Matthew 12:18
What does Matthew 12:18 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 12:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 12:18 means
Isaiah’s words describe God’s chosen servant—My beloved—upon whom God delights and places his Spirit. The servant will declare judgment to the Gentiles, emphasizing the servant’s anointing, humility, and global mission. The portrait highlights meekness rather than triumphal displays: he will not loudly contend in the streets. The verse affirms Jesus’ gentle, Spirit-empowered ministry and broad scope, pointing forward to the expansion of God’s covenant blessings beyond Israel to the nations.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Behold, 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Behold 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 shew judgment to the Gentiles.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Behold, 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949See my servant, the man of my selection, my loved one in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my Spirit on him, and he will make my decision clear to the Gentiles.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`Lo, My servant, whom I did choose, My beloved, in whom My soul did delight, I will put My Spirit upon him, and judgment to the nations he shall declare,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Behold my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved in whom my soul hath been well pleased. I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Behold my servant, whom I have chosen, my beloved, in whom my soul has found its delight. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he shall shew forth judgment to the nations.
Context
This quotation follows the fulfillment formula and explains Jesus’ manner of ministry. After public healings and withdrawal, Isaiah’s depiction shows why Jesus operates quietly yet with authority. The prophecy situates Jesus’ character and mission within God’s plan, preparing the following lines that describe his compassionate restraint and triumph.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Isaiah 61:1
The Spirit of the Lord Jehovah is upon me; because Jehovah hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
- Acts 10:38
even Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
- Acts 26:17
delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom I send thee,
- Zechariah 3:8
Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, thou and thy fellows that sit before thee; for they are men that are a sign: for, behold, I will bring forth my servant the Branch.
- Isaiah 52:13
Behold, my servant shall deal wisely, he shall be exalted and lifted up, and shall be very high.
- Mark 1:11
and a voice came out of the heavens, Thou art my beloved Son, in thee I am well pleased.
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