Isaiah 42 3

Isaiah 42:3 kjv

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

Isaiah 42:3 nkjv

A bruised reed He will not break, And smoking flax He will not quench; He will bring forth justice for truth.

Isaiah 42:3 niv

A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice;

Isaiah 42:3 esv

a bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice.

Isaiah 42:3 nlt

He will not crush the weakest reed
or put out a flickering candle.
He will bring justice to all who have been wronged.

Isaiah 42 verses

Isaiah 42 3 Meaning

Isaiah 42:3 describes the compassionate and gentle character of the Lord's Servant (identified as the Messiah). It portrays His carefulness and mercy towards the weak, the struggling, and the seemingly insignificant. Rather than breaking or extinguishing those who are already broken or dimly lit, He will uphold and restore them. This gentleness, however, does not signify weakness; it is the method through which He will steadfastly and truly bring forth justice and righteousness to the world. He shows profound empathy for humanity's frailties, demonstrating divine patience and tender care, especially for the marginalized and disheartened.

Isaiah 42 3 Context

Isaiah 42:3 is part of the first "Servant Song" in Isaiah (42:1-4). This section introduces a pivotal figure, God's chosen Servant, endowed with the Spirit of the Lord, whose mission is to bring justice to the nations (v. 1). Unlike the violent conquerors of the ancient Near East, or even the boisterous prophets of other religions, this Servant operates with quiet humility and gentleness (v. 2). Verse 3 specifically elaborates on how He will execute this justice: not through harshness or crushing the already fragile, but through compassionate support. Historically, the audience would have been accustomed to rulers exercising power through force and might, making the description of a gentle yet effective leader deeply counter-cultural and hopeful for those under oppression or suffering. It implicitly critiques the prevailing norms of aggressive leadership, presenting a divine leader whose strength lies in His redemptive mercy and steadfastness in upholding true justice for all, especially the vulnerable.

Isaiah 42 3 Word analysis

• A bruised reed (קָנֶה רָצוּץ - qaneh ratzutz):
  • Reed (קָנֶה - qaneh): Refers to a hollow stalk, common in the Jordan valley, known for its fragility. It is easily bent or broken. Metaphorically, it represents the weak, the poor, the struggling, or those with fragile faith.
  • Bruised (רָצוּץ - ratzutz): Meaning crushed, broken, oppressed, or severely damaged. This intensifies the image of weakness, signifying someone nearing total collapse, either physically, emotionally, or spiritually. The Servant does not deliver the final blow to someone already failing.
• he will not break:
  • This phrase emphasizes the Servant's compassion and restorative nature. He will not shatter or finish off that which is already on the verge of being destroyed. Instead, He extends care and the possibility of mending.
• and a faintly burning wick (פִּשְׁתָּה כֵהָה - pishtah kehah):
  • Flax/wick (פִּשְׁתָּה - pishtah): Flax was used to make lamp wicks. A wick is fragile on its own, easily put out.
  • Faintly burning/dim/smoking (כֵהָה - kehah): Describes a wick where the flame is almost extinguished, merely smoldering, emitting smoke, or on the point of going out. It signifies a person who is spiritually dim, nearly hopeless, lacking fervor, or whose light of faith is barely alive.
• he will not quench:
  • Again, this highlights the Servant's protective and sustaining character. He will not extinguish the last flicker of hope or faith in one who is struggling, but will nurture it back to a flame. He provides the "oil" or conditions necessary for the light to burn brightly again.
• he will faithfully (לֶאֱמֶת - le'emet):
  • Literally "in truth" or "according to truth." This emphasizes the integrity, reliability, and steadfastness of the Servant's actions. His methods are true and trustworthy. His gentle approach is not arbitrary or conditional, but founded on an unchanging principle of divine character.
• bring forth (יוֹצִיא - yotzi):
  • Meaning to cause to come out, to bring forth, or to establish. It denotes a deliberate and active process. The justice He brings is not passive but an intentional establishment.
• justice (מִשְׁפָּט - mishpat):
  • Encompasses both 'judgment' and 'justice,' often meaning 'right rule,' 'fair administration,' 'righteousness,' or 'what is right.' This is not just legal ruling, but the establishment of God's perfect moral order, restoring fairness, equity, and righteousness where there is brokenness and oppression. It contrasts with His gentleness by showing the firm foundation of His mission.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• A bruised reed he will not break / a faintly burning wick he will not quench: This parallel imagery forms a powerful expression of profound gentleness and patience. It addresses both physical and spiritual states of being, demonstrating the Servant's unwillingness to further harm or discard those who are already on the edge of destruction or despair. This reveals a radical compassion that stands in stark contrast to human tendencies to discard the weak or focus solely on the strong.
• He will faithfully bring forth justice: This concluding phrase connects the Servant's gentle nature to His ultimate purpose. His compassion is not a sign of weakness or indecision regarding His mission, but rather the means by which true and lasting justice will be established. The faithfulness ensures that His gentle methods are also effective and certain in achieving righteous order for all. His justice is not merely punitive but restorative and redemptive, born out of this gentle steadfastness.

Isaiah 42 3 Bonus section

The Servant's gentle approach is not merely a personality trait, but a strategic divine choice to effect justice. It stands as a theological polemic against pagan deities and human rulers whose power was often demonstrated through brute force and the annihilation of perceived weaknesses. In contrast, the Servant’s power is transformative, rooted in patience and understanding, bringing a form of justice that integrates mercy. This prefigures the New Covenant understanding of Christ's kingdom, established through suffering love and self-sacrifice, where true power is found in humility and service. The Old Testament often used "bruised" imagery for the nation of Israel in its affliction, and the Lord here promises not to destroy them further in their broken state, but to bring forth justice for them.

Isaiah 42 3 Commentary

Isaiah 42:3 profoundly illustrates the Servant of the Lord's unique character. Unlike the often harsh and unyielding approach of worldly powers, the Messiah demonstrates unparalleled compassion. His method is one of nurturing rather than crushing. For the person metaphorically represented by a "bruised reed"—bent, struggling, and on the verge of breaking—He offers support and healing instead of finishing the destruction. For the "faintly burning wick," symbolizing one whose spiritual flame or hope is almost extinguished, He provides protection and renewed oil, preventing the last flicker from dying out. This is not weakness but divine strength; it's a testament to His redemptive power that He can restore the most fragile and renew the most dim. This gentle steadfastness is how He will "faithfully bring forth justice." His justice is rooted in truth and unwavering commitment to what is right, but delivered with the profound mercy necessary to uplift the fallen, give hope to the despairing, and establish God's righteous order through restoration, not just condemnation.Example: This verse offers solace to those who feel insignificant or whose faith is faltering; the Lord does not discard us when we are at our weakest. For a pastor, it guides in ministering to weary congregants, tending to the struggling rather than dismissing them. For an evangelist, it's an example of engaging gently with seekers who have minimal faith.