Isaiah 42:2

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street.

Complete Jewish Bible:

He will not cry or shout; no one will hear his voice in the streets.

Berean Standard Bible:

He will not cry out or raise His voice, nor make His voice heard in the streets.

American Standard Version:

He will not cry, nor lift up his voice, nor cause it to be heard in the street.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

He shall not cry{H6817}, nor lift up{H5375}, nor cause his voice{H6963} to be heard{H8085} in the street{H2351}.

Cross-References (KJV):

Matthew 12:16

  • And charged them that they should not make him known:

Matthew 12:20

  • A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.

2 Timothy 2:24

  • And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all [men], apt to teach, patient,

Luke 17:20

  • ¶ And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:

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.

1 Peter 2:23

  • Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed [himself] to him that judgeth righteously:

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, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.

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Commentary for Isaiah 42:2



Isaiah 42:2 is part of the "Servant Songs" within the Book of Isaiah, which are a series of poems that describe an individual known as the "Servant of the Lord." This particular verse is found within the first song and speaks to the manner in which the Servant will carry out his mission. The verse emphasizes the Servant's humility and gentle approach: "He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street."

In the historical context, the Servant is often interpreted as a figure who would restore Israel and bring justice to the nations. During the time of Isaiah, the people of Judah were experiencing various forms of oppression and were looking forward to a deliverer. The description of the Servant in this verse contrasts with the typical portrayal of ancient conquerors and rulers who were often loud and forceful in their dominion.

The themes present in Isaiah 42:2 include humility, quiet strength, and a non-coercive approach to leadership. The Servant's method is not to impose his will through loud demands or public displays of power, but rather through meekness and a quiet demeanor. This reflects a broader biblical theme of God's strength being made perfect in weakness, a concept that is counter-cultural to many contemporary and ancient notions of power.

In the New Testament, Christians interpret this verse as a prophecy fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who exemplified these qualities throughout His ministry. His quiet authority and lack of self-promotion are seen as evidence of His role as the ultimate Servant of the Lord, who came to save not only Israel but all of humanity through sacrifice rather than force.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

  1. Strong's Number: H6817
    There are 53 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: צָעַק
    Transliteration: tsâʻaq
    Pronunciation: tsaw-ak'
    Description: a primitive root; to shriek; (by implication) to proclaim (an assembly); [idiom] at all, call together, cry (out), gather (selves) (together).
  2. Strong's Number: H5375
    There are 611 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: נָשָׂא
    Transliteration: nâsâʼ
    Pronunciation: naw-saw'
    Description: or נָסָה; (Psalm 4:6 (אֲבַד)), a primitive root; to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative; accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield.
  3. Strong's Number: H6963
    There are 436 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: קוֹל
    Transliteration: qôwl
    Pronunciation: kole
    Description: or קֹל; from an unused root meaning to call aloud; a voice or sound; [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell.
  4. Strong's Number: H8085
    There are 1072 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: שָׁמַע
    Transliteration: shâmaʻ
    Pronunciation: shaw-mah'
    Description: a primitive root; to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.); [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness.
  5. Strong's Number: H2351
    There are 159 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: חוּץ
    Transliteration: chûwts
    Pronunciation: khoots
    Description: or (shortened) חֻץ; (both forms feminine in the plural) from an unused root meaning to sever; properly, separate by awall, i.e. outside, outdoors; abroad, field, forth, highway, more, out(-side, -ward), street, without.