Matthew 12:19
What does Matthew 12:19 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 12:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 12:19 means
The servant will not strive or cry aloud, and his voice won’t be heard in the streets—language describing humility and restraint in his mission. This contrasts with political revolutionaries or loud demagogues. The servant’s method is peaceful, not coercive. For Jesus, this underscores patient, humble leadership: he does not pursue power through public clamor but through meek endurance, teaching, and restorative acts. The verse reorients expectations about what messianic power looks like.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000He shall not strive, nor cry aloud; Neither shall any one hear his voice in the streets.
KJV
King James Version · 1611He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901He shall not strive, nor cry aloud; Neither shall any one hear his voice in the streets.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949His coming will not be with fighting or loud cries; and his voice will not be lifted up in the streets.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862he shall not strive nor cry, nor shall any hear in the broad places his voice,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752He shall not contend, nor cry out, neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890He shall not strive or cry out, nor shall any one hear his voice in the streets;
Context
This extends the Isaiah citation and interprets Jesus’ gentleness amid hostility. After healings and withdrawal, this description explains Jesus’ avoidance of sensationalism and explains his measured approach in confronting religious leaders. The next verse continues the servant imagery with metaphors of tenderness and perseverance.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Zechariah 9:9
Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy king cometh unto thee; he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, even upon a colt the foal of an ass.
- Luke 17:20
And being asked by the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God cometh, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:
- 2 Timothy 2:24
And the Lord’s servant must not strive, but be gentle towards all, apt to teach, forbearing,
- Matthew 11:29
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
- John 18:36
Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
- 2 Corinthians 10:1
Now I Paul myself entreat you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I who in your presence am lowly among you, but being absent am of good courage toward you:
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