King James Version

What Does Matthew 12:20 Mean?

Matthew 12:20 in the King James Version says “A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 12:20 · KJV

Context

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.

21

And in his name shall the Gentiles trust.

22

Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.' Isaiah 42:3 describes Messiah's gentleness with the weak. 'Bruised reed' (κάλαμον συντετριμμένον/kalamon syntettrimmenon) pictures damaged plant—bent, cracked, seemingly useless. 'Smoking flax' (λίνον τυφόμενον/linon typhomenon) describes barely-lit wick—producing smoke, barely flame. Both represent fragile, weak, struggling faith or people. Messiah won't 'break' the reed (finishing destruction) or 'quench' the wick (extinguishing faint flame). Instead, He gently nurtures and strengthens until 'judgment unto victory' (κρίσιν εἰς νῖκος/krisin eis nikos)—until justice triumphs, kingdom comes fully. Reformed theology finds great comfort: Jesus doesn't crush struggling believers. Weak faith is still faith; small flame is still alive. Christ patiently strengthens until faith grows strong. This challenges both harsh judgmentalism (breaking bruised reeds) and premature writing-off of struggling believers (quenching smoking flax). Pastoral ministry must imitate Christ's gentleness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Reeds grew along Jordan River and Dead Sea—hollow grass used for measuring rods, writing pens, musical pipes. Bruised (damaged) reeds were discarded as useless. Flax provided linen for clothing and lamp wicks. Smoking wick—barely lit, mostly producing smoke—was typically trimmed or discarded. Isaiah's metaphor: Messiah treats weak, struggling, damaged people differently than human handlers treat broken tools. Jesus demonstrated this: He didn't reject doubting Thomas (John 20:24-29), restoring denying Peter (John 21:15-19), welcoming fearful disciples (John 20:19-22). His ministry attracted broken people: tax collectors, prostitutes, lepers, demoniacs. He gentled restored them. Early church experienced this: persecuted believers whose faith faltered weren't automatically excommunicated; restoration was offered (though Donatist controversy debated how). Pastoral epistles emphasize gentleness in correction (2 Timothy 2:24-26). Throughout history, revivalist movements have shown both Christ's gentle restoration and harsh judgmentalism—the former reflects biblical pattern, the latter contradicts it.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you respond to believers whose faith is 'bruised reed' or 'smoking flax'—weak, struggling, barely surviving? Do you nurture or write them off?
  2. What does this teach about pastoral ministry—how should churches care for weak, damaged, struggling members?
  3. How has Christ demonstrated this gentleness toward you when your faith was weak or damaged?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
κάλαμον1 of 16

“reed”

G2563

a reed (the plant or its stem, or that of a similar plant); by implication, a pen

συντετριμμένον2 of 16

“A bruised”

G4937

to crush completely, i.e., to shatter (literally or figuratively)

οὐ3 of 16

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

κατεάξει4 of 16

“break”

G2608

to rend in pieces, i.e., crack apart

καὶ5 of 16

“and”

G2532

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

λίνον6 of 16

“flax”

G3043

flax, i.e., (by implication) "linen"

τυφόμενον7 of 16

“smoking”

G5188

to make a smoke, i.e., slowly consume without flame

οὐ8 of 16

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

σβέσει9 of 16

“quench”

G4570

to extinguish (literally or figuratively)

ἕως10 of 16

“till”

G2193

a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)

ἂν11 of 16
G302

whatsoever

ἐκβάλῃ12 of 16

“he send forth”

G1544

to eject (literally or figuratively)

εἰς13 of 16

“unto”

G1519

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

νῖκος14 of 16

“victory”

G3534

a conquest (concretely), i.e., (by implication) triumph

τὴν15 of 16
G3588

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

κρίσιν16 of 16

“judgment”

G2920

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

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 12:20 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 12:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 42:3-4Ezekiel 34:16Isaiah 61:1-3Luke 4:18Psalms 147:3Lamentations 3:31-34

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