Devine Scripture

Matthew 12:21

What does Matthew 12:21 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 12:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 12:21 means

In his name the Gentiles will hope. This concise statement extends the servant’s reach to the nations: the gospel will become a source of hope beyond Israel. It affirms the universality of Christ’s mission and the inclusion of Gentiles in God’s salvation plan. Matthew uses this to show that Jesus fulfills Israel’s vocation to be a light to the nations. The verse anticipates the church’s mission and the global consequence of Jesus’ life and work.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And in his name shall the Gentiles hope.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And in his name shall the Gentiles trust.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And in his name shall the Gentiles hope.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And in his name will the Gentiles put their hope.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and in his name shall nations hope.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And in his name the Gentiles shall hope.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and on his name shall [the] nations hope.

Context

This completes the Isaiah quotation and connects the healed crowds and Jesus’ mission to a wider purpose. Coming right after verses that emphasize humility and compassion, it shows that gentleness doesn’t limit reach; instead, the servant’s work brings hope to all peoples—an important corrective to narrow expectations.

v.20A bruised reed shall he not break, And smoking flax shall he not quench, Till he send forth judgment unto victory.

v.21This passage

v.22Then was brought unto him one possessed with a demon, blind and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the dumb man spake and saw.

Cross references

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

  • Colossians 1:27

    to whom God was pleased to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

  • Ephesians 1:12

    to the end that we should be unto the praise of his glory, we who had before hoped in Christ:

  • Romans 15:12

    And again, Isaiah saith, There shall be the root of Jesse, And he that ariseth to rule over the Gentiles; On him shall the Gentiles hope.

  • Isaiah 11:10

    And it shall come to pass in that day, that the root of Jesse, that standeth for an ensign of the peoples, unto him shall the nations seek; and his resting-place shall be glorious.

  • Isaiah 42:4

    He will not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set justice in the earth; and the isles shall wait for his law.

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