Matthew 12:18

Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles.

Behold {G2400} my {G3450} servant {G3816}, whom {G3739} I have chosen {G140}; my {G3450} beloved {G27}, in {G1519} whom {G3739} my {G3450} soul {G5590} is well pleased {G2106}: I will put {G5087} my {G3450} spirit {G4151} upon {G1909} him {G846}, and {G2532} he shall shew {G518} judgment {G2920} to the Gentiles {G1484}.

"Here is my servant, whom I have chosen, my beloved, with whom I am well pleased; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will announce justice to the Gentiles.

“Here is My Servant, whom I have chosen, My beloved, in whom My soul delights. I will put My Spirit on Him, and He will proclaim justice to the nations.

Behold, my servant whom I have chosen; My beloved in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my Spirit upon him, And he shall declare judgment to the Gentiles.

Commentary

Matthew 12:18 (KJV): "Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles."

Context

This verse is a direct quotation by the Apostle Matthew from Isaiah 42:1. It appears in Matthew's Gospel after Jesus has healed a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, sparking further controversy with the Pharisees. Jesus then withdraws, continues healing, but charges people not to make Him known publicly. Matthew sees this humble, non-confrontational approach as a fulfillment of the prophecy in Isaiah, presenting Jesus not just as the Messiah, but specifically as the Suffering Servant who brings God's righteous rule quietly and extends it beyond Israel to the Gentiles.

Key Themes

  • Jesus as the Chosen Servant: The title "my servant" links Jesus directly to the Servant Songs in Isaiah, portraying Him as the one God has specifically selected and empowered for a unique redemptive task.
  • Divine Affirmation and Pleasure: The phrase "my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased" echoes the voice of God the Father at Jesus' baptism (see Matthew 3:17), signifying God's complete approval and delight in His Son.
  • Empowerment by the Spirit: God promises to "put my spirit upon him," highlighting that Jesus' ministry and authority are not merely human but are empowered by the Holy Spirit, enabling Him to carry out God's will perfectly.
  • Mission to the Gentiles: The declaration that "he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles" signifies the universal scope of the Messiah's work. "Judgment" (krisis in Greek, reflecting the Hebrew mishpat) here refers to God's righteous rule, justice, or the truth/gospel message that the Servant will bring, extending God's salvation and authority to all nations, not just Israel (compare Romans 15:12).

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "servant" (pais) can also mean "child" or "son," reflecting the depth of the relationship between God and Jesus as both obedient Servant and beloved Son. The word translated "judgment" (krisis) carries a rich meaning from the Hebrew mishpat in Isaiah 42, encompassing justice, righteous decree, the way of salvation, or the authoritative teaching that establishes God's rule.

Reflection

This prophecy reminds us that Jesus' identity and mission were part of God's ancient plan. He is the Servant, uniquely loved by God, empowered by the Spirit, and sent to bring God's justice and salvation to everyone, everywhere. His quiet, powerful ministry, extending grace even to those outside the covenant, is a central theme of the Gospel and a model for how God works through His chosen ones.

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Cross-References

  • Isaiah 42:1 (45 votes)

    ¶ Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, [in whom] my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.

  • Luke 4:18 (10 votes)

    The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

  • Acts 10:38 (7 votes)

    How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

  • John 3:34 (6 votes)

    For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure [unto him].

  • Isaiah 61:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ The Spirit of the Lord GOD [is] upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to [them that are] bound;

  • Isaiah 61:3 (4 votes)

    To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

  • Isaiah 11:2 (3 votes)

    And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;