Isaiah 42:2

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 42:2 prophetically describes the character and methodology of God's chosen Servant, portraying a figure who operates with profound humility and quiet dignity rather than boisterous public display or self-promotion. This verse emphasizes that the Servant's influence and work for justice will not be achieved through clamor, contention, or overt attention-seeking in public spaces, but through a gentle, unassuming, and deeply impactful approach that contrasts sharply with worldly expectations of power and authority.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the first of four "Servant Songs" found in the Book of Isaiah (Isaiah 42:1-4; Isaiah 49:1-6; Isaiah 50:4-9; Isaiah 52:13-53:12). These songs collectively detail the identity, mission, and suffering of a unique individual chosen by God to bring salvation and justice to the world. Isaiah 42:1 introduces the Servant as one upheld by God, chosen, delighted in, and endowed with the Spirit to bring justice to the nations. Verse 2 immediately follows, elaborating on the *manner* in which this justice will be executed—not with loud proclamations or public spectacles, but with a quiet, gentle authority. The subsequent verses (e.g., [Isaiah 42:3](/isaiah/42-3 "Isaiah 42:3 - The Servant's Gentleness") and [Isaiah 42:4](/isaiah/42-4 "Isaiah 42:4 - The Servant's Steadfastness")) further reinforce this gentle yet resolute nature, describing a Servant who will not break a bruised reed or quench a dimly burning wick, and who will not falter until justice is established.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Isaiah, particularly chapters 40-55 (often referred to as Deutero-Isaiah), addresses the Jewish exiles in Babylon, offering comfort, hope, and prophecies of restoration. In this context, the people longed for a powerful, conquering Messiah who would overthrow their oppressors with military might and public fanfare, akin to earthly kings or deliverers who would announce their presence with trumpets and declarations in public squares. The prophetic description of the Servant in Isaiah 42:2 directly challenges these prevailing expectations, presenting a radically different model of leadership and divine intervention. It speaks to a time when public discourse often involved loud debates and proclamations in city gates or streets, making the Servant's quiet approach even more striking and counter-cultural.
* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Isaiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Humility and Gentleness**, portraying a God who works through quiet, unassuming means rather than overt displays of power, a characteristic later embodied by Christ (e.g., [Matthew 11:29](/matthew/11-29 "Matthew 11:29 - Jesus's Gentle Yoke")). Secondly, it emphasizes **Justice through Quiet Influence**, suggesting that true, lasting justice is not achieved through coercion or public clamor, but through steadfast, compassionate action. This contrasts with the typical methods of worldly power and foreshadows the nature of God's kingdom, which grows like a mustard seed or leaven (as seen in [Matthew 13](/matthew/13 "Matthew 13 - Parables of the Kingdom")). Finally, it underscores the theme of **Suffering Servanthood**, implicitly linking the Servant's non-confrontational approach to a path of quiet endurance and sacrifice, which becomes more explicit in later Servant Songs, particularly [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **cry (Hebrew, _tsâʻaq'_):** From H6817, a primitive root meaning "to shriek" or "to proclaim (an assembly)." In this context, it denotes a loud, public outcry, a clamor, or a boisterous declaration. The negation ("He shall not cry") signifies an absence of aggressive, attention-grabbing vocalization.
* **lift up (Hebrew, _nâsâʼ'_):** From H5375, a primitive root meaning "to lift" in various applications, including "to raise (up)," "exalt (self)," or "magnify." Here, "nor lift up" implies not raising one's voice in a prominent, arrogant, or self-promoting manner, avoiding any form of self-exaltation or public boasting.
* **voice (Hebrew, _qôwl'_):** From H6963, meaning "a voice or sound." This refers to the audible expression of the Servant. The phrase "nor cause his voice to be heard" emphasizes that the Servant will not engage in public discourse or debate in a way that draws attention to himself or his message through sheer volume or contentious argument.
* **street (Hebrew, _chûwts'_):** From H2351, meaning "outside," "outdoors," or "street." This word specifically refers to public thoroughfares or open spaces where people gather, conduct business, and engage in public discourse. The Servant's absence of public clamor is specifically localized to these highly visible and audible public areas.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He shall not cry":** This clause indicates that the Servant's ministry will not be characterized by loud, attention-demanding shouts or desperate pleas. It suggests a calm, composed, and non-clamorous approach to his work, in stark contrast to the often boisterous public figures or prophets of the ancient world.
* **"nor lift up":** This phrase complements the first, implying that the Servant will not elevate his voice in a prominent or self-exalting manner. It speaks to an absence of arrogance, self-promotion, or any attempt to dominate public discourse through sheer volume or aggressive rhetoric. His influence will not come from a position of self-proclaimed superiority.
* **"nor cause his voice to be heard":** This further reinforces the idea of quietness and lack of public spectacle. The Servant will not intentionally project his voice or seek to make himself heard in a way that draws widespread public attention or creates a commotion. His message and actions will not be delivered through sensationalism or grandstanding.
* **"in the street":** This final phrase specifies the public setting where this quiet demeanor will be observed. The "street" represents the public square, the marketplace, or any common area where people gather and where loud proclamations or debates would typically occur. The Servant's work will not be performed with public fanfare or contentious arguments in these highly visible settings.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 42:2 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Negative Parallelism** is prominent, with each clause ("He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard") building on the previous one to emphasize the absence of public clamor and self-promotion. This repetition of negation powerfully underscores the Servant's quiet demeanor. There is also a strong element of **Understatement**, as the profound impact of the Servant's work is described through what he *will not* do, rather than what he *will* do loudly. This creates an **Implicit Contrast** with the typical expectations of a powerful leader or prophet, who might be expected to operate with great public display. The "street" functions as **Symbolism**, representing the public arena, the realm of human clamor and worldly power, against which the Servant's gentle method is set apart.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly shapes our understanding of divine power and the nature of God's kingdom. It reveals that God's chosen method for establishing justice and redemption is not through worldly might, loud declarations, or public contention, but through quiet, humble, and steadfast service. This challenges human notions of effectiveness, suggesting that true spiritual impact often stems from a gentle, unassuming presence rather than boisterous self-promotion. It aligns with the biblical theme that God often works through the weak and lowly, confounding the wise and strong, to demonstrate His unique power and wisdom.

* [Zechariah 4:6](/zechariah/4-6 "Zechariah 4:6 - Not by Might, Nor by Power") - "Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts."
* [1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1_corinthians/1-27 "1 Corinthians 1:27-29 - God Chooses the Weak") - "But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty..."
* [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility") - "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant..."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 42:2 offers a counter-cultural paradigm for influence and ministry, challenging believers to re-evaluate their understanding of power and effectiveness. In a world that often values loudness, self-promotion, and public spectacle, this verse calls us to embrace the quiet humility and gentle strength exemplified by the Servant. It reminds us that our most profound impact for the Kingdom of God may not come from striving for public recognition or engaging in contentious debates, but from consistent, compassionate acts of service, quiet integrity, and a gentle witness to the truth. True spiritual authority is often manifested through meekness, patience, and a willingness to serve without fanfare, allowing our actions and character to speak more powerfully than any loud declaration. This approach fosters genuine connection, builds trust, and reflects the very nature of God, who quietly sustains creation and patiently pursues His redemptive purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be tempted to "cry, or lift up, or cause my voice to be heard in the street" in my efforts to serve God or influence others?**
* **How can I cultivate a spirit of humility and gentleness in my daily interactions, allowing my actions to speak louder than my words?**
* **What does it mean for me to exercise "quiet authority" or "gentle influence" in my sphere of life, mirroring the Servant described in this verse?**
* **How does this verse challenge my cultural assumptions about what constitutes effective leadership or impactful ministry?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean that Jesus never spoke loudly or publicly?**

Answer: No, not entirely. While Isaiah 42:2 emphasizes a general characteristic of the Servant's ministry—one of humility and a lack of self-promotion—it doesn't mean Jesus was silent or never spoke in public. The Gospels record many instances where Jesus taught large crowds (e.g., the Sermon on the Mount in [Matthew 5-7](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Sermon on the Mount begins")), debated with religious leaders (e.g., [Matthew 22:15-46](/matthew/22-15 "Matthew 22:15-46 - Jesus Debates the Pharisees")), and even overturned tables in the temple (e.g., [John 2:13-17](/john/2-13 "John 2:13-17 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple")). The point of Isaiah 42:2 is that His ministry was not *characterized* by self-aggrandizing clamor, contentious shouting matches, or seeking public fame. His voice was heard, but not in a way that sought attention for Himself, but rather to proclaim the truth of God's kingdom. His authority was inherent, not derived from boisterous display.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 42:2 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and ministry of Jesus Christ. The New Testament explicitly identifies Jesus as the Servant foretold in Isaiah, most notably in [Matthew 12:18-21](/matthew/12-18 "Matthew 12:18-21 - Jesus Fulfills Isaiah's Prophecy"), which directly quotes Isaiah 42:1-4 in describing Jesus's humble and gentle approach. After healing many, Jesus often commanded them not to make Him known, demonstrating His consistent refusal to engage in public fanfare or political contention, thereby fulfilling the prophecy that "He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street." His kingdom was not of this world, and His methods reflected that truth, demonstrating power through quiet humility rather than outward display. He taught with authority, yet He was "meek and lowly in heart" ([Matthew 11:29](/matthew/11-29 "Matthew 11:29 - Jesus's Invitation to Rest")). His influence spread not through boisterous self-promotion, but through compassionate service, sacrificial love, and the quiet, transformative power of the Holy Spirit, ultimately culminating in His redemptive work on the cross, a silent but infinitely powerful act of salvation ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). Jesus's life perfectly embodies the quiet dignity and profound impact of the Servant described in Isaiah 42:2, offering a radical model of leadership and divine power.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.