King James Version

What Does Isaiah 42:3 Mean?

Isaiah 42:3 in the King James Version says “A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth. s...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 42 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth. smoking: or, dimly burning quench: Heb. quench it”

Isaiah 42:3 · KJV

Truth

Context

1

Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.

2

He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street.

3

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

4

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

5

Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein:

Read Isaiah 42 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Servant's gentleness toward the weak is beautifully portrayed: a bruised reed ('qaneh ratsuts') He won't break, smoking flax ('pishtah kehah') He won't quench. These images depict the most fragile—nearly broken reeds and barely burning wicks—treated with utmost care. Yet this gentleness doesn't compromise truth: 'he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.'

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This prophecy describes Christ's ministry to broken humanity—tax collectors, sinners, the sick and demon-possessed received His compassionate attention. His mission was restorative, not destructive.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's treatment of bruised reeds encourage you in your brokenness?
  2. What does balancing gentleness with truth-telling look like in your relationships?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
קָנֶ֤ה1 of 11

“reed”

H7070

a reed (as erect); by resemblance a rod (especially for measuring), shaft, tube, stem, the radius (of the arm), beam (of a steelyard)

רָצוּץ֙2 of 11

“A bruised”

H7533

to crack in pieces, literally or figuratively

לֹ֣א3 of 11
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִשְׁבּ֔וֹר4 of 11

“shall he not break”

H7665

to burst (literally or figuratively)

וּפִשְׁתָּ֥ה5 of 11

“flax”

H6594

flax; by implication, a wick

כֵהָ֖ה6 of 11

“and the smoking”

H3544

feeble, obscure

לֹ֣א7 of 11
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יְכַבֶּ֑נָּה8 of 11

“shall he not quench”

H3518

to expire or (causatively) to extinguish (fire, light, anger)

לֶאֱמֶ֖ת9 of 11

“unto truth”

H571

stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness

יוֹצִ֥יא10 of 11

“he shall bring forth”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

מִשְׁפָּֽט׃11 of 11

“judgment”

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Isaiah 42:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Isaiah 42:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 34:16Jeremiah 31:25Isaiah 40:11Psalms 147:3Matthew 11:28Isaiah 11:3-4

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