Matthew 12 19

Matthew 12:19 kjv

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

Matthew 12:19 nkjv

He will not quarrel nor cry out, Nor will anyone hear His voice in the streets.

Matthew 12:19 niv

He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear his voice in the streets.

Matthew 12:19 esv

He will not quarrel or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets;

Matthew 12:19 nlt

He will not fight or shout
or raise his voice in public.

Matthew 12 verses

Matthew 12 19 Meaning

This verse, a direct quotation from Isaiah 42:2, profoundly illustrates the humble and non-confrontational nature of the Messiah, Jesus. It reveals that His ministry is characterized not by loud public disputes, boisterous proclamations, or revolutionary clamor heard throughout the public squares, but by quiet dignity, gentle instruction, and serene purpose. He does not strive for attention through contentious debate or raise His voice in a manner of worldly dominance or political agitation. Instead, His influence and authority are expressed through meekness, compassion, and the subtle, yet powerful, fulfillment of God's will.

Matthew 12 19 Context

Matthew 12 begins with two distinct Sabbath controversies (disciples plucking grain, healing a withered hand). These events showcase Jesus' authority over the Sabbath law, contrasting His compassionate interpretation with the rigid legalism of the Pharisees. As the chapter progresses, the Pharisees, enraged by Jesus' actions and words, openly plot His destruction (Mt 12:14). In response to this growing hostility, Jesus "withdraws" (Mt 12:15a). Yet, His withdrawal isn't a retreat into hiding but a purposeful movement to continue His ministry of healing to great multitudes, all the while charging them not to publicize Him (Mt 12:15b-16). It is in this precise context that Matthew quotes Isaiah 42:2, fulfilling the prophecy of the humble, gentle Servant. The quote underscores that Jesus' actions – His quiet healing, His avoidance of direct public confrontation for the sake of popularity, and His rejection of worldly displays of power – are not weakness, but a deliberate manifestation of His Messianic identity as foretold. It explains how He would conduct His saving ministry, contrasting sharply with the loud, legalistic, and contentious religious leaders of His day who sought attention and dispute.

Matthew 12 19 Word analysis

• He (αὐτὸς - autos): Refers directly to Jesus, identified by Matthew (and Isaiah) as the "Servant" chosen by God, upon whom the Spirit rests. This highlights His unique divine appointment and the character traits befitting this role.
• will not quarrel (οὐκ ἐρίσει - ouk erisei):
  • ἐρίσει (erisei): From erizō, meaning "to contend," "to strive," "to dispute," "to wrangle." It signifies a refusal to engage in contentious verbal conflict, argument, or rivalry for the sake of winning an argument or asserting dominance.
  • Significance: Jesus' authority comes from His divine nature and works, not from verbal sparring or argumentative triumph over His opponents, despite frequent provocations. This contrasts with the contentious spirit often observed among the religious elite of His time.
• nor cry out (οὐδὲ κραυγάσει - oude kraugasei):
  • κραυγάσει (kraugasei): From kraugazō, meaning "to cry aloud," "to shout," "to make a clamor or uproar."
  • Significance: This indicates His aversion to sensationalism, bombastic display, or the type of public agitation typical of popular demagogues or political leaders who sought to stir crowds through shouting. His method of advancing His kingdom is not through noise but through quiet influence and transformative power.
• Nor will anyone hear (οὐδὲ ἀκούσει τις - oude akousei tis):
  • ἀκούσει (akousei): From akouō, "to hear," implying perception of sound.
  • τις (tis): "anyone" or "someone," indicating a general absence of this noisy quality.
  • Significance: Emphasizes that the characteristics of "quarreling" or "crying out" will be completely absent from His public conduct, underscoring the meekness described in the previous phrase.
• His voice (τὴν φωνὴν αὐτοῦ - tēn phōnen autou):
  • φωνὴν (phōnen): "voice," referring to audible sound or speech.
  • Significance: His manner of communication and ministry, though often public, would not be loud or contentious in the street. His "voice" carried authority through truth and grace, not volume or argumentative force.
• in the streets (ἐν ταῖς πλατείαις - en tais plateiais):
  • πλατείαις (plateiais): "wide streets," "broad ways," "public squares." These were typical places for public announcements, markets, political debates, and boisterous crowds.
  • Significance: This location emphasizes that the non-quarrelsome, non-clamorous nature applies specifically to His public ministry and presence among people. It means His message and actions would not partake in the common, often chaotic or sensational, methods of drawing public attention prevalent in such places. His presence would bring peace, not contention, even amidst hostile crowds.
• He will not quarrel nor cry out: This phrase powerfully delineates the character of the Messiah as someone who does not seek conflict, engage in heated debate for debate's sake, or resort to loud, aggressive means to assert His presence or authority. It portrays Him as one of divine patience and serene purpose, unwilling to stoop to human methods of argumentation or sensationalism.
• Nor will anyone hear His voice in the streets: This expands on the previous thought, emphasizing the Messiah's discreet and non-attention-seeking approach to public ministry. While He did teach publicly, this phrase clarifies that His voice would not be associated with noisy, boisterous, or politically charged demonstrations typical of the "streets." His kingdom's advancement is subtle, personal, and transformative, not marked by outward clamor or ostentatious displays designed to rally the masses.

Matthew 12 19 Bonus section

• Septuagintal Alignment: Matthew's quotation of Isaiah 42:2 aligns more closely with the Greek Septuagint (LXX) version than the Hebrew Masoretic Text. This deliberate choice highlights specific nuances that underscore Jesus' gentle and non-contentious nature, particularly fitting Matthew's theological narrative of Jesus as the fulfiller of Israel's prophecies.
• Contrasting Ministries: The quiet character described here stands in stark contrast to that of John the Baptist, who was known for his fervent, challenging calls to repentance in the wilderness. It also starkly contrasts with the public behavior of the Pharisees and Scribes who often debated Jesus in loud, public forums, seeking to expose Him.
• The Power of Gentleness: This verse showcases that true power, particularly divine power, does not require a loud or aggressive display. Instead, it can operate effectively through quiet, unassuming presence and actions, impacting lives profoundly without external fanfare or coercion. It subtly prepares the reader for the concept of a suffering Servant whose victory is achieved through humility, not dominance.
• Evangelism by Example: For believers, this passage is a call to conduct ministry and share the gospel with meekness and gentleness. It warns against evangelistic approaches characterized by belligerent arguments, loud rhetoric for mere attention, or seeking public spectacle. Instead, it encourages a focus on genuine compassion, clear truth, and allowing the transformative power of the Spirit to work quietly and deeply in hearts.

Matthew 12 19 Commentary

Matthew 12:19, by quoting Isaiah 42:2, provides a critical interpretive lens for understanding Jesus' public ministry and His response to opposition. It explains why Jesus often withdrew from confrontation or enjoined silence after performing miracles (as seen in the immediate preceding verses of Matt 12). He was not hesitant due to fear or weakness, but was intentionally fulfilling the prophecy of a Servant who would establish God's kingdom through humility and peace, rather than through noisy political upheaval, public spectacle, or contentious debates aimed at gaining worldly popularity or power. His approach fundamentally challenged the expectations of many who anticipated a conquering Messiah or a highly vocal, confrontational religious leader. Jesus' voice brought truth and healing, not argumentative clamor, and His gentle leadership was intended to save, not to stir up earthly strife.