Isaiah 42:3

KJV

A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.

KJV (with Strong's)

A bruised {H7533} reed {H7070} shall he not break {H7665}, and the smoking {H3544} flax {H6594} shall he not quench {H3518}: he shall bring forth {H3318} judgment {H4941} unto truth {H571}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He will not snap off a broken reed or snuff out a smoldering wick. He will bring forth justice according to truth;

Berean Standard Bible

A bruised reed He will not break and a smoldering wick He will not extinguish; He will faithfully bring forth justice.

American Standard Version

A bruised reed will he not break, and a dimly burning wick will he not quench: he will bring forth justice in truth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 42:3, a pivotal verse from the first of Isaiah's Servant Songs, profoundly portrays the Messiah's gentle and compassionate character. It reveals a divine Servant who will not crush the already broken nor extinguish the faintest spark of hope, but rather will tenderly bring forth true, righteous justice to the world. This prophecy underscores God's profound care for the vulnerable and His commitment to establishing His kingdom not through destructive force, but through restorative truth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 42:3 is embedded within the opening verses of Isaiah's first "Servant Song" (Isaiah 42:1-4), which introduces a unique figure chosen and empowered by God's Spirit. This Servant is distinct from previous depictions of Israel or other national entities, presenting a new, ideal agent for God's redemptive purposes. The preceding verse, [Isaiah 42:2](/isaiah/42-2 "Isaiah 42:2 - The Servant's Quiet Ministry"), emphasizes the Servant's quiet, unassuming approach, stating He "shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street," which sets the stage for the gentle character described in verse 3. This passage contrasts sharply with the often-violent and oppressive methods of earthly rulers and establishes the Servant's mission as one of grace and restorative justice, culminating in the establishment of God's law among the nations, as seen in [Isaiah 42:4](/isaiah/42-4 "Isaiah 42:4 - The Servant's Steadfastness").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Isaiah, particularly chapters 40-55, addresses the exilic and post-exilic period of Israel, a time of national despair, spiritual brokenness, and political oppression under foreign powers. The people felt like "bruised reeds" and "smoking flax"—their hopes dim, their nation seemingly extinguished. In this context, the prophecy of a gentle, restorative Servant offered a radical counter-narrative to the prevailing power dynamics of the ancient Near East, where empires asserted dominance through overwhelming force. The imagery of reeds and flax was common in daily life: reeds grew abundantly along waterways, easily broken; flax was used for lamp wicks, and a "smoking" one indicated a dying flame, barely producing light. This imagery would have resonated deeply with a people experiencing profound weakness and spiritual desolation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Isaiah and biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the **compassion and gentleness of God**, particularly towards the weak and marginalized, a theme echoed throughout the Psalms (e.g., [Psalm 103:13-14](/psalm/103-13 "Psalm 103:13-14 - God's Compassion")) and the prophetic books. Secondly, it introduces the theme of **Messianic justice**, which is not merely punitive but restorative and rooted in truth. Unlike human justice systems that often crush the vulnerable, the Servant's justice elevates and heals. Thirdly, it is a foundational text for the **Servant theology** that develops throughout Isaiah, portraying a figure who embodies God's ideal for humanity and Israel, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The Servant's mission is global, extending "judgment unto truth" to the Gentiles, as indicated in [Isaiah 42:1](/isaiah/42-1 "Isaiah 42:1 - The Spirit on the Servant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **bruised (Hebrew, _râtsats'_):** From H7533, meaning "to crack in pieces, literally or figuratively; break, bruise, crush, discourage, oppress, struggle together." This term vividly portrays a state of extreme vulnerability, indicating something or someone that is already broken, oppressed, or on the verge of complete collapse. It speaks to a deep internal or external injury.
* **smoking (Hebrew, _kêheh'_):** From H3544, meaning "feeble, obscure; somewhat dark, darkish, wax dim, heaviness, smoking." This word describes a lamp wick that is no longer producing a clear flame but merely smoldering, emitting smoke, and on the verge of going out entirely. It symbolizes a state of near extinction, representing fading hope, spiritual vitality, or faith.
* **judgment (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_):** From H4941, meaning "properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, individual or collective), including the act, the place, the suit, the crime, and the penalty; abstractly, justice, including a participant's right or privilege (statutory or customary), or even a style." In this context, _mishpâṭ_ refers to the establishment of divine order, righteous governance, and true justice, not merely a legal ruling but the very standard of God's perfect rule.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A bruised reed shall he not break":** This clause presents the first powerful image of the Servant's tender care. A "bruised reed" is a metaphor for the most fragile and broken among humanity—those who are spiritually, emotionally, or physically crushed by life's burdens or by oppression. The Servant's refusal to "break" (H7665, _shâbar_, to burst or crush) implies an active choice not to inflict further harm or judgment upon those already suffering, but rather to preserve and restore them.
* **"and the smoking flax shall he not quench":** The second image reinforces the Servant's profound gentleness. "Smoking flax" refers to a lamp wick whose flame is almost extinguished, producing only smoke. This symbolizes those whose hope, faith, or spiritual life is barely flickering, on the verge of complete despair or spiritual death. The Servant's refusal to "quench" (H3518, _kâbâh_, to extinguish) signifies His commitment to nurturing even the faintest spark of life or faith, preventing its total extinction and instead fanning it back into flame.
* **"he shall bring forth judgment unto truth":** This final clause defines the nature and outcome of the Servant's mission. "Bring forth" (H3318, _yâtsâʼ_, to go or bring out) implies an active, deliberate establishment. The "judgment" (H4941, _mishpâṭ_) He brings is not harsh condemnation but the establishment of God's righteous order and divine law. This judgment is "unto truth" (H571, _ʼemeth_, stability, certainty, trustworthiness), meaning it is founded on ultimate reality, integrity, and God's perfect standard. It is a justice that restores, aligns, and reveals the truth, rather than merely punishing.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 42:3 is rich in **Metaphor** and **Symbolism**. The "bruised reed" serves as a powerful metaphor for the downtrodden, the oppressed, and those whose spirits are broken by life's hardships or injustice. Similarly, "smoking flax" metaphorically represents individuals whose hope, faith, or spiritual vitality is nearly extinguished, producing only a faint, struggling existence. Both images are deeply symbolic of human frailty and despair, highlighting the Servant's extraordinary compassion. The verse also employs **Contrast**, setting the Servant's gentle, restorative approach against the typical human tendency to discard the weak or extinguish what seems useless. This contrast underscores the unique nature of God's justice, which is not about crushing the vulnerable but about nurturing and restoring them.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a profound statement about the character of God, revealed through His Servant. It emphasizes divine compassion and patience, particularly towards the struggling and the weak. It challenges human notions of power and justice, which often involve crushing the vulnerable, by presenting a God who meticulously cares for the faintest spark of life and hope. The establishment of "judgment unto truth" signifies that God's ultimate reign will be characterized by perfect righteousness, integrity, and restorative justice, not by brute force. This gentle yet unwavering commitment to truth and justice is central to God's redemptive plan for humanity.

* [Matthew 12:20](/matthew/12-20 "Matthew 12:20 - Jesus' Fulfillment of Isaiah 42:3")
* [Psalm 147:3](/psalm/147-3 "Psalm 147:3 - God Heals the Brokenhearted")
* [Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Mission to the Oppressed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 42:3 offers immense comfort and a profound call to emulate the Servant's character. For those who feel like a "bruised reed" or "smoking flax"—overwhelmed by life's pressures, broken by sin, or struggling with a faltering faith—this verse is a powerful assurance that God does not condemn or abandon. Instead, He sees our fragility, extends tender grace, and desires to revive and strengthen us. It reminds us that our worth is not dependent on our strength or performance, but on God's unwavering love and restorative power. This passage also serves as a mirror for our own conduct, challenging us to adopt the Servant's compassionate approach in our interactions with others. Instead of judging harshly or dismissing those who are weak, despairing, or struggling in their faith, we are called to offer understanding, patience, and gentle support, seeking to fan the embers of hope rather than extinguishing them.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel like a "bruised reed" or "smoking flax"? How does the Servant's promise of gentle care speak to your current struggles?**
* **How does the Servant's approach to "judgment unto truth" challenge your understanding of justice, both divine and human?**
* **How can you, in your daily interactions, better embody the Servant's compassion towards those who are weak, struggling, or on the verge of despair?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "Servant" described in Isaiah 42:3?**

Answer: The "Servant" in Isaiah 42:3 is a prophetic figure, part of a series of "Servant Songs" in the Book of Isaiah. While the identity of the Servant can sometimes refer to Israel or a prophetic figure, the New Testament explicitly identifies Jesus Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of this prophecy. [Matthew 12:18-21](/matthew/12-18 "Matthew 12:18-21 - Jesus Fulfills Isaiah's Prophecy") quotes Isaiah 42:1-4 directly, applying it to Jesus' gentle and healing ministry, confirming Him as the compassionate Servant who does not break the bruised reed or quench the smoking flax.

**What does "he shall bring forth judgment unto truth" mean in a practical sense?**

Answer: This phrase means that the Servant will establish true, righteous order and justice, not through harsh condemnation or destructive force, but through integrity, fairness, and the power of divine truth. It implies a restorative justice that brings things into alignment with God's perfect standard. For individuals, it means that God's ultimate rule, brought by the Servant, will correct wrongs, vindicate the oppressed, and establish a kingdom founded on unwavering truth and righteousness. It's about setting things right, not merely punishing.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 42:3 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and ministry of Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential Servant, perfectly embodying the gentle and compassionate character prophesied by Isaiah. Throughout His earthly life, Jesus consistently demonstrated His refusal to "break a bruised reed" or "quench smoking flax." He healed the sick, comforted the mourning, embraced the outcasts, and offered hope to those whom society had discarded. His ministry was characterized by an unparalleled tenderness towards sinners and the marginalized, as seen in His interactions with the woman caught in adultery ([John 8:1-11](/john/8-1 "John 8:1-11 - Jesus and the Adulterous Woman")), the Samaritan woman at the well ([John 4:1-42](/john/4-1 "John 4:1-42 - Jesus and the Samaritan Woman")), and His disciples, even in their moments of doubt and weakness ([Matthew 26:40-41](/matthew/26-40 "Matthew 26:40-41 - Jesus' Patience with Disciples")). Jesus did not come to condemn the world but to save it ([John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - God Sent His Son to Save")). His "judgment unto truth" was not a crushing verdict but the establishment of God's righteous kingdom through His life, death, and resurrection, bringing light and truth to a world shrouded in darkness ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). He offers true justice and restoration, not by destroying the weak, but by giving them new life and hope.

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

Ezekiel 34:16

I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up [that which was] broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment.

Jeremiah 31:25

For I have satiated the weary soul, and I have replenished every sorrowful soul.

Isaiah 40:11

He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry [them] in his bosom, [and] shall gently lead those that are with young.

Matthew 11:28

Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Psalms 147:3

He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.

Isaiah 11:3

And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears:

Isaiah 11:4

But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.