall meditate great wisdom, [and his] intelligence shall circumscribe and comprehend the deep things of God, . . . though the wicked mar him for a little season.'
"Church members should not be surprised, therefore, if enemies seek to 'mar' prophets and the Presidents of the Church, or the Church itself, by seeming to render it, or us as members, less attractive and influential, thus causing some to turn away from or to discount the Lord's work and His servants. One of the early Twelve, Elder Orson Hyde, observed that the 'shafts' intended for the Church 'are always aimed at the head first.'
"…If we as members are likewise 'marred' while doing the Lord's work, it will prove to be yet another dimension of sharing the fellowship of Christ's sufferings (see Philippians 3:10)." (If Thou Endure It Well, pp. 71-72)