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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Matthew 12:20 A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not extinguish, till He leads justice to victory.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/12-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/40_Mat_12_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 12:20 - God's Chosen Servant" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not extinguish, till He leads justice to victory." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/matthew/12-20.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/matthew/12-20.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/matthew/">Matthew</a> > <a href="/matthew/12.htm">Chapter 12</a> > Verse 20</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad20.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/matthew/12-19.htm" title="Matthew 12:19">◄</a> Matthew 12:20 <a href="/matthew/12-21.htm" title="Matthew 12:21">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/matthew/12.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/matthew/12.htm">New International Version</a> A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he has brought justice through to victory. <a href="/nlt/matthew/12.htm">New Living Translation</a> He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle. Finally he will cause justice to be victorious. <a href="/esv/matthew/12.htm">English Standard Version</a> a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory; <a href="/bsb/matthew/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not extinguish, till He leads justice to victory. <a href="/blb/matthew/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not quench, until He leads justice to victory. <a href="/kjv/matthew/12.htm">King James Bible</a> A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory. <a href="/nkjv/matthew/12.htm">New King James Version</a> A bruised reed He will not break, And smoking flax He will not quench, Till He sends forth justice to victory; <a href="/nasb_/matthew/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> “A BENT REED HE WILL NOT BREAK OFF, AND A DIMLY BURNING WICK HE WILL NOT EXTINGUISH, UNTIL HE LEADS JUSTICE TO VICTORY. <a href="/nasb/matthew/12.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220A BATTERED REED HE WILL NOT BREAK OFF, AND A SMOLDERING WICK HE WILL NOT PUT OUT, UNTIL HE LEADS JUSTICE TO VICTORY. <a href="/nasb77/matthew/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “A BATTERED REED HE WILL NOT BREAK OFF, AND A SMOLDERING WICK HE WILL NOT PUT OUT, UNTIL HE LEADS JUSTICE TO VICTORY. <a href="/lsb/matthew/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> A BATTERED REED HE WILL NOT BREAK OFF, AND A SMOLDERING WICK HE WILL NOT PUT OUT, UNTIL HE LEADS JUSTICE TO VICTORY. <a href="/amp/matthew/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a> “A BATTERED REED HE WILL NOT BREAK, AND A SMOLDERING WICK HE WILL NOT EXTINGUISH, UNTIL HE LEADS JUSTICE TO VICTORY. <a href="/csb/matthew/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> He will not break a bruised reed, and he will not put out a smoldering wick, until he has led justice to victory. <a href="/hcsb/matthew/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> He will not break a bruised reed, and He will not put out a smoldering wick, until He has led justice to victory. <a href="/asv/matthew/12.htm">American Standard Version</a> A bruised reed shall he not break, And smoking flax shall he not quench, Till he send forth judgment unto victory. <a href="/cev/matthew/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> He won't break off a bent reed or put out a dying flame, but he will make sure that justice is done. <a href="/erv/matthew/12.htm">English Revised Version</a> A bruised reed shall he not break, And smoking flax shall he not quench, Till he send forth judgment unto victory. <a href="/gwt/matthew/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> He will not break off a damaged cattail. He will not even put out a smoking wick until he has made justice victorious. <a href="/gnt/matthew/12.htm">Good News Translation</a> He will not break off a bent reed, nor put out a flickering lamp. He will persist until he causes justice to triumph, <a href="/isv/matthew/12.htm">International Standard Version</a> He will not snap off a broken reed or snuff out a smoldering wick until he has brought justice through to victory. <a href="/msb/matthew/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not extinguish, till He leads justice to victory. <a href="/net/matthew/12.htm">NET Bible</a> He will not break a bruised reed or extinguish a smoldering wick, until he brings justice to victory. <a href="/nheb/matthew/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> He won't break a bruised reed. And he won't put out a smoldering wick, until he leads justice to victory. <a href="/wbt/matthew/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he shall send forth judgment to victory. <a href="/wey/matthew/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> A crushed reed He will not utterly break, nor will He quench the still smouldering wick, until He has led on Justice to victory. <a href="/web/matthew/12.htm">World English Bible</a> He won’t break a bruised reed. He won’t quench a smoking flax, until he leads justice to victory. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> A bruised reed He will not break, "" And smoking flax He will not quench, "" Until He may put forth judgment to victory, <a href="/blb/matthew/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not quench, until He leads justice to victory. <a href="/ylt/matthew/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> a bruised reed he shall not break, and smoking flax he shall not quench, till he may put forth judgment to victory, <a href="/slt/matthew/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> He shall not break a bruised reed, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he should draw forth judgment to victory.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> The bruised reed he shall not break: and smoking flax he shall not extinguish: till he send forth judgment unto victory. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> He shall not crush the bruised reed, and he shall not extinguish the smoking wick, until he sends forth judgment unto victory. <a href="/nabre/matthew/12.htm">New American Bible</a> A bruised reed he will not break, a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory. <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> He will not break a bruised reed or quench a smoldering wick until he brings justice to victory.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> He will not break even a bruised reed, and he will not extinguish a flickering lamp, until he brings justice to victory; <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/12.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> He will not break off a fractured reed, and the lamp that flickers he will not extinguish until he will bring the verdict of innocence,<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/12.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> A bruised reed he shall not break, and a smoking wick he shall not extinguish, till he shall send forth his law for conquest. <a href="/godbey/matthew/12.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> The bruised reed He will not break, and He will not quench the smoking wick, until He may send forth judgment unto victory. <a href="/haweis/matthew/12.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> A bruised reed shall he not break down, and smoking flax shall he not quench, until he break forth in judgment for victory. <a href="/mace/matthew/12.htm">Mace New Testament</a> a bruised reed shall he not break, and smoaking flax shall he not quench, till he hath made justice victorious. <a href="/wey/matthew/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> A crushed reed He will not utterly break, nor will He quench the still smouldering wick, until He has led on Justice to victory. <a href="/worrell/matthew/12.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> A bruised reed will He not break, and a smoking flax will He not quench, till He send forth judgment unto victory; <a href="/worsley/matthew/12.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> a bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax he will not extinguish, till He send forth judgement victorious. <a href="/parallel/matthew/12-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=3148" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/matthew/12.htm">God's Chosen Servant</a> …19He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear His voice in the streets. 20<a href="/greek/4937.htm" title="4937: syntetrimmenon (V-RPM/P-AMS) -- From sun and the base of tribos; to crush completely, i.e. To shatter.">A bruised</a> <a href="/greek/2563.htm" title="2563: kalamon (N-AMS) -- A reed; a reed-pen, reed-staff, measuring rod. Or uncertain affinity; a reed; by implication, a pen.">reed</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/2608.htm" title="2608: kateaxei (V-FIA-3S) -- To break down (in pieces), crush, break into. From kata and the base of rhegnumi; to rend in pieces, i.e. Crack apart.">He will not break,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/5188.htm" title="5188: typhomenon (V-PPM/P-ANS) -- To raise smoke, smolder. Apparently a primary verb; to make a smoke, i.e. Slowly consume without flame.">a smoldering</a> <a href="/greek/3043.htm" title="3043: linon (N-ANS) -- Flax, linen. Probably a primary word; flax, i.e. linen.">wick</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/4570.htm" title="4570: sbesei (V-FIA-3S) -- (a) I extinguish, quench, (b) I suppress, thwart. A prolonged form of an apparently primary verb; to extinguish.">He will not extinguish,</a> <a href="/greek/2193.htm" title="2193: heōs (Conj) -- A conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until.">till</a> <a href="/greek/302.htm" title="302: an (Prtcl) -- A primary particle, denoting a supposition, wish, possibility or uncertainty."></a> <a href="/greek/1544.htm" title="1544: ekbalē (V-ASA-3S) -- To throw (cast, put) out; I banish; I bring forth, produce. From ek and ballo; to eject.">He leads</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2920.htm" title="2920: krisin (N-AFS) -- Decision; by extension, a tribunal; by implication, justice.">justice</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">to</a> <a href="/greek/3534.htm" title="3534: nikos (N-ANS) -- Victory. From nike; a conquest, i.e. triumph.">victory.</a> 21In His name the nations will put their hope.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/isaiah/42-3.htm">Isaiah 42:3</a> A bruised reed He will not break and a smoldering wick He will not extinguish; He will faithfully bring forth justice. <a href="/psalms/34-18.htm">Psalm 34:18</a> The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit. <a href="/psalms/147-3.htm">Psalm 147:3</a> He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. <a href="/isaiah/61-1.htm">Isaiah 61:1</a> The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners, <a href="/isaiah/40-11.htm">Isaiah 40:11</a> He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads the nursing ewes. <a href="/isaiah/53-4.htm">Isaiah 53:4-5</a> Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. / But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. <a href="/isaiah/57-15.htm">Isaiah 57:15</a> For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in a high and holy place, and with the oppressed and humble in spirit, to restore the spirit of the lowly and revive the heart of the contrite. <a href="/isaiah/66-2.htm">Isaiah 66:2</a> Has not My hand made all these things? And so they came into being,” declares the LORD. “This is the one I will esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word. <a href="/ezekiel/34-16.htm">Ezekiel 34:16</a> I will seek the lost, bring back the strays, bind up the broken, and strengthen the weak; but the sleek and strong I will destroy. I will shepherd them with justice.’ <a href="/luke/4-18.htm">Luke 4:18</a> “The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed, <a href="/luke/15-4.htm">Luke 15:4-7</a> “What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the pasture and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? / And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders, / comes home, and calls together his friends and neighbors to tell them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost sheep!’ ... <a href="/john/10-11.htm">John 10:11</a> I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. <a href="/john/10-14.htm">John 10:14-15</a> I am the good shepherd. I know My sheep and My sheep know Me, / just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father. And I lay down My life for the sheep. <a href="/romans/15-1.htm">Romans 15:1</a> We who are strong ought to bear with the shortcomings of the weak and not to please ourselves. <a href="/2_corinthians/12-9.htm">2 Corinthians 12:9-10</a> But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. / That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment to victory.bruised.<a href="/matthew/11-28.htm">Matthew 11:28</a> Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.<a href="/2_kings/18-21.htm">2 Kings 18:21</a> Now, behold, thou trustest upon the staff of this bruised reed, even upon Egypt, on which if a man lean, it will go into his hand, and pierce it: so is Pharaoh king of Egypt unto all that trust on him.<a href="/psalms/51-17.htm">Psalm 51:17</a> The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.till.<a href="/psalms/98-1.htm">Psalm 98:1-3</a> A Psalm. O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory… <a href="/isaiah/42-3.htm">Isaiah 42:3,4</a> A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth… <a href="/romans/15-17.htm">Romans 15:17-19</a> I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/isaiah/24-12.htm">Battered</a> <a href="/matthew/12-5.htm">Break</a> <a href="/matthew/12-5.htm">Broken</a> <a href="/ezekiel/23-21.htm">Bruised</a> <a href="/matthew/7-19.htm">Burning</a> <a href="/matthew/7-6.htm">Crushed</a> <a href="/isaiah/43-17.htm">Feebly</a> <a href="/hosea/2-9.htm">Flax</a> <a href="/matthew/12-14.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/matthew/12-18.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/matthew/12-18.htm">Justice</a> <a href="/matthew/7-14.htm">Leads</a> <a href="/zechariah/9-15.htm">Overcome</a> <a href="/amos/5-6.htm">Quench</a> <a href="/matthew/11-7.htm">Reed</a> <a href="/matthew/6-33.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/jeremiah/44-21.htm">Smoking</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-3.htm">Smoldering</a> <a href="/matthew/11-7.htm">Stem</a> <a href="/malachi/4-6.htm">Utterly</a> <a href="/zechariah/12-7.htm">Victory</a> <a href="/jeremiah/52-18.htm">Wick</a> <a href="/matthew/12-11.htm">Won't</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/14-24.htm">Battered</a> <a href="/matthew/15-2.htm">Break</a> <a href="/matthew/14-20.htm">Broken</a> <a href="/leviticus/2-14.htm">Bruised</a> <a href="/matthew/20-12.htm">Burning</a> <a href="/matthew/21-44.htm">Crushed</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-3.htm">Feebly</a> <a href="/exodus/9-31.htm">Flax</a> <a href="/matthew/12-35.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/matthew/12-36.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/matthew/23-23.htm">Justice</a> <a href="/matthew/24-4.htm">Leads</a> <a href="/matthew/24-49.htm">Overcome</a> <a href="/romans/12-20.htm">Quench</a> <a href="/matthew/27-29.htm">Reed</a> <a href="/matthew/12-37.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/genesis/15-17.htm">Smoking</a> <a href="/numbers/16-37.htm">Smoldering</a> <a href="/matthew/13-26.htm">Stem</a> <a href="/matthew/19-25.htm">Utterly</a> <a href="/john/16-33.htm">Victory</a> <a href="/exodus/25-38.htm">Wick</a> <a href="/mark/5-7.htm">Won't</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 12</div>1. <a href="/matthew/12-1.htm">Jesus reproves the blindness of the Pharisees concerning the Sabbath,</a> 3. <a href="/matthew/12-3.htm">by scripture,</a> 9. <a href="/matthew/12-9.htm">by reason,</a> 13. <a href="/matthew/12-13.htm">and by a miracle.</a> 22. <a href="/matthew/12-22.htm">He heals a man possessed that was blind and mute;</a> 24. <a href="/matthew/12-24.htm">and confronting the absurd charge of casting out demons by Beelzebub, </a> 32. <a href="/matthew/12-32.htm">he shows that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit shall never be forgiven.</a> 36. <a href="/matthew/12-36.htm">Account shall be made of idle words.</a> 38. <a href="/matthew/12-38.htm">He rebukes the unfaithful, who seek after a sign,</a> 46. <a href="/matthew/12-46.htm">and shows who is his brother, sister, and mother.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/12.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/matthew/12.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>A bruised reed He will not break This phrase reflects the compassionate and gentle nature of Jesus Christ. In biblical times, reeds were common in the marshy areas of the Jordan River and were often used for various purposes, such as making musical instruments or writing tools. A bruised reed, however, was considered weak and useless. The imagery here suggests that Jesus does not discard or destroy those who are weak, broken, or marginalized. Instead, He offers healing and restoration. This aligns with the prophecy in <a href="/isaiah/42-3.htm">Isaiah 42:3</a>, which speaks of the Messiah's gentle and nurturing character. It also connects to Jesus' ministry, where He consistently reached out to the downtrodden and oppressed, offering them hope and redemption.and a smoldering wick He will not extinguish A smoldering wick refers to a lamp that is nearly out of oil, producing more smoke than light. In the cultural context of the time, such a wick would typically be snuffed out and replaced. However, this phrase emphasizes Jesus' patience and willingness to nurture even the faintest spark of faith or hope. It highlights His role as a sustainer and encourager, who does not give up on those who are struggling. This imagery is consistent with the broader biblical theme of God's enduring mercy and grace, as seen in passages like <a href="/psalms/103-8.htm">Psalm 103:8-14</a>, which speaks of God's compassion and understanding of human frailty.till He leads justice to victory This phrase points to the ultimate triumph of justice through the work of Christ. In the historical and cultural context of first-century Judea, justice was often elusive, with many suffering under Roman occupation and corrupt leadership. The promise of justice being led to victory would have been a powerful message of hope. It signifies the eschatological fulfillment of God's kingdom, where righteousness and justice prevail. This is echoed in other scriptural references, such as <a href="/isaiah/9-7.htm">Isaiah 9:7</a>, which speaks of the Messiah's reign of justice and peace. The phrase also underscores the messianic mission of Jesus, who, through His life, death, and resurrection, establishes the foundation for true justice and righteousness in the world.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The central figure in this passage, embodying compassion and justice. He is the fulfillment of the prophecy from Isaiah, demonstrating His gentle and restorative nature. 2. <a href="/topical/i/isaiah_the_prophet.htm">Isaiah the Prophet</a> The original prophecy comes from <a href="/isaiah/42-3.htm">Isaiah 42:3</a>, which Matthew quotes to show Jesus as the Messiah who brings hope and restoration. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_pharisees.htm">The Pharisees</a> Religious leaders of the time who often opposed Jesus. Their legalistic approach contrasts with Jesus' compassionate ministry. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_people_of_israel.htm">The People of Israel</a> The primary audience of Jesus' ministry, many of whom were marginalized and oppressed, symbolized by the "bruised reed" and "smoldering wick." 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_gentiles.htm">The Gentiles</a> Although not directly mentioned in this verse, the broader context of <a href="/bsb/matthew/12.htm">Matthew 12</a> includes Jesus' mission to bring justice and hope to all nations.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/gentleness_in_leadership.htm">Gentleness in Leadership</a> Jesus exemplifies leadership that is compassionate and restorative. As followers of Christ, we are called to lead with gentleness, especially towards those who are struggling. <a href="/topical/h/hope_for_the_broken.htm">Hope for the Broken</a> The imagery of the "bruised reed" and "smoldering wick" assures us that Jesus does not discard the weak or faltering. We can find hope and restoration in Him. <a href="/topical/j/justice_with_compassion.htm">Justice with Compassion</a> True justice, as demonstrated by Jesus, is not harsh or punitive but seeks restoration and healing. We should strive to reflect this in our interactions with others. <a href="/topical/p/perseverance_in_faith.htm">Perseverance in Faith</a> Just as Jesus leads justice to victory, we are encouraged to persevere in our faith, trusting that He will bring about His purposes in His perfect timing. <a href="/topical/e/empathy_and_support.htm">Empathy and Support</a> We are called to support and uplift those who are "bruised" or "smoldering" in our communities, offering encouragement and practical help.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 12</a> <a href="/q/who_is_john_owen.htm">What does 'bruised reed' and 'smoking flax' signify?</a> <a href="/q/what_do_'bruised_reed'_and_'smoking_flax'_mean.htm">What does "bruised reed" and "smoking flax" signify?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'a_bruised_reed'_mean.htm">What does "a bruised reed He will not break" mean?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_eccl._9_2_align_with_divine_justice.htm">In Ecclesiastes 9:2, how can both righteous and wicked sharing the same fate align with other passages promising divine justice?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/12.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(20) A bruised reed shall he not break.--The prophet's words described a character of extremest gentleness. The "bruised reed" is the type of one broken by the weight of sorrow, or care, or sin. Such a one men in general disregard or trample on. The Christ did not so act, but sought rather to bind up and strengthen. The "smoking flax" is the wick of the lamp which has ceased to burn clearly, and the clouded flame of which seems to call for prompt extinction. Here (as afterwards, in <a href="/context/matthew/25-1.htm" title="Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened to ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.">Matthew 25:1-8</a>) we read a parable of the souls in which the light that should shine before men has grown dim. Base desires have clogged it; it is no longer fed with the true oil. For such the self-righteous Pharisee had no pity; he simply gave thanks that his own lamp was burning. But the Christ in His tenderness sought, if it were possible, to trim the lamp and to pour in the oil till the flame was bright again. We cannot help feeling, as we read the words, that the publican-apostle had found their fulfilment in his own personal experience of the profound tenderness of his Master.Till he send forth judgment unto victory.--In the Hebrew, unto truth. The citation was apparently from memory. What is implied in both readings is, that this tender compassion was to characterise the whole work of the Christ until the time of final judgment should arrive, and truth should at last prevail.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 20. - A bruised reed shall he not break, and-smoking flax shall he not quench. Though what more feeble than a cracked reed or a wick just flickering? Yet he reckons neither as useless; he allows for possibilities of improvement. His treatment of the believer who is weakest, and, so to speak, least alive, is marked by long-suffering and gentleness. Observe that (1) Matthew omits the words, "He shall not burn dimly nor be discouraged," because he is not concerned with anything else than Christ's relation to others; (2) he combines into one the two clauses of Isaiah, "He shall bring forth judgment in truth" and "Till he have set judgment in the earth." Till he send forth (ἕως α}ν ἐκβάλῃ). This being the supreme object of Messiah's life and energy - bringing out, as from his own plans and resources, judgment unto victory; i.e. the revelation of the Divine Law (ver. 18, note) to a successful issue in human hearts. Unto victory. Apparently only a paraphrase of the thought in Isaiah. <a href="/commentaries/matthew/12-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>A bruised συντετριμμένον (syntetrimmenon) Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4937.htm">Strong's 4937: </a> From sun and the base of tribos; to crush completely, i.e. To shatter. reed κάλαμον (kalamon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2563.htm">Strong's 2563: </a> A reed; a reed-pen, reed-staff, measuring rod. Or uncertain affinity; a reed; by implication, a pen. He will not break, κατεάξει (kateaxei) Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2608.htm">Strong's 2608: </a> To break down (in pieces), crush, break into. From kata and the base of rhegnumi; to rend in pieces, i.e. Crack apart. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. a smoldering τυφόμενον (typhomenon) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5188.htm">Strong's 5188: </a> To raise smoke, smolder. Apparently a primary verb; to make a smoke, i.e. Slowly consume without flame. wick λίνον (linon) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3043.htm">Strong's 3043: </a> Flax, linen. Probably a primary word; flax, i.e. 'linen'. He will not extinguish, σβέσει (sbesei) Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4570.htm">Strong's 4570: </a> (a) I extinguish, quench, (b) I suppress, thwart. A prolonged form of an apparently primary verb; to extinguish. till ἕως (heōs) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2193.htm">Strong's 2193: </a> A conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until. He leads ἐκβάλῃ (ekbalē) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1544.htm">Strong's 1544: </a> To throw (cast, put) out; I banish; I bring forth, produce. From ek and ballo; to eject. justice κρίσιν (krisin) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2920.htm">Strong's 2920: </a> Decision; by extension, a tribunal; by implication, justice. to εἰς (eis) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. victory. νῖκος (nikos) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3534.htm">Strong's 3534: </a> Victory. From nike; a conquest, i.e. triumph. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/12-20.htm">Matthew 12:20 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/12-20.htm">Matthew 12:20 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/12-20.htm">Matthew 12:20 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/12-20.htm">Matthew 12:20 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/12-20.htm">Matthew 12:20 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/12-20.htm">Matthew 12:20 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/12-20.htm">Matthew 12:20 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/12-20.htm">Matthew 12:20 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/12-20.htm">Matthew 12:20 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/12-20.htm">Matthew 12:20 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/12-20.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 12:20 He won't break a bruised reed (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/12-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 12:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 12:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/12-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 12:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 12:21" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>