Matthew 12:21

KJV

And in his name shall the Gentiles trust.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} in {G1722} his {G846} name {G3686} shall {G1679} the Gentiles {G1484} trust {G1679}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In him the Gentiles will put their hope."

Berean Standard Bible

In His name the nations will put their hope.”

American Standard Version

And in his name shall the Gentiles hope.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 12:21 concludes a significant Old Testament prophecy quoted by the evangelist, declaring that the Gentile nations will place their trust in the Messiah's name. This verse, drawn from Isaiah 42, serves as a profound theological statement affirming the universal scope of God's redemptive plan through Jesus, extending salvation beyond the boundaries of Israel to encompass all peoples. It underscores Jesus' identity as the promised Servant of the Lord, whose quiet, compassionate ministry would ultimately draw the entire world to himself in faith and hope.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 12:21 is the concluding phrase of a lengthy quotation from [Isaiah 42:1-4](/isaiah/42-1-4 "Isaiah 42:1-4 - The Servant of the Lord") that Matthew uses to interpret Jesus' ministry. This quotation follows a period of intense conflict between Jesus and the Pharisees concerning Sabbath observance and healing (cf. [Matthew 12:1-14](/matthew/12-1-14 "Matthew 12:1-14 - Lord of the Sabbath")). After Jesus heals a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, the Pharisees conspire to destroy Him. In response, Jesus withdraws from that immediate confrontation, but large crowds follow Him, and He heals them all, strictly warning them not to make His identity known publicly. Matthew presents this quiet, compassionate, and unassuming approach—rather than a confrontational or politically charged one—as the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy concerning the Servant who "will not quarrel or cry out" ([Matthew 12:19](/matthew/12-19 "Matthew 12:19 - He Will Not Quarrel")). Verse 21, specifically, highlights the global reach of this Servant's mission.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the first-century Jewish world, the concept of the Messiah was predominantly nationalistic, focused on the restoration and exaltation of Israel. While Old Testament prophecies hinted at the inclusion of Gentiles (e.g., [Isaiah 2:2-4](/isaiah/2-2-4 "Isaiah 2:2-4 - Nations Flow to Zion"), [Zechariah 8:20-23](/zechariah/8-20-23 "Zechariah 8:20-23 - Many Peoples Seek the Lord")), these were often interpreted through an Israel-centric lens, with Gentiles coming to Jerusalem to worship the God of Israel. The idea of the Messiah's primary mission being to the Gentiles, or that Gentiles would directly "trust in his name" on equal footing with Israel, was revolutionary and often met with resistance, as seen later in the book of Acts. Matthew, writing to a Jewish-Christian audience, carefully demonstrates how Jesus' ministry, though initially focused on Israel, inherently carried a universal scope, fulfilling prophecies that even the Jewish people might have overlooked or misinterpreted regarding Gentile inclusion.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it emphasizes the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, showcasing Jesus as the ultimate realization of Old Testament expectations, particularly the Servant songs of Isaiah. Matthew consistently uses fulfillment formulas to demonstrate Jesus' messianic credentials (e.g., [Matthew 1:22-23](/matthew/1-22-23 "Matthew 1:22-23 - Prophecy of Immanuel")). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Universal Scope of the Gospel**, asserting that God's redemptive plan is not limited to Israel but extends to "the Gentiles." This theme culminates in the Great Commission, where Jesus commands His disciples to "make disciples of all nations" ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")). Thirdly, it points to the **Identity of Jesus as the Servant**, a figure characterized by humility, compassion, and a mission to bring justice and salvation to all. Finally, the phrase "in his name shall the Gentiles trust" underscores the theme of **Faith and Trust in Jesus**, indicating that salvation is found through personal reliance on who Jesus is and what He has accomplished.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gentiles (Greek, _éthnos_):** From G1484, meaning "a race (as of the same habit), i.e. a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-Jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)." In this context, it explicitly refers to all the non-Jewish peoples of the world, emphasizing the expansive, international reach of the Messiah's redemptive work. It contrasts with "Israel" and highlights the breaking down of ethnic barriers in the new covenant.
* **Name (Greek, _ónoma_):** From G3686, meaning "a 'name' (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)." To trust "in his name" signifies far more than merely invoking a title. It encapsulates trusting in Jesus' entire person, His divine authority, His character, His mission, His saving work, and everything He represents. It is a comprehensive surrender to His Lordship and redemptive power.
* **Trust (Greek, _elpízō_):** From G1679, meaning "to expect or confide; (have, thing) hope(-d) (for), trust." This word denotes a confident expectation and a firm reliance. It implies not just intellectual assent but a deep-seated hope and confident dependence upon Jesus. For the Gentiles, it means placing their ultimate hope and salvation squarely in the Messiah.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And in his name":** This phrase establishes the object and basis of faith. The "name" of the Messiah signifies His entire being, authority, character, and redemptive work. To trust "in His name" means to place one's complete reliance and hope in who Jesus is and what He has done, acknowledging His unique power and saving grace. It points to the singular source of salvation.
* **"shall the Gentiles trust":** This declares the universal scope of the Messiah's impact. "The Gentiles" (all non-Jewish nations) are explicitly included in the redemptive plan, signifying that the Messiah's saving work is not limited to Israel but extends to all humanity. The future tense "shall trust" indicates a prophetic certainty, a divine decree that will inevitably come to pass, drawing people from every tongue, tribe, and nation into faith.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew's use of **Prophetic Quotation** is the primary literary device at play here. By quoting [Isaiah 42:4](/isaiah/42-4 "Isaiah 42:4 - In His Name the Gentiles Will Trust") (or a combination of Isaiah 42:1-4), Matthew frames Jesus' quiet, compassionate ministry as the direct fulfillment of ancient prophecy. This technique, a hallmark of Matthew's Gospel, serves to validate Jesus' messianic identity and mission to a Jewish audience. Furthermore, the phrase "in his name" employs **Symbolism**, where "name" functions as a metonymy for the entire person, authority, and character of Jesus. It is not merely a label but a condensed representation of His divine essence and redemptive power, inviting a profound and comprehensive trust. The inclusion of "the Gentiles" also highlights **Inclusivity** as a core aspect of God's redemptive plan, contrasting with prevailing nationalistic expectations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 12:21 profoundly connects to the overarching biblical narrative of God's universal salvific purpose. From the call of Abraham, who was promised that "all peoples on earth will be blessed through you" ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - Abrahamic Covenant")), to the New Testament's explicit declaration of the gospel for "everyone who believes, first for the Jew, then for the Gentile" ([Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - Power of the Gospel")), the inclusion of the nations is a consistent thread. This verse in Matthew directly links Jesus' ministry to this grand narrative, asserting that He is the one through whom this ancient promise finds its ultimate fulfillment. It underscores that God's love and redemptive grace are not confined by ethnic or national boundaries but are freely offered to all who would place their trust in His Son.

* [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - Light to the Gentiles")
* [Acts 10:34-35](/acts/10-34-35 "Acts 10:34-35 - God Shows No Partiality")
* [Romans 15:12](/romans/15-12 "Romans 15:12 - Root of Jesse")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 12:21 serves as a powerful reminder of the expansive nature of God's grace and the universal call to faith in Jesus. For believers today, this verse should ignite a passion for global missions, recognizing that the gospel is truly for "every tribe and language and people and nation" ([Revelation 5:9](/rev/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - Worthy is the Lamb")). It challenges any ethnocentric or exclusive understanding of God's kingdom, urging us to embrace and celebrate the diversity of the global church. Personally, it calls us to deepen our own trust in Jesus' name, understanding that our hope and salvation are found solely in His person and work. Just as the Gentiles of old were prophesied to trust in Him, so too must we, regardless of our background, place our confident expectation in the Messiah. This trust empowers us to live out our faith boldly, sharing the good news with those around us, knowing that God desires all people to come to a saving knowledge of His Son.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the inclusion of "the Gentiles" in this prophecy challenge or expand your understanding of God's redemptive plan?**
* **What does it mean for you personally to "trust in his name" today, beyond mere intellectual assent?**
* **In what ways can you actively participate in or support the universal mission of the gospel, reflecting the truth of this verse?**
* **How might this verse encourage you when facing opposition or challenges in sharing your faith, knowing that God's plan for global salvation is certain?**

### FAQ

**Why does Matthew quote Isaiah 42:1-4 here, and what is its significance?**

Answer: Matthew quotes [Isaiah 42:1-4](/isaiah/42-1-4 "Isaiah 42:1-4 - The Servant of the Lord") to demonstrate that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecy concerning the Servant of the Lord. This passage from Isaiah describes a humble, gentle, yet powerful figure who will bring justice to the nations without fanfare or public outcry. Matthew applies this to Jesus' ministry in [Matthew 12](/matthew/12 "Matthew 12 - Jesus and the Sabbath"), particularly after Jesus withdraws from the Pharisees' intense opposition and continues His healing ministry quietly, instructing those He heals not to publicize His identity. The significance lies in showing that Jesus' method of ministry—characterized by compassion, humility, and a focus on healing rather than political confrontation—was precisely what God had foretold for His Messiah. It also highlights the universal scope of His mission, culminating in the promise that "in his name shall the Gentiles trust."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 12:21 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus not only as the prophesied Servant of the Lord but as the very embodiment of God's universal love and redemptive purpose. The prophecy that "in his name shall the Gentiles trust" is realized through Christ's atoning work on the cross, which broke down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Breaking Down the Dividing Wall")). His death and resurrection established a new covenant, making salvation accessible to all who believe, regardless of their ethnic origin ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile")). The Great Commission, given by the resurrected Christ, explicitly commands His followers to "go and make disciples of all nations" ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")), directly fulfilling the spirit of Isaiah's prophecy. The book of Acts vividly chronicles the expansion of the gospel from Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth, as Gentiles indeed began to trust in Jesus' name ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Witness to the Ends of the Earth")). Ultimately, this verse points forward to the glorious vision of a multitude from "every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb" ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - Multitude from Every Nation")), all of whom have placed their trust in the name of Jesus, the Messiah of all humanity.

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 11:10

¶ And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.

Romans 15:12

And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.

Romans 15:13

¶ Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

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.

Colossians 1:27

To whom God would make known what [is] the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

Ephesians 1:12

That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.

Ephesians 1:13

In whom ye also [trusted], after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,