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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>Isaiah 42:3 A bruised reed He will not break and a smoldering wick He will not extinguish; He will faithfully bring forth justice.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/isaiah/42-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/23_Isa_42_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Isaiah 42:3 - Here is My 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; He will faithfully bring forth justice." /><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/isaiah/42-3.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/isaiah/42-3.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="/isaiah/">Isaiah</a> > <a href="/isaiah/42.htm">Chapter 42</a> > Verse 3</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="/ad3.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="/isaiah/42-2.htm" title="Isaiah 42:2">◄</a> Isaiah 42:3 <a href="/isaiah/42-4.htm" title="Isaiah 42:4">►</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"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/isaiah/42.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/isaiah/42.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/isaiah/42.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle. He will bring justice to all who have been wronged.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/isaiah/42.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />a bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/isaiah/42.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />A bruised reed He will not break and a smoldering wick He will not extinguish; He will faithfully bring forth justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/isaiah/42.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/isaiah/42.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />A bruised reed He will not break, And smoking flax He will not quench; He will bring forth justice for truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/isaiah/42.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“A bent reed He will not break <i>off</i> And a dimly burning wick He will not extinguish; He will faithfully bring forth justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/isaiah/42.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220A bruised reed He will not break And a dimly burning wick He will not extinguish; He will faithfully bring forth justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/isaiah/42.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“A bruised reed He will not break, And a dimly burning wick He will not extinguish; He will faithfully bring forth justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/isaiah/42.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />A crushed reed He will not break And a faintly burning wick He will not extinguish; He will bring forth justice in truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/isaiah/42.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“A broken reed He will not break [off] And a dimly burning wick He will not extinguish [He will not harm those who are weak and suffering]; He will faithfully bring forth justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/isaiah/42.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He will not break a bruised reed, and he will not put out a smoldering wick; he will faithfully bring justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/isaiah/42.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He will not break a bruised reed, and He will not put out a smoldering wick; He will faithfully bring justice. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/isaiah/42.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />A bruised reed will he not break, and a dimly burning wick will he not quench: he will bring forth justice in truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/isaiah/42.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />He won't break off a bent reed or put out a dying flame, but he will make sure that justice is done. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/isaiah/42.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment in truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/isaiah/42.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />He will not break off a damaged cattail. He will not even put out a smoking wick. He will faithfully bring about justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/isaiah/42.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />He will not break off a bent reed nor put out a flickering lamp. He will bring lasting justice to all. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/isaiah/42.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />A crushed reed he will not break, and a fading candle he won't snuff out. He'll bring forth justice for the truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/isaiah/42.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />A bruised reed He will not break and a smoldering wick He will not extinguish; He will faithfully bring forth justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/isaiah/42.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />A crushed reed he will not break, a dim wick he will not extinguish; he will faithfully make just decrees. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/isaiah/42.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He won't break a bruised reed. And he won't extinguish a dimly burning wick. He will faithfully bring justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/isaiah/42.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment to truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/isaiah/42.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He won’t break a bruised reed. He won’t quench a dimly burning wick. He will faithfully bring justice. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/isaiah/42.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />A bruised reed He does not break, "" And faded flax He does not quench, "" He brings forth judgment to truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/isaiah/42.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> A bruised reed he breaketh not, And dim flax he quencheth not, To truth he bringeth forth judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/isaiah/42.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />A broken reed he shall not break, and bedimmed flax shall he not quench it: he shall bring forth judgment to truth.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/isaiah/42.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The bruised reed he shall not break, and smoking flax he shall not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/isaiah/42.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />The bruised reed he will not break, and the smoldering wick he will not extinguish. He will lead forth judgment unto truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/isaiah/42.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />A bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench. He will faithfully bring forth justice. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/isaiah/42.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/isaiah/42.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />A bruised reed shall he not break, and a flickering lamp he shall not extinguish; he shall truly bring forth judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/isaiah/42.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />A fractured reed he shall not break and the lamp that flickers he shall not extinguish. In the truth he shall bring out judgment<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/isaiah/42.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />A bruised reed shall he not break, And the dimly burning wick shall he not quench; He shall make the right to go forth according to the truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/isaiah/42.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench; but he shall bring forth judgement to truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/isaiah/42-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xv9bHT-nr9s?start=9108" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/isaiah/42.htm">Here is My Servant</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>He will not cry out or raise His voice, nor make His voice heard in the streets. <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7533.htm" title="7533: rā·ṣūṣ (V-Qal-QalPassPrtcpl-ms) -- To crush. A primitive root; to crack in pieces, literally or figuratively.">A bruised</a> <a href="/hebrew/7070.htm" title="7070: qā·neh (N-ms) -- A stalk, reed. From qanah; a reed; by resemblance a rod, shaft, tube, stem, the radius, beam.">reed</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">He will not</a> <a href="/hebrew/7665.htm" title="7665: yiš·bō·wr (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To break, break in pieces. A primitive root; to burst.">break</a> <a href="/hebrew/3544.htm" title="3544: ḵê·hāh (Adj-fs) -- Dim, dull, faint. From kahah; feeble, obscure.">and a smoldering</a> <a href="/hebrew/6594.htm" title="6594: ū·p̄iš·tāh (Conj-w:: N-fs) -- Flax. Feminine of pishteh; flax; by implication, a wick.">wick</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">He will not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3518.htm" title="3518: yə·ḵab·ben·nāh (V-Piel-Imperf-3ms:: 3fse) -- To be quenched or extinguished, to go out. A primitive root; to expire or to extinguish.">extinguish;</a> <a href="/hebrew/571.htm" title="571: le·’ĕ·meṯ (Prep-l:: N-fs) -- Firmness, faithfulness, truth. Contracted from 'aman; stability; certainty, truth, trustworthiness.">He will faithfully</a> <a href="/hebrew/3318.htm" title="3318: yō·w·ṣî (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to go out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.">bring forth</a> <a href="/hebrew/4941.htm" title="4941: miš·pāṭ (N-ms) -- Judgment. ">justice.</a> </span><span class="reftext">4</span>He will not grow weak or discouraged before He has established justice on the earth. In His law the islands will put their hope.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/12-20.htm">Matthew 12:20</a></span><br />A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not extinguish, till He leads justice to victory.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/34-18.htm">Psalm 34:18</a></span><br />The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/147-3.htm">Psalm 147:3</a></span><br />He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/11-28.htm">Matthew 11:28-30</a></span><br />Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. / Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. / For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/4-18.htm">Luke 4:18</a></span><br />“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,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/61-1.htm">Isaiah 61:1</a></span><br />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,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/40-11.htm">Isaiah 40:11</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/34-16.htm">Ezekiel 34:16</a></span><br />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.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/31-25.htm">Jeremiah 31:25</a></span><br />for I will refresh the weary soul and replenish all who are weak.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/51-17.htm">Psalm 51:17</a></span><br />The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/12-9.htm">2 Corinthians 12:9-10</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/4-15.htm">Hebrews 4:15</a></span><br />For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/10-11.htm">John 10:11</a></span><br />I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-3.htm">Matthew 5:3</a></span><br />“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-19.htm">James 1:19-20</a></span><br />My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, / for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment to truth.</p><p class="hdg">bruised</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/35-3.htm">Isaiah 35:3,4</a></b></br> Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/40-11.htm">Isaiah 40:11,29-31</a></b></br> He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry <i>them</i> in his bosom, <i>and</i> shall gently lead those that are with young… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/50-4.htm">Isaiah 50:4,10</a></b></br> The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to <i>him that is</i> weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned… </p><p class="hdg">smoking.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/11-3.htm">Isaiah 11:3,4</a></b></br> And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/72-2.htm">Psalm 72:2-4</a></b></br> He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/96-13.htm">Psalm 96:13</a></b></br> Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/isaiah/38-13.htm">Break</a> <a href="/isaiah/38-13.htm">Breaketh</a> <a href="/isaiah/37-26.htm">Broken</a> <a href="/isaiah/36-6.htm">Bruised</a> <a href="/isaiah/35-7.htm">Burning</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-17.htm">Crushed</a> <a href="/isaiah/32-3.htm">Dim</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/13-12.htm">Dimly</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-17.htm">Extinguish</a> <a href="/isaiah/38-3.htm">Faithfully</a> <a href="/matthew/12-20.htm">Feebly</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-9.htm">Flax</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-1.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-1.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-1.htm">Justice</a> <a href="/isaiah/30-26.htm">Light</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-1.htm">Peoples</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-31.htm">Quench</a> <a href="/psalms/119-43.htm">Quite</a> <a href="/isaiah/36-6.htm">Reed</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-1.htm">Right</a> <a href="/isaiah/32-20.htm">Sending</a> <a href="/isaiah/7-4.htm">Smoking</a> <a href="/isaiah/7-4.htm">Smoldering</a> <a href="/numbers/4-9.htm">Snuff</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-24.htm">Stem</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-1.htm">True.</a> <a href="/isaiah/39-8.htm">Truth</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/4-22.htm">Wick</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-12.htm">Won't</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-28.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/43-14.htm">Break</a> <a href="/isaiah/59-5.htm">Breaketh</a> <a href="/isaiah/45-2.htm">Broken</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-4.htm">Bruised</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-25.htm">Burning</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-4.htm">Crushed</a> <a href="/lamentations/4-1.htm">Dim</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/13-12.htm">Dimly</a> <a href="/ezekiel/32-7.htm">Extinguish</a> <a href="/isaiah/61-8.htm">Faithfully</a> <a href="/isaiah/43-17.htm">Feebly</a> <a href="/isaiah/43-17.htm">Flax</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-5.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-4.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-4.htm">Justice</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-6.htm">Light</a> <a href="/isaiah/43-4.htm">Peoples</a> <a href="/jeremiah/4-4.htm">Quench</a> <a href="/jeremiah/50-13.htm">Quite</a> <a href="/isaiah/58-5.htm">Reed</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-4.htm">Right</a> <a href="/isaiah/45-7.htm">Sending</a> <a href="/jeremiah/44-21.htm">Smoking</a> <a href="/matthew/12-20.htm">Smoldering</a> <a href="/jeremiah/14-6.htm">Snuff</a> <a href="/jeremiah/23-28.htm">Stem</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-4.htm">True.</a> <a href="/isaiah/43-9.htm">Truth</a> <a href="/isaiah/43-17.htm">Wick</a> <a href="/isaiah/47-11.htm">Won't</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-9.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Isaiah 42</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/42-1.htm">The office of Christ, graced with meekness and constancy.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/42-5.htm">God's promise unto him.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/42-10.htm">An exhortation to praise God for his Gospel</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/42-13.htm">God will manifest himself, and check idolatry</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/42-18.htm">He reproves the people of incredulity.</a></span><br></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 = 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valign="top"><a href="/study/isaiah/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/isaiah/42.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>A bruised reed He will not break</b><br>This phrase highlights the gentle and compassionate nature of the Servant, often interpreted as a prophecy about the Messiah. In ancient times, reeds were common in the marshy areas of Israel and were used for various purposes, but a bruised reed was considered useless and easily discarded. The imagery suggests that the Servant will not discard or destroy those who are weak or damaged. This reflects God's mercy and patience, as seen in <a href="/psalms/103-13.htm">Psalm 103:13-14</a>, where God is described as compassionate and understanding of human frailty. The phrase also connects to Jesus' ministry, where He showed kindness to the marginalized and broken-hearted, as seen in His interactions with the sick and sinners (<a href="/matthew/9-12.htm">Matthew 9:12-13</a>).<p><b>and a smoldering wick He will not extinguish;</b><br>A smoldering wick refers to a lamp that is nearly out of oil, producing little light and much smoke. In the cultural context, such a wick would typically be snuffed out and replaced. This imagery emphasizes the Servant's refusal to quench even the smallest flicker of hope or faith. It underscores the theme of perseverance and nurturing of faith, no matter how weak. This can be seen in Jesus' approach to those with little faith, such as His disciples during the storm (<a href="/matthew/8-26.htm">Matthew 8:26</a>) or the father of the demon-possessed boy (<a href="/mark/9-24.htm">Mark 9:24</a>). The Servant's role is to nurture and sustain, rather than to condemn or destroy.<p><b>He will faithfully bring forth justice.</b><br>This phrase speaks to the mission of the Servant to establish justice, a central theme in the book of Isaiah. Justice here is not merely legal fairness but encompasses righteousness, truth, and the restoration of God's order. The Servant's faithfulness indicates a steadfast commitment to God's purposes, aligning with the biblical theme of God's covenant faithfulness (<a href="/deuteronomy/7-9.htm">Deuteronomy 7:9</a>). This justice is ultimately fulfilled in the work of Christ, who through His life, death, and resurrection, brings about the ultimate justice and reconciliation between God and humanity (<a href="/romans/3-25.htm">Romans 3:25-26</a>). The phrase also points to the eschatological hope of God's kingdom, where true justice will be fully realized (<a href="/revelation/21.htm">Revelation 21:1-4</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_servant_of_the_lord.htm">The Servant of the Lord</a></b><br>This passage is part of the "Servant Songs" in Isaiah, which prophetically describe the Messiah, Jesus Christ, as the Servant who brings justice and compassion.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/isaiah.htm">Isaiah</a></b><br>The prophet who authored the book, delivering God's messages to the people of Israel during a time of moral and spiritual decline.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation to whom Isaiah prophesied, often depicted as a "bruised reed" or "smoldering wick" due to their spiritual struggles and need for redemption.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_coming_of_the_messiah.htm">The Coming of the Messiah</a></b><br>This event is foreshadowed in Isaiah's prophecies, pointing to Jesus Christ's ministry of compassion and justice.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/j/justice.htm">Justice</a></b><br>A central theme in this passage, referring to God's righteous order and the restoration of His people through the Messiah.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/c/compassionate_ministry.htm">Compassionate Ministry</a></b><br>Jesus exemplifies a ministry of compassion, reaching out to those who are weak and struggling. As His followers, we are called to emulate this compassion in our interactions with others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/hope_for_the_broken.htm">Hope for the Broken</a></b><br>The imagery of the bruised reed and smoldering wick offers hope to those who feel weak or insignificant. God values and nurtures us, even in our brokenness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faithful_justice.htm">Faithful Justice</a></b><br>God's justice is not harsh or destructive but is characterized by faithfulness and restoration. We are encouraged to trust in His righteous plans and seek justice in our own lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/gentle_restoration.htm">Gentle Restoration</a></b><br>The passage teaches us about the gentle nature of God's restoration. We should approach others with the same gentleness, aiming to restore rather than condemn.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/endurance_in_faith.htm">Endurance in Faith</a></b><br>Just as a smoldering wick is not extinguished, our faith, even when weak, is precious to God. We are encouraged to persevere, knowing that God will sustain us.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_isaiah_42.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 42</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_do_'bruised_reed'_and_'smoking_flax'_mean.htm">What does "bruised reed" and "smoking flax" signify?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'a_bruised_reed'_mean.htm">What does "a bruised reed He will not break" mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_is_john_owen.htm">What does 'bruised reed' and 'smoking flax' signify?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_the_servant_songs_in_isaiah.htm">What are the Servant Songs in Isaiah?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/isaiah/42.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) <span class= "bld">A bruised reed shall he not break . . .</span>--Physical, moral, spiritual weakness are all brought under the same similitude. In another context the image has met us in <a href="/isaiah/36-6.htm" title="See, you trust in the staff of this broken reed, on Egypt; where on if a man lean, it will go into his hand, and pierce it: so is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all that trust in him.">Isaiah 36:6</a>. The simple negative "he shall not break" implies, as in the rhetoric of all times, the opposite extreme, the tender care that props and supports. The humanity of the servant of the Lord was to embody what had been already predicated of the Divine will (<a href="/psalms/51-17.htm" title="The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.">Psalm 51:17</a>). The <span class= "ital">dimly burning flax, </span>the wick of a lamp nearly out, He will foster and cherish and feed the spiritual life, all but extinguished, with oil till it burns brightly again. 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 25:1-13</a> we have to deal with lamps that are going out, and these not even He could light again unless the bearers of the lamps "bought oil" for themselves.<p><span class= "bld">Judgment unto truth</span>--<span class= "ital">i.e.</span>, according to the perfect standard of truth, with something of the sense of St. John's "true" in the sense of representing the ideal (<a href="/john/1-9.htm" title="That was the true Light, which lights every man that comes into the world.">John 1:9</a>; <a href="/john/15-1.htm" title="I am the true vine, and my Father is the farmer.">John 15:1</a>). . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/isaiah/42.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">A bruised reed shall he not break</span>. Egypt was compared to a "bruised reed" by Sennacherib (<a href="/isaiah/36-6.htm">Isaiah 36:6</a>), as being untrustworthy and destitute of physical strength; but here the image represents the weak and depressed in spirit, the lowly and dejected. Christ would deal tenderly with such, not violently. <span class="cmt_word">Smoking flax shall he not quench</span>; rather, <span class="accented">the wick which burns dimly</span> (margin) <span class="accented">he shall not quench.</span> Where the flame of devotion burns at all, however feebly and dimly, Messiah will take care not to quench it. Rather he will tend it, and trim it, and give it fresh oil, and cause it to burn more brightly. <span class="cmt_word">He shall bring forth judgment unto truth</span>. But with all this tenderness, this "economy," this allowance for the shortcomings and <span class="accented">weaknesses</span> of individuals, he will be uncompromising in his assertion of absolute justice and absolute truth. He will sanction nothing short of the very highest standard of moral purity and excellence. (For an instance of the combination of extreme tenderness with unswerving maintenance of an absolute standard, see <a href="/john/8-8.htm">John 8:8-11</a>.) <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/isaiah/42-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">A bruised</span><br /><span class="heb">רָצוּץ֙</span> <span class="translit">(rā·ṣūṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7533.htm">Strong's 7533: </a> </span><span class="str2">To crack in pieces</span><br /><br /><span class="word">reed</span><br /><span class="heb">קָנֶ֤ה</span> <span class="translit">(qā·neh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7070.htm">Strong's 7070: </a> </span><span class="str2">A reed, a, rod, shaft, tube, stem, the radius, beam</span><br /><br /><span class="word">He will not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">break</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׁבּ֔וֹר</span> <span class="translit">(yiš·bō·wr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7665.htm">Strong's 7665: </a> </span><span class="str2">To break, break in pieces</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and a smoldering</span><br /><span class="heb">כֵהָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(ḵê·hāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3544.htm">Strong's 3544: </a> </span><span class="str2">Dim, dull, faint</span><br /><br /><span class="word">wick</span><br /><span class="heb">וּפִשְׁתָּ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(ū·p̄iš·tāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6594.htm">Strong's 6594: </a> </span><span class="str2">Flax, a wick</span><br /><br /><span class="word">He will not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">extinguish;</span><br /><span class="heb">יְכַבֶּ֑נָּה</span> <span class="translit">(yə·ḵab·ben·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3518.htm">Strong's 3518: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be quenched or extinguished, to go out</span><br /><br /><span class="word">He will faithfully</span><br /><span class="heb">לֶאֱמֶ֖ת</span> <span class="translit">(le·’ĕ·meṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_571.htm">Strong's 571: </a> </span><span class="str2">Stability, certainty, truth, trustworthiness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">bring forth</span><br /><span class="heb">יוֹצִ֥יא</span> <span class="translit">(yō·w·ṣî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3318.htm">Strong's 3318: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, bring, out, direct and proxim</span><br /><br /><span class="word">justice.</span><br /><span class="heb">מִשְׁפָּֽט׃</span> <span class="translit">(miš·pāṭ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4941.htm">Strong's 4941: </a> </span><span class="str2">A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/isaiah/42-3.htm">Isaiah 42:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/isaiah/42-3.htm">Isaiah 42:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/isaiah/42-3.htm">Isaiah 42:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/isaiah/42-3.htm">Isaiah 42:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/isaiah/42-3.htm">Isaiah 42:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/isaiah/42-3.htm">Isaiah 42:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/isaiah/42-3.htm">Isaiah 42:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/isaiah/42-3.htm">Isaiah 42:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/isaiah/42-3.htm">Isaiah 42:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/isaiah/42-3.htm">Isaiah 42:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/isaiah/42-3.htm">OT Prophets: Isaiah 42:3 He won't break a bruised reed (Isa Isi Is)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/isaiah/42-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Isaiah 42:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Isaiah 42:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/isaiah/42-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Isaiah 42:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Isaiah 42:4" /></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>