Friday in Easter Week
free while helping to build churches and support pastors in Uganda.
Click here to learn more!
Read the Bible
King James Version
Matthew 12:20
Bible Study Resources
Concordances:
- Nave'sDictionaries:
- AmericanEncyclopedias:
- InternationalDevotionals:
- DailyParallel Translations
He will not break a bruised reed,and he will not put out a smoldering wick,until he has led justice to victory.
A bruised reed shal he not breake, and smoking flaxe shall he not quench, till he send forth iudgment vnto victory.
a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory;
"A BENT REED HE WILL NOT BREAK OFF, AND A DIMLY BURNING WICK HE WILL NOT EXTINGUISH, UNTIL HE LEADS JUSTICE TO VICTORY.
He will not break a crushed blade of grass or put out even a weak flame until he makes justice win the victory.
"A BATTERED REED HE WILL NOT BREAK, AND A SMOLDERING WICK HE WILL NOT EXTINGUISH, UNTIL HE LEADS JUSTICE TO VICTORY.
A bruised reede shall he not breake, & smoking flaxe shal he not quenche, till he bring forth iudgement vnto victorie.
"A BATTERED REED HE WILL NOT BREAK OFF, AND A SMOLDERING WICK HE WILL NOT PUT OUT, UNTIL HE LEADS JUSTICE TO VICTORY.
A battered reed He will not break off,And a smoldering wick He will not put out,Until He leads justice to victory.
A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not extinguish, till He leads justice to victory.
He won't break off a bent reed or put out a dying flame, but he will make sure that justice is done.
he will not snap off a broken reed or snuff out a smoldering wick until he has brought justice through to victory.
a bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, until he bring forth judgment unto victory;
He will not break off even a bent stem of grass. He will not put out even the weakest flame. He will not give up until he has made justice victorious.
He will not break even a bruised reed, and he will not extinguish a flickering lamp, until he brings justice to victory;
He will not break off a bent reed, nor put out a flickering lamp. He will persist until he causes justice to triumph,
A crushed reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not extinguish, until he brings justice to victory.
A bruised reed He will not break, and smoking flax He will not quench, until He bring forth judgment to victory." Isa. 42:1-3
A bruised reed shall he not break, And smoking flax shall he not quench, Till he send forth judgment unto victory.
The crushed stem will not be broken by him; and the feebly burning light will he not put out, till he has made righteousness overcome all.
He won't break a bruised reed. He won't quench a smoking flax, Until he sends forth judgment to victory.
He will not snap off a broken reedor snuff out a smoldering wickuntil he brings justicejudgment">[fn] to victory.
A bruised reed he will not break, And a flickering lamp he will not extinguish, Until he bring forth judgment unto victory.
The crushed reed he will not break; and the flickering lamp he will not extinguish; until he bring judgment to be victorious.
A bruised reede shall he not breake, and smokyng flaxe shall he not quenche, tyll he sende foorth iudgement vnto victorie:
A bruised reed shall he not break, And smoking flax shall he not quench, Till he send forth judgment unto victory.
He won't break a bruised reed, He won't quench a smoking flax, Until he sends forth judgment to victory.
He shall not break a bruised reed, and smoking flax he shall not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.
A crushed reed He will not utterly break, nor will He quench the still smouldering wick, until He has led on Justice to victory.
A brisid rehed he shal not breke, and he schal not quenche smokynge flax, til he caste out doom to victorie;
A bruised reed he shall not break, And smoking flax he shall not quench, Until he sends forth judgment to victory.
A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he shall send forth judgment to victory.
He will not break a bruised reed or extinguish a smoldering wick, until he brings justice to victory .
A bruised reed He will not break, And smoking flax He will not quench, Till He sends forth justice to victory;
He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle. Finally he will cause justice to be victorious.
He will not break a broken branch. He will not put out a little fire until He makes things right.
He will not break a bruised reed or quench a smoldering wick until he brings justice to victory.
A bruised cane, will he not break, and, a smoking wick, will he not quench, - until he urge on, justice, to victory,
The bruised reed he shall not break: and smoking flax he shall not extinguish: till he send forth judgment unto victory.
he will not break a bruised reed or quench a smoldering wick, till he brings justice to victory;
a brosed rede shall he not breacke and flaxe that begynneth to burne he shall not queche tyll he sende forth iudgement vnto victory
a bruised reed he shall not break, and smoking flax he shall not quench, till he may put forth judgment to victory,
A brosed rede shal he not breake, and flax that beginneth to burne shal he not quench, tyll he sende forth iudgment vnto victory.
a bruised reed shall he not break, and smoaking flax shall he not quench, till he hath made justice victorious.
He won't ride his horse over the weak and pitiful, nor will he dash the smallest dream until he conquers the world with his final showdown.
Contextual Overview
Bible Verse Review
from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge
bruised: Matthew 11:28, 2 Kings 18:21, Psalms 51:17, Psalms 147:3, Isaiah 40:11, Isaiah 57:15, Isaiah 61:1-3, Lamentations 3:31-34, Ezekiel 34:16, Luke 4:18, 2 Corinthians 2:7, Hebrews 12:12, Hebrews 12:13
till: Psalms 98:1-3, Isaiah 42:3, Isaiah 42:4, Romans 15:17-19, 2 Corinthians 2:14, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, Revelation 6:2, Revelation 19:11-21
Reciprocal: Genesis 19:21 - I Leviticus 10:20 - he was content Job 9:17 - For he Job 13:25 - break Psalms 45:4 - meekness Jeremiah 31:8 - them the Matthew 11:29 - for Matthew 18:10 - heed Matthew 21:5 - meek Mark 12:34 - Thou Luke 8:48 - Daughter John 19:39 - Nicodemus Romans 14:1 - weak 2 Corinthians 10:1 - by 1 Thessalonians 5:14 - comfort Hebrews 4:15 - we have
Cross-References
And Abram passed through the land unto the place of Sichem, unto the plain of Moreh. And the Canaanite was then in the land.
And it came to pass, when he was come near to enter into Egypt, that he said unto Sarai his wife, Behold now, I know that thou art a fair woman to look upon:
And it came to pass, that, when Abram was come into Egypt, the Egyptians beheld the woman that she was very fair.
The princes also of Pharaoh saw her, and commended her before Pharaoh: and the woman was taken into Pharaoh's house.
And Moses let his father in law depart; and he went his way into his own land.
The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord , as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
Gill's Notes on the Bible
A bruised reed shall he not break,.... Various are the thoughts of interpreters, about what is meant by this, and by
the smoking flax shall he not quench. Some think the Scribes and Pharisees are designed, whose power Christ could easily crush, and their wrath and fury restrain, but would not, till the time of his vengeance was come. Others that the publicans and sinners are intended, of whose conversion and salvation there were more hope than of the Scribes and Pharisees; and which Christ greatly sought after, and therefore cherished and encouraged them in his ministry and conversation. Some are of opinion, that such who have fallen into sin, and are under great decays of grace, are meant, whom Christ has compassion on, succours, and restores: but rather young converts, such as are under first awakenings, are here pointed at; who, like to a "bruised reed", or "broken" one, one that is in some measure broke, near being broken to pieces, are wounded in their spirits, have their hearts broken and contrite, under a sense of their sinfulness, vileness, weakness, and unworthiness; whom Christ is so far from breaking and destroying, that he binds up their broken hearts, heals their wounds, and restores comforts to them: and who are like to "smoking flax", or, as the Syriac reads it, דמטפטף
שרגא, "a smoking lamp"; to which the Arabic and Persic versions agree; meaning the wick of the lamp, which being just lighted, seems ready to go out, having scarce any light, only a little fire in it, which makes it smoke: so these have but little light of knowledge, faith, and comfort, and a great deal of darkness and infirmity; only there is some warmth in their affections, which go upwards "like pillars of smoke, perfumed with frankincense"; and such Christ is so far from neglecting, and putting out, that he blows up the sparks of grace into a flame, and never utterly leaves the work,
till he sends forth judgment into victory; that is, till he sends forth the Gospel into their hearts, accompanied with his mighty power, in the light and comfort of it; which informs their judgments, enlightens their understandings, bows their wills, raises their affections, sanctifies their souls, works effectually in them, under the influence of his Spirit and grace, to the carrying on of the work of grace in them to the end; and making them victorious over all their enemies, and more than conquerors, through him that has loved them. The Targum of Jonathan paraphrases the words thus;
"the meek, who are as a bruised reed, he will not break; and the poor, who are as an obscure lamp, he will not quench.''
Barnes' Notes on the Bible
This account is found also in Mark 3:6-12.
Matthew 12:14
The Pharisees ... held a council ... - Mark adds that the Herodians also took a part in this plot. They were probably a “political” party attached firmly to Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great, tetrarch of Galilee. He was the same man who had imprisoned and beheaded John the Baptist, and to whom the Saviour, when arraigned, was sent by Pilate. See the notes at Luke 3:1. He was under Roman authority, and was a strong advocate of Roman power. All the friends of the family of Herod were opposed to Christ, and ever ready to join any plot against his life. They remembered, doubtless, the attempts of Herod the Great against him when he was the babe of Bethlehem, and they were stung with the memory of the escape of Jesus from his bloody hands. The attempt against him now, on the part of the Pharisees, was the effect of “envy.” They hated his popularity, they were losing their influence, and they therefore resolved to take him out of the way.
Matthew 12:15
But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself ... - He knew of the plot which they had formed against his life; but his hour was not yet come, and he therefore sought security.
By remaining, his presence would only have provoked them further and endangered his own life. He acted, therefore, the part of prudence and withdrew. Compare the notes at Matthew 10:23.
Mark adds that he withdrew “to the sea;” that is, to the Sea of Galilee. or Tiberias. He states also Matthew 3:7-8 that “a great multitude from Galilee followed him, and from Judea, and from Jerusalem, and from Idumea, and from beyond Jordan; and they about Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they heard what great things he did, came unto him.” As some of these places were without the limits of Judea or inhabited by “Gentiles,” this statement of Mark throws light on the passage quoted by Matthew Matthew 12:21, “In his name shall the Gentiles trust.”
Pressed by the crowd Mark 3:9, Jesus went aboard a “small vessel,” or “boat,” called by Mark a “ship.” This he did for the convenience of being separated from them and more easily addressing them. We are to suppose the lake still and calm; the multitudes, most of whom were sick and diseased, on the shore and pressing to the water’s edge; and Jesus thus healing their diseases, and preaching to them the good news of salvation. No scene could be more sublime than this.
Matthew 12:16
And he charged them ... - He was “at this time” desirous of concealment.
He wished to avoid their plots and to save his life.
Matthew 12:17
That it might be fulfilled ... - Matthew here quotes a passage from Isaiah 42:1-4, to show the “reason why he thus retired from his enemies and sought concealment.” The Jews, and the disciples also at first, expected that the Messiah would be a conqueror, and vindicate himself from all his enemies. When they saw him retiring before them, and, instead of subduing them by force, seeking a place of concealment, it was contrary to all their previous notions of the Messiah. Matthew by this quotation shows that “their” conceptions of him had been wrong. Instead of a warrior and an earthly conqueror, he was “predicted” under a totally different character. Instead of shouting for battle, lifting up his voice in the streets, oppressing the feeble - “breaking bruised reeds and quenching smoking flax, as a conqueror” - he would be peaceful, retiring; would strengthen the feeble, and would cherish the faintest desires of holiness. This appears to be the general meaning of this quotation here. Compare the notes at Isaiah 42:1-4.
Matthew 12:18
My servant - That is, the Messiah, the Lord Jesus; called a servant from his taking the “form” of a “servant,” or his being born in a humble condition Philippians 2:7, and from his obeying or “serving” God. See Hebrews 10:9.
Shall show judgment to the Gentiles - The word “judgment” means, in the Hebrew, law, “commands, etc.,” Psalms 19:9; Psalms 119:29-30. It means the “whole system of truth;” the law of God in general; the purpose, plan, or “judgment” of God about human duty and conduct. Here it means, evidently, the system of “gospel truth,” the Christian scheme.
Gentiles - All who were not Jews. This prophecy was fulfilled by the multitudes coming to him from Idumea and beyond Jordan, and from Tyre and Sidon, as recorded by Mark 3:7-8.
Matthew 12:19
He shall not strive ... - He shall not shout as a warrior.
He shall be meek, retiring, and peaceful. Streets were places of concourse. The meaning is, that he should not seek publicity and popularity.
Matthew 12:20
A bruised reed ... - The reed is an emblem of feebleness, as well as of fickleness or want of stability, Matthew 11:7. A bruised, broken reed is an emblem of the poor and oppressed. It means that he would not oppress the feeble and poor, as victorious warriors and conquerors did. It is also an expressive emblem of the soul broken and contrite on account of sin; weeping and mourning for transgression. He will not break it; that is, he will not be severe, unforgiving, and cruel. He will heal it, pardon it, and give it strength.
Smoking flax - This refers to the wick of a lamp when the oil is exhausted - the dying, flickering flame and smoke that hang over it. It is an emblem, also, of feebleness and infirmity. He would not further oppress those who had a little strength; he would not put out hope and life when it seemed to be almost extinct. He would not be like the Pharisees, proud and overbearing, and trampling down the poor. It is expressive, also, of the languishing graces of the people of God. He will not treat them harshly or unkindly, but will cherish the feeble flame, minister the “oil” of grace, and kindle it into a blaze.
Till he send forth judgment unto victory - “Judgment” here means truth - the truth of God, the gospel. It shall be victorious - it shall not be vanquished. Though the Messiah is not “such” a conqueror as the Jews expected, yet he “shall” conquer. Though mild and retiring, yet he will be victorious.
Matthew 12:21
And in his name ... - The Hebrew in Isaiah is, “And the isles shall wait for his law.” The idea is, however, the same.
The “isles” denote the Gentiles, or a part of the Gentiles - those out of Judea. The meaning is, that the gospel should be preached to the Gentiles, and that they should receive it. See the notes at Isaiah 41:1 for an explanation of the word “islands,” as it is used in the Bible.
Clarke's Notes on the Bible
Verse Matthew 12:20. A bruised reed shall he not break — A reed is, in Scripture, the emblem of weakness, Ezekiel 29:6; and a bruised reed must signify that state of weakness that borders on dissolution and death.
And smoking flax shall he not quench — λινον τυφομενον. λινος means the wick of a lamp, and τυφομενον is intended to point out its expiring state, when the oil has been all burnt away from it, and nothing is left but a mere snuff, emitting smoke. Some suppose the Jewish state, as to ecclesiastical matters, is here intended, the prophecy declaring that Christ would not destroy it, but leave it to expire of itself, as it already contained the principles of its own destruction. Others have considered it as implying that great tenderness with which the blessed Jesus should treat the weak and the ignorant, whose good desires must not be stifled, but encouraged. The bruised reed may recover itself, if permitted to vegetate under the genial influences of heaven; and the life and light of the expiring lamp may be supported by the addition of fresh oil. Jesus therefore quenches not faint desires after salvation, even in the worst and most undeserving of men; for even such desires may lead to the fulness of the blessing of the Gospel of peace.
Judgment unto victory. — See Matthew 12:18. By judgment, understand the Gospel, and by victory its complete triumph over Jewish opposition, and Gentile impiety. He will continue by these mild and gentle means to work till the whole world is Christianized, and the universe filled with his glory.
