Matthew 12:20

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

A bruised {G4937} reed {G2563} shall he {G2608} not {G3756} break {G2608}, and {G2532} smoking {G5188} flax {G3043} shall he {G4570} not {G3756} quench {G4570}, till {G2193}{G302} he send forth {G1544} judgment {G2920} unto {G1519} victory {G3534}.

Complete Jewish Bible

he will not snap off a broken reed or snuff out a smoldering wick until he has brought justice through to victory.

Berean Standard Bible

A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not extinguish, till He leads justice to victory.

American Standard Version

A bruised reed shall he not break, And smoking flax shall he not quench, Till he send forth judgment unto victory.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 12:20, a direct quotation from Isaiah 42:3, profoundly reveals the gentle and compassionate character of Jesus Christ as the promised Messiah. This verse portrays Him as one who does not crush the already broken or extinguish the faintest spark of hope, symbolizing His tender care for the vulnerable, the weak, and those on the verge of despair. It simultaneously declares that this gentle approach is not weakness, but a deliberate path leading to the ultimate establishment of His righteous rule and triumphant justice over all opposition.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of a larger narrative in [Matthew 12](/matthew/12 "Matthew 12 - Jesus and the Sabbath"), where Jesus is increasingly confronted by the religious authorities, particularly the Pharisees. Immediately preceding this passage, Jesus has performed numerous healings, including restoring a man's withered hand on the Sabbath, which incites the Pharisees to conspire against Him ([Matthew 12:9-14](/matthew/12-9-14 "Matthew 12:9-14 - Healing on the Sabbath")). In response to their hostility and plotting, Jesus withdraws from the crowds. Matthew then explains Jesus' quiet, non-confrontational approach by quoting the prophecy from [Isaiah 42:1-4](/isaiah/42-1-4 "Isaiah 42:1-4 - The Servant of the Lord"), presenting Him as the humble Servant of the Lord who does not strive or cry out, contrasting sharply with the aggressive legalism of His opponents. This quotation serves to affirm Jesus’ messianic identity and the unique nature of His kingdom, which operates through compassion and quiet strength rather than overt political or military power.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of a "bruised reed" and "smoking flax" would have been immediately understandable in an ancient agrarian society. Reeds were common, used for flutes, measuring rods, or simple shelters, and a bruised or bent one was considered useless, typically discarded. Flax wicks, used in oil lamps, would smoke when the oil was low or the wick was nearly consumed, indicating a dying flame on the verge of going out, offering little light and much irritation. These images powerfully conveyed extreme fragility, uselessness, and near-extinction. The Jewish people of Jesus' day lived under Roman occupation, longing for a powerful Messiah who would overthrow their oppressors and establish a glorious kingdom. Many expected a conquering king, yet Isaiah's prophecy, and Matthew's application of it, presented a different kind of Messiah—one whose strength lay in gentleness and whose victory would come not through immediate, forceful conquest but through righteous judgment and patient endurance, ultimately culminating in a spiritual and cosmic triumph.

* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several key themes within Matthew's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the **Messianic Identity of Jesus** as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, specifically the Servant Songs of Isaiah. Matthew consistently presents Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, demonstrating how His life and ministry align with divine predictions. Secondly, it highlights the **Compassion and Gentleness of God**, revealing a divine nature that cares deeply for the weak, the marginalized, and the brokenhearted. This contrasts sharply with the harsh, judgmental spirit of the religious leaders of the time, who often added burdens to the people ([Matthew 23:4](/matthew/23-4 "Matthew 23:4 - Burdens of the Pharisees")). Thirdly, the phrase "till he send forth judgment unto victory" points to the theme of **Divine Justice and Ultimate Triumph**. Jesus' quiet and gentle ministry is not a sign of weakness or indecisiveness, but a strategic and patient unfolding of God's righteous rule, which will ultimately prevail over all evil and establish His kingdom in full power and glory, as foreshadowed in passages like [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man's Dominion")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **bruised (Greek, _syntríbō'_):** From *syn* (with) and the base of *tríbō* (to rub, wear away). It means to crush completely, to shatter, or to break in pieces. In this context, it vividly describes something utterly broken, damaged, or on the verge of collapse, emphasizing extreme fragility and vulnerability.
* **flax (Greek, _línon'_):** Refers to the plant from which linen is made, and by implication, the wick of a lamp. "Smoking flax" (Greek, *linon typhomenon*) describes a wick that is smoldering, producing smoke but no flame, indicating a light that is nearly extinguished and offering no useful illumination. It symbolizes a life or hope that is flickering, weak, and close to dying out.
* **victory (Greek, _nîkos'_):** Derived from *níkē* (victory, conquest). It signifies a conquest or triumph. In this verse, it indicates the ultimate and decisive triumph of Jesus' righteous judgment and rule, signifying a complete and undeniable success in establishing His kingdom and justice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A bruised reed shall he not break":** This clause paints a picture of extreme tenderness and care. A "bruised reed" represents the most fragile, broken, and seemingly useless elements of humanity – those who are spiritually, emotionally, or physically broken, on the verge of giving up. Jesus' promise "not to break" them signifies His profound compassion, His refusal to add further burden or despair to those already suffering, and His commitment to preserving and restoring even the weakest and most damaged.
* **"and smoking flax shall he not quench":** This second image reinforces the first, portraying a dying ember or a flickering hope. "Smoking flax" symbolizes a life where the flame of faith, hope, or vitality is barely alive, producing only smoke (irritation, despair) rather than light. Jesus' assurance "not to quench" means He will not extinguish this faint spark. Instead, He will nurture it, fan it into flame, and bring revival, demonstrating His patience, grace, and restorative power even for those whose light seems almost gone.
* **"till he send forth judgment unto victory":** This concluding phrase reveals the purpose and ultimate outcome of Jesus' gentle ministry. "Judgment" (Greek, *krísis*) here does not primarily mean condemnation, but rather righteous rule, justice, and the vindication of God's ways. Jesus' gentleness is not weakness, but a deliberate and powerful means to an end. His quiet, compassionate work will continue until His righteous reign is fully established, culminating in a definitive "victory" (Greek, *nîkos*) over sin, suffering, and all forms of evil. This signifies the ultimate triumph of His kingdom and the full manifestation of God's justice in the world.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 12:20 is rich in **Metaphor** and **Symbolism**. The "bruised reed" and "smoking flax" are powerful metaphors for human frailty, despair, and the precariousness of life or hope. They **symbolize** the vulnerable, the marginalized, the struggling, and those on the verge of spiritual or emotional collapse. Jesus' actions—"not break" and "not quench"—are symbolic of His divine compassion, patience, and restorative power. The phrase "till he send forth judgment unto victory" employs **Antithesis**, contrasting the initial image of gentle, quiet ministry with the ultimate outcome of powerful, triumphant justice. This highlights that Jesus' humility is not a sign of weakness, but a strategic path to ultimate and undeniable victory. The entire verse functions as a **Prophetic Fulfillment**, demonstrating how Jesus' character and ministry perfectly align with the ancient Messianic predictions of Isaiah, validating His identity as the Servant of the Lord.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly shapes our understanding of God's character and the nature of the Messiah's kingdom. It reveals a God who is not distant or harsh, but intimately concerned with the weakest and most vulnerable among us. Jesus embodies this divine tenderness, demonstrating that true strength is often found in humility and compassion, not in overwhelming displays of power. His mission is one of restoration and preservation, not condemnation or destruction of the struggling. This gentle approach, however, is not passive; it is the strategic unfolding of God's righteous rule, which will ultimately culminate in a decisive and complete victory over all evil, establishing His kingdom of justice and peace. It assures us that God's grace extends to the very edges of human brokenness, offering hope where all seems lost.

* [Isaiah 42:1-4](/isaiah/42-1-4 "Isaiah 42:1-4 - The Servant of the Lord") - The original prophecy from which Matthew quotes, detailing the gentle and just character of God's chosen Servant.
* [Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Jesus' Invitation to the Weary") - Jesus' invitation to the weary and burdened, offering rest and a light yoke, echoing the compassionate theme of Matthew 12:20.
* [Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18-19 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Mission Statement") - Jesus' declaration of His mission to preach good news to the poor, heal the brokenhearted, and set the oppressed free, aligning with His care for the "bruised reed" and "smoking flax."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 12:20 offers immense comfort and a profound challenge for believers today. For those who feel like a "bruised reed" – overwhelmed by life's pressures, broken by sin, or wounded by circumstances – or like "smoking flax" – with faith flickering, hope dim, or spiritual vitality nearly extinguished – this verse assures us of Jesus' unwavering compassion. He does not condemn or discard us in our weakness; rather, He draws near to nurture, heal, and restore. We are invited to bring our brokenness, our doubts, and our deepest vulnerabilities to Him, trusting that His grace is sufficient to revive even the faintest spark. Furthermore, this verse calls us to embody Christ's character in our interactions with others. It challenges us to extend the same patience, mercy, and restorative grace to those around us who are struggling, rather than adding to their burdens or extinguishing their hope. Our ministry, like Christ's, should be marked by gentleness, seeking to build up and restore, knowing that true spiritual victory is often achieved through compassion and humble service.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel like a "bruised reed" or "smoking flax" today, and how does Jesus' promise in this verse bring you comfort?**
* **How can you, in your daily interactions, emulate Christ's gentle and restorative approach towards those who are struggling or vulnerable?**
* **What does "judgment unto victory" mean for your personal faith journey, and how does it shape your understanding of God's ultimate plan?**

### FAQ
**What is the meaning of "bruised reed" and "smoking flax"?**

Answer: The "bruised reed" and "smoking flax" are powerful metaphors for extreme fragility and vulnerability. A bruised reed refers to a broken or bent stalk, considered useless and typically discarded, symbolizing someone who is broken, weak, or on the verge of spiritual or emotional collapse. "Smoking flax" refers to a wick in an oil lamp that is smoldering, producing smoke but no flame, indicating a light that is nearly extinguished. This symbolizes a person whose hope, faith, or vitality is barely alive, close to giving up. Together, they represent the weakest, most marginalized, and most despairing among humanity. Jesus' promise not to break or quench them signifies His profound compassion, His commitment to nurturing and restoring even the faintest glimmer of life or hope, rather than adding to their burdens or extinguishing their last spark.

**How does this verse relate to Jesus' overall ministry?**

Answer: This verse beautifully encapsulates the essence of Jesus' ministry, particularly as presented in Matthew's Gospel. It highlights His compassionate approach to humanity, contrasting sharply with the harsh legalism of the Pharisees. While many expected a Messiah who would assert power forcefully, Jesus' ministry was characterized by humility, healing, and a deep concern for the outcast and the suffering. He consistently reached out to the "bruised reeds" and "smoking flax" of society—the sick, the poor, the sinners, and the marginalized—offering them hope, healing, and restoration. This verse, quoted from [Isaiah 42:3](/isaiah/42-3 "Isaiah 42:3 - The Servant's Gentle Justice"), serves as a prophetic explanation for why Jesus often withdrew from public acclaim and avoided open confrontation, choosing instead a path of quiet, gentle, and persistent service that would ultimately lead to the triumph of God's righteous judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 12:20 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the gentle Servant prophesied in Isaiah. This verse reveals that the Messiah's strength is not found in overt displays of force, but in His profound compassion and unwavering commitment to the weak. Jesus, the Son of God, came not to condemn the world but to save it ([John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - God Sent His Son to Save the World")). He consistently demonstrated this by reaching out to the marginalized, healing the sick, comforting the sorrowful, and offering hope to the despairing. His entire earthly ministry was characterized by a refusal to "break the bruised reed" or "quench the smoking flax," exemplified in His interactions with the woman caught in adultery ([John 8:1-11](/john/8-1-11 "John 8:1-11 - Jesus and the Adulterous Woman")), the tax collectors and sinners ([Matthew 9:10-13](/matthew/9-10-13 "Matthew 9:10-13 - Jesus Eats with Sinners")), and His tender care for His disciples, even in their weakness and failures ([Luke 22:31-32](/luke/22-31-32 "Luke 22:31-32 - Jesus Prays for Peter")). Ultimately, His "judgment unto victory" was achieved not through worldly conquest, but through His sacrificial death on the cross, where He triumphed over sin and death ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")), and His resurrection, which guarantees the final establishment of His righteous kingdom ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Our Lord")). Thus, Jesus' gentle, restorative work is the very means by which God's ultimate justice and triumph are secured for all eternity.

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

Isaiah 42:3

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

Isaiah 42:4

He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.

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.

Isaiah 61:1

¶ 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

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.

Luke 4:18

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,

Lamentations 3:31

For the Lord will not cast off for ever: