Matthew 12:19

KJV

He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets.

KJV (with Strong's)

He shall {G2051} not {G3756} strive {G2051}, nor {G3761} cry {G2905}; neither {G3761} shall any man {G5100} hear {G191} his {G846} voice {G5456} in {G1722} the streets {G4113}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He will not fight or shout, no one will hear his voice in the streets;

Berean Standard Bible

He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear His voice in the streets.

American Standard Version

He shall not strive, nor cry aloud; Neither shall any one hear his voice in the streets.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 12:19, a direct quotation from Isaiah 42:2, profoundly describes the character and ministry of Jesus Christ. It portrays Him not as a clamorous revolutionary or a self-promoting public figure, but as a gentle, humble, and unassuming Servant of God. This verse highlights Jesus's deliberate avoidance of public contention and sensationalism, emphasizing that His messianic mission was to be accomplished through quiet, compassionate service and the demonstration of divine power rather than through worldly striving or loud displays.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed by Matthew after a series of escalating conflicts between Jesus and the Jewish religious authorities, particularly the Pharisees. In the preceding verses of [Matthew 12](/matthew/12 "Matthew 12 - Jesus and the Sabbath"), Jesus heals a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, directly challenging the Pharisees' rigid interpretation of the Law. Their response is to conspire against Him, seeking to destroy Him ([Matthew 12:14](/matthew/12-14 "Matthew 12:14 - Pharisees Plot Against Jesus")). In response, Jesus withdraws from that immediate confrontation, yet continues His healing ministry to large crowds, charging those He healed not to make Him known ([Matthew 12:15-16](/matthew/12-15-16 "Matthew 12:15-16 - Jesus Withdraws and Heals")). Matthew then inserts this prophecy from [Isaiah 42:1-4](/isaiah/42-1-4 "Isaiah 42:1-4 - The Servant of the Lord") to explain Jesus's quiet, non-confrontational approach, demonstrating that His actions were not out of weakness or fear, but in fulfillment of divine prophecy concerning the Messiah's gentle and humble character. This literary move underscores Matthew's consistent theme of Jesus as the promised Messiah who perfectly fulfills Old Testament scripture.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Judea was a land under Roman occupation, with many Jews longing for a Messiah who would be a powerful political and military leader, overthrowing Roman rule and restoring Israel's national sovereignty. This expectation often involved a figure who would "strive" and "cry" in the public square, rallying the people to revolution. The Pharisees, as influential religious leaders, often engaged in public debates and sought to uphold their authority through strict adherence to and public display of the Law. Jesus's ministry, as described in [Matthew 12:19](/matthew/12-19 "Matthew 12:19 - The Gentle Servant"), directly countered these prevailing cultural and messianic expectations. Instead of seeking public acclaim or engaging in clamorous disputes in the "streets" (public squares or marketplaces, which were centers of social and political activity), Jesus demonstrated a different kind of power—one characterized by humility, service, and quiet authority. This prophetic description from [Isaiah](/isaiah/42 "Isaiah 42 - The Servant of the Lord") would have been revolutionary in its implications for understanding the true nature of God's chosen Servant.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully establishes the theme of **Gentle and Humble Ministry**, portraying Jesus as the antithesis of a self-promoting or contentious leader. His power is demonstrated through quiet compassion and healing, not through loud proclamations or public arguments. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, as Matthew explicitly states that Jesus's actions and character align perfectly with the ancient predictions of the "Servant of the Lord" found in [Isaiah 42](/isaiah/42 "Isaiah 42 - The Servant of the Lord"). This emphasizes Jesus's divine identity and mission as the long-awaited Messiah, whose unassuming manner was a divinely ordained aspect of His messianic role, not a flaw. Finally, it highlights the theme of **Quiet Authority**, demonstrating that true divine authority does not need to resort to human striving or clamor to achieve its purposes. Jesus's profound impact was achieved through grace, truth, and sacrificial love, contrasting sharply with worldly pursuits of power through dominance and public acclaim.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **strive (Greek, _erízō'_):** Derived from the Greek word for "strife" or "contention" (ἔρις), this verb means "to wrangle," "to contend," or "to dispute." In the context of Matthew 12:19, it describes Jesus's deliberate avoidance of public quarrels, heated arguments, or open conflict, particularly with His adversaries. He did not engage in the kind of contentious debate common among religious leaders of His day, choosing instead to embody truth through His life and works rather than through verbal sparring for dominance.
* **cry (Greek, _kraugázō'_):** This word, stemming from the Greek for "clamor" or "outcry" (κραυγή), signifies to "cry aloud," "to shout," or "to make a clamorous noise." It paints a picture of sensationalism, boastful declarations, or drawing attention to oneself through loud, public displays. Jesus's ministry was characterized by a refusal to seek such fanfare, opting for quiet, personal interactions and profound teaching over theatrical or self-aggrandizing performances in the public eye.
* **hear (Greek, _akoúō'_):** A primary verb meaning "to hear" in various senses, including to listen, to perceive sound, or to understand. In this context, it emphasizes the absence of any public outcry or clamor from Jesus that would be widely heard in the "streets." His voice, though authoritative in teaching, was not one of public contention or self-promotion that would draw widespread, sensational attention.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He shall not strive":** This clause emphasizes Jesus's non-confrontational nature. It means He would not engage in public disputes, quarrels, or contentious arguments, even when provoked. His method was not one of forceful debate or seeking to overpower opponents through verbal combat, but rather to present truth with quiet authority and to demonstrate God's will through His actions and character.
* **"nor cry":** This phrase further elaborates on Jesus's humble demeanor, indicating that He would not make a loud clamor, shout, or draw attention to Himself through sensational displays. His ministry was not characterized by self-promotion, boastful declarations, or seeking public fanfare in a way that would create a noisy spectacle. Instead, His influence was subtle, profound, and rooted in genuine spiritual authority rather than outward show.
* **"neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets":** This final clause reinforces the quiet and unassuming nature of Jesus's ministry. "In the streets" refers to public places, open squares, or marketplaces—areas where public figures would typically gather crowds, engage in debates, or make loud proclamations. The meaning is that Jesus would not seek public acclaim or widespread notoriety through clamorous means. His impact was not dependent on being the loudest voice or the most visible figure in the public arena, but on the quiet, transformative power of His presence and message.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew's use of this prophecy from Isaiah employs several potent literary devices. First, the most prominent is **Quotation/Allusion**, as Matthew directly quotes from [Isaiah 42:2](/isaiah/42-2 "Isaiah 42:2 - The Servant's Quiet Ministry"), explicitly linking Jesus's character and ministry to Old Testament prophecy. This serves to affirm Jesus's identity as the long-awaited Messiah in a way that aligns with divine foresight. Second, there is a powerful **Contrast** implied between Jesus's gentle approach and the typical expectations of a messianic figure or a powerful leader in the first century, who might be expected to "strive" or "cry" for political or social change. This highlights the unique nature of God's kingdom and its King. Third, the verse uses **Understatement** or **Meekness** as a descriptive technique, focusing on what Jesus *will not* do (strive, cry, be heard in the streets) to emphasize His humble and unassuming character. Finally, "voice in the streets" can be seen as a form of **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where "voice" represents public proclamation or clamor, and "streets" represent the public arena or sphere of sensational activity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 12:19 reveals a profound theological truth about the nature of God's kingdom and the character of its King. Unlike earthly kingdoms that often rise through force, clamor, and self-promotion, God's kingdom advances through humility, quiet service, and the transformative power of truth and love. Jesus's refusal to "strive" or "cry" is not a sign of weakness, but of divine strength and wisdom, demonstrating that true authority flows from a place of meekness and submission to the Father's will. This quiet approach was essential for His mission as the Suffering Servant, who would draw people to Himself not through outward show, but through the intrinsic beauty and power of His life and sacrificial work. It teaches us that God's ways are often counter-cultural, valuing inner character and genuine impact over external display and human applause.

* [Matthew 11:29](/matthew/11-29 "Matthew 11:29 - Jesus's Invitation to the Weary")
* [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")
* [Luke 17:20-21](/luke/17-20-21 "Luke 17:20-21 - The Kingdom of God is Within You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 12:19 serves as a profound model for Christian conduct and ministry in a world often driven by noise, self-promotion, and contentious striving. Jesus's example calls believers to cultivate a spirit of humility and gentleness, seeking to influence others through authentic character and quiet service rather than through clamorous disputes or the pursuit of public recognition. It challenges us to examine our motivations: are we seeking to be heard and seen "in the streets" for our own glory, or are we content to faithfully embody Christ's truth, trusting that God's purposes will be accomplished through humble obedience? This verse encourages us to prioritize substance over showmanship, to engage in dialogue with grace, and to avoid the temptation to win arguments through sheer volume or aggressive posturing. Our impact, like Christ's, is often greatest when it flows from a place of quiet confidence in God's power, rather than from human striving.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus's example in Matthew 12:19 challenge my own desire for recognition or public validation in my spiritual walk or daily life?**
* **In what areas of my life or ministry am I tempted to "strive or cry" (i.e., engage in contentious arguments or seek attention) rather than demonstrate quiet strength and humble service?**
* **How can I better embody the gentle and lowly spirit of Christ in my interactions with others, especially those with whom I disagree or who oppose me?**

### FAQ

**Why did Matthew emphasize this specific aspect of Jesus's ministry by quoting Isaiah 42:2?**

Answer: Matthew's primary aim in quoting [Isaiah 42:2](/isaiah/42-2 "Isaiah 42:2 - The Servant's Quiet Ministry") was to demonstrate that Jesus perfectly fulfilled Old Testament prophecy, thereby proving His identity as the long-awaited Messiah. By highlighting Jesus's quiet and non-confrontational demeanor, Matthew countered the popular Jewish expectation of a political, conquering Messiah who would lead a loud, public revolution against Roman oppression. Instead, Matthew presented Jesus as the "Servant of the Lord" prophesied by Isaiah, whose kingdom would advance not through worldly clamor or strife, but through humble service, quiet authority, and ultimately, a sacrificial death. This emphasis also served to explain why Jesus often commanded those He healed not to spread the word ([Matthew 8:4](/matthew/8-4 "Matthew 8:4 - Jesus Heals a Leper"), [Matthew 9:30](/matthew/9-30 "Matthew 9:30 - Jesus Heals Two Blind Men")), as His ministry was not about sensationalism but about fulfilling God's redemptive plan in a divinely ordained manner.

**Does this verse mean that Christians should never speak out or engage in public discourse about their faith or social issues?**

Answer: No, Matthew 12:19 does not advocate for silence or withdrawal from public life. Rather, it speaks to the *manner* in which Jesus conducted His ministry and, by extension, how His followers should engage the world. Jesus Himself taught publicly, preached boldly, and confronted injustice, but He did so without "striving" (engaging in contentious, self-serving arguments) or "crying" (seeking attention through sensationalism or boastful displays). The emphasis is on humility, gentleness, and avoiding the kind of clamorous, self-promoting behavior that characterized many worldly leaders. Christians are called to be salt and light in the world ([Matthew 5:13-16](/matthew/5-13-16 "Matthew 5:13-16 - Salt and Light")), speaking truth with grace and love ([Ephesians 4:15](/ephesians/4-15 "Ephesians 4:15 - Speaking Truth in Love")), and engaging in public discourse with a spirit that reflects Christ's character, not worldly ambition or contention.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 12:19 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the profound paradox of God's redemptive plan. Jesus, the Son of God, came not as a conquering king with a loud fanfare, but as the humble [Suffering Servant of Isaiah](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"), whose quiet demeanor and non-confrontational ministry paved the way for the ultimate act of self-sacrifice. His refusal to "strive" or "cry" in the streets was a deliberate choice that underscored His mission to be the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), rather than a political liberator. This quietness was essential for Him to fully identify with humanity, to endure rejection, and to walk the path of obedience to the cross without seeking worldly vindication or glory. It was precisely this humble path, devoid of public clamor, that led to His ultimate exaltation by God ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")). Thus, Matthew 12:19 is not merely a description of Jesus's character, but a prophetic declaration of the divine wisdom that chose humility and quiet suffering as the means to achieve the loudest and most impactful victory in history: the redemption of humanity through the cross and resurrection. His quiet ministry culminates in the powerful, Spirit-empowered proclamation of the gospel by His disciples, sent out to the ends of the earth ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Witness")), a testament to the enduring and expansive power of His humble beginnings.

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

John 18:36

Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

John 18:38

Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault [at all].

2 Timothy 2:24

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

2 Timothy 2:25

In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

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.

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:

2 Corinthians 10:1

¶ Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence [am] base among you, but being absent am bold toward you: