Matthew 12:20
What does Matthew 12:20 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 12:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 12:20 means
A bruised reed he will not break, nor quench a smoking flax—images of fragility and weakness which the servant will not crush. God’s chosen one cares for the weak and cautious, offering gentle restoration. This expresses Jesus’ tender treatment of the hurting and repentant, showing his mission to strengthen rather than punish. The final clause, until he brings judgment to victory, indicates patient endurance until God’s decisive triumph succeeds, combining compassion with ultimate justice.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000A bruised reed shall he not break, And smoking flax shall he not quench, Till he send forth judgment unto victory.
KJV
King James Version · 1611A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901A bruised reed shall he not break, And smoking flax shall he not quench, Till he send forth judgment unto victory.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The 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.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862a bruised reed he shall not break, and smoking flax he shall not quench, till he may put forth judgment to victory,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The bruised reed he shall not break: and smoking flax he shall not extinguish: till he send forth judgment unto victory.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890a bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, until he bring forth judgment unto victory;
Context
This verse continues Isaiah’s depiction immediately after the servant’s meekness. Placed after scenes of healing and rejection, it underscores Jesus’ compassionate approach toward the vulnerable. It balances mercy with eventual judgment—an important theme that will return later in the chapter when Jesus speaks of judgment and condemnation.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Corinthians 2:14
But thanks be unto God, who always leadeth us in triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest through us the savor of his knowledge in every place.
- Hebrews 12:12
Wherefore lift up the hands that hang down, and the palsied knees;
- Psalms 51:17
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: A broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
- Ezekiel 34:16
I will seek that which was lost, and will bring back that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but the fat and the strong I will destroy; I will feed them in justice.
- Isaiah 42:3
A bruised reed will he not break, and a dimly burning wick will he not quench: he will bring forth justice in truth.
- Revelation 6:2
And I saw, and behold, a white horse, and he that sat thereon had a bow; and there was given unto him a crown: and he came forth conquering, and to conquer.
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