Devine Scripture

Matthew 12:17

What does Matthew 12:17 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 12:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 12:17 means

Matthew introduces fulfillment language: Jesus’ actions fulfill Isaiah’s prophecy. This verse frames Jesus’ ministry as the continuation and realization of prophetic expectation. By citing Isaiah, Matthew connects Jesus to the servant motif and to God’s redemptive plan. The reference signals that what Jesus does—and how he does it—matches God’s earlier promises about a chosen, Spirit-anointed servant who will bring justice and mercy to Israel and beyond.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

So that what was said by Isaiah the prophet might come true,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

that it might be fulfilled that was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaias the prophet, saying:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

that that might be fulfilled which was spoken through Esaias the prophet, saying,

Context

This verse links the healings and Jesus’ withdrawal to Old Testament prophecy. After acts of compassion and secrecy, Matthew reads the events through Isaiah’s lens. What comes next is the prophecy quoted in verses 18–21, which elucidates the servant’s character and mission and roots Jesus’ ministry in Israel’s scriptural hope.

v.16and charged them that they should not make him known:

v.17This passage

v.18Behold, my servant whom I have chosen; My beloved in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my Spirit upon him, And he shall declare judgment to the Gentiles.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Acts 13:27

    For they that dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath, fulfilled them by condemning him.

  • Isaiah 42:1

    Behold, my servant, whom I uphold; my chosen, in whom my soul delighteth: I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the Gentiles.

  • Matthew 21:4

    Now this is come to pass, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophet, saying,

  • John 12:38

    that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? And to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?

  • Luke 24:44

    And he said unto them, These are my words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must needs be fulfilled, which are written in the law of Moses, and the prophets, and the psalms, concerning me.

  • John 19:28

    After this Jesus, knowing that all things are now finished, that the scripture might be accomplished, saith, I thirst.

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