King James Version

What Does Matthew 12:18 Mean?

Matthew 12:18 in the King James Version says “Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and h... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles.

Matthew 12:18 · KJV


Context

16

And charged them that they should not make him known:

17

That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying,

18

Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles.

19

He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets.

20

A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles.' Matthew quotes Isaiah 42:1, identifying Jesus as God's chosen Servant. 'Behold' (ἰδοὺ/idou) commands attention—something significant. 'My servant' (ὁ παῖς μου/ho pais mou) indicates both servanthood and sonship. 'Whom I have chosen' (ὃν ᾑρέτισα/hon hēretisa) echoes election language—God sovereignly chose Jesus for this role (though voluntarily accepted). 'My beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased' echoes baptismal declaration (Matthew 3:17) and transfiguration (Matthew 17:5)—Father's approval of Son. 'I will put my spirit upon him' prophesies Spirit's anointing at Jesus's baptism (Matthew 3:16). 'He shall shew judgment to the Gentiles' (κρίσιν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν ἀπαγγελεῖ/krisin tois ethnesin apangelei) can mean 'announce justice/judgment' or 'bring right judgment.' Jesus establishes God's justice and extends salvation to Gentiles—breaking Jewish exclusivism. Reformed theology sees this affirming Christ's deity (Spirit-anointed), election (chosen), mission (servant-redeemer), and universal scope (including Gentiles).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Isaiah 42:1 introduced the Servant who would bring God's justice to nations—shocking in context of Israelite nationalism. Jews expected Messiah to exalt Israel and judge Gentiles destructively. Isaiah predicted different pattern: Servant would bring justice gently, extend salvation to Gentiles, suffer for sins. Jesus fulfilled this: His ministry included Gentiles (Matthew 8:5-13 centurion, Matthew 15:21-28 Canaanite woman), He commissioned universal gospel proclamation (Matthew 28:19), and early church opened to Gentiles (Acts 10-11, 15). The Spirit's anointing occurred at Jesus's baptism—heaven opened, Spirit descended as dove, Father declared approval (Matthew 3:16-17). This inaugurated Jesus's public ministry, demonstrating His identity as Spirit-anointed Messiah (Acts 10:38). Early Christians used Isaiah 42:1 to defend Gentile inclusion against Judaizers. Paul extensively argued Gentiles are co-heirs in Christ (Ephesians 2:11-22, Galatians 3:28-29). Isaiah's prophecy demonstrated this was always God's plan, not Peter's innovation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus being God's 'chosen servant' combine divine sovereignty in salvation with Christ's willing obedience?
  2. What does the prophecy that Messiah would 'show judgment to Gentiles' teach about gospel's universal scope from the beginning?
  3. How should understanding Christ as Spirit-anointed Servant shape Christian ministry—combining power with humility?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
Ἰδού,1 of 26

Behold

G2400

used as imperative lo!

2 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

παῖς3 of 26

servant

G3816

a boy (as often beaten with impunity), or (by analogy), a girl, and (genitive case) a child; specially, a slave or servant (especially a minister to a

μου4 of 26

my

G3450

of me

ὃν5 of 26

whom

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ᾑρέτισα6 of 26

I have chosen

G140

to make a choice

7 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀγαπητός8 of 26

beloved

G27

beloved

μου9 of 26

my

G3450

of me

εἰς10 of 26

in

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ὃν11 of 26

whom

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

εὐδόκησεν12 of 26

is well pleased

G2106

to think well of, i.e., approve (an act); specially, to approbate (a person or thing)

13 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ψυχή14 of 26

soul

G5590

breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh

μου15 of 26

my

G3450

of me

θήσω16 of 26

I will put

G5087

to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr

τὸ17 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πνεῦμά18 of 26

spirit

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

μου19 of 26

my

G3450

of me

ἐπ'20 of 26

upon

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

αὐτόν,21 of 26

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καὶ22 of 26

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

κρίσιν23 of 26

judgment

G2920

decision (subjectively or objectively, for or against); by extension, a tribunal; by implication, justice (especially, divine law)

τοῖς24 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἔθνεσιν25 of 26

to the Gentiles

G1484

a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

ἀπαγγελεῖ26 of 26

he shall shew

G518

to announce


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Matthew 12:18 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 Matthew 12:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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