Chapter

Matthew 12:17

ESV This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah:
NIV This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:
NASB This happened so that what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet would be fulfilled:
CSB so that what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:
NLT This fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah concerning him:
KJV That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying,

What does Matthew 12:17 mean?

Perhaps to explain why Jesus was avoiding contact with the Pharisees during this time and telling people not to make Him known, Matthew will reference a passage from Isaiah 42 and apply it to Jesus. That passage begins by describing a servant refusing to bicker or shout in a public setting (Isaiah 42:19). This begins the longest of Matthew's citations of the Old Testament.

Matthew is clear that Jesus is the fulfillment of this passage. To its original audience, Isaiah's words seem to be about Israel. The fact that Matthew, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, applies it to Jesus fits the idea that Jesus is the ultimate expression of "Israel." He is the best product of the nation and the one in whom the Gentiles will hope (Matthew 12:21).
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What is the Gospel?
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