Matthew 12:18 - “Behold, my servant whom I have chosen; my beloved in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my Spirit on him. He will proclaim justice to the nations.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Matthew 12:18" mean?
Matthew 12:18 is a direct quote from Isaiah 42:1, a passage known as the "First Servant Song" in the Book of Isaiah. In the context of Matthew's Gospel, it's used to identify Jesus as the prophesied servant of God. Let's break down the verse's meaning, phrase by phrase:
"Behold, my servant whom I have chosen;" This highlights that Jesus' role as the servant is divinely appointed and predestined. "Chosen" implies a special selection by God for a specific purpose. The use of "servant" is key. In Isaiah, the Servant is tasked with bringing justice and righteousness, but often through humility and suffering, not through worldly power.
"my beloved in whom my soul is well pleased:" This echoes the voice from heaven at Jesus' baptism (Matthew 3:17), reinforcing Jesus' unique relationship with the Father and his divine favor. "Beloved" conveys a deep and personal affection. "Well pleased" suggests that Jesus perfectly embodies God's will and character.
"I will put my Spirit on him." This signifies the Holy Spirit's empowering presence in Jesus' life and ministry. The Spirit equips him to fulfill his divine mission, enabling him to perform miracles, preach with authority, and ultimately, to offer himself as a sacrifice. It suggests divine enablement and authorization.
"He will proclaim justice to the nations." This points to the universal scope of Jesus' mission. "Nations" refers to the Gentiles (non-Jewish people), indicating that the blessings and justice brought by Jesus are not limited to Israel but are intended for all people. He will bring justice that is not simply legal but a comprehensive restoration of right relationships - with God and with each other. The word "proclaim" here is not just about preaching but about acting to make justice a reality.
Overall Meaning:
The verse in Matthew 12:18 is a powerful statement about Jesus' identity and mission. It declares him as the divinely chosen Servant of God, beloved by the Father, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and tasked with bringing justice to all nations. It's an affirmation of his messianic role, but one that emphasizes humility, service, and a universal calling rather than a conquering king.
Contextual Significance in Matthew's Gospel:
This quote from Isaiah appears in Matthew after the Pharisees accuse Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebul (Matthew 12:24). Matthew uses this verse to refute their accusations and to present Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy. It paints a picture of Jesus as a humble and compassionate servant, who acts in accordance with God's will to bring justice to the world, and it contrasts this with the Pharisees' attempts to discredit him. It also emphasizes that Jesus is not simply a Jewish Messiah but has a mission that extends to all people.
In short, the verse reveals Jesus as the uniquely chosen, loved, and empowered servant of God who will bring God's justice to the entire world.
Matthew 12:18 - “Behold, my servant whom I have chosen; my beloved in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my Spirit on him. He will proclaim justice to the nations.
What does "Matthew 12:18" mean?
Matthew 12:18 is a direct quote from Isaiah 42:1, a passage known as the "First Servant Song" in the Book of Isaiah. In the context of Matthew's Gospel, it's used to identify Jesus as the prophesied servant of God. Let's break down the verse's meaning, phrase by phrase:
"Behold, my servant whom I have chosen;" This highlights that Jesus' role as the servant is divinely appointed and predestined. "Chosen" implies a special selection by God for a specific purpose. The use of "servant" is key. In Isaiah, the Servant is tasked with bringing justice and righteousness, but often through humility and suffering, not through worldly power.
"my beloved in whom my soul is well pleased:" This echoes the voice from heaven at Jesus' baptism (Matthew 3:17), reinforcing Jesus' unique relationship with the Father and his divine favor. "Beloved" conveys a deep and personal affection. "Well pleased" suggests that Jesus perfectly embodies God's will and character.
"I will put my Spirit on him." This signifies the Holy Spirit's empowering presence in Jesus' life and ministry. The Spirit equips him to fulfill his divine mission, enabling him to perform miracles, preach with authority, and ultimately, to offer himself as a sacrifice. It suggests divine enablement and authorization.
"He will proclaim justice to the nations." This points to the universal scope of Jesus' mission. "Nations" refers to the Gentiles (non-Jewish people), indicating that the blessings and justice brought by Jesus are not limited to Israel but are intended for all people. He will bring justice that is not simply legal but a comprehensive restoration of right relationships - with God and with each other. The word "proclaim" here is not just about preaching but about acting to make justice a reality.
Overall Meaning:
The verse in Matthew 12:18 is a powerful statement about Jesus' identity and mission. It declares him as the divinely chosen Servant of God, beloved by the Father, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and tasked with bringing justice to all nations. It's an affirmation of his messianic role, but one that emphasizes humility, service, and a universal calling rather than a conquering king.
Contextual Significance in Matthew's Gospel:
This quote from Isaiah appears in Matthew after the Pharisees accuse Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebul (Matthew 12:24). Matthew uses this verse to refute their accusations and to present Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy. It paints a picture of Jesus as a humble and compassionate servant, who acts in accordance with God's will to bring justice to the world, and it contrasts this with the Pharisees' attempts to discredit him. It also emphasizes that Jesus is not simply a Jewish Messiah but has a mission that extends to all people.
In short, the verse reveals Jesus as the uniquely chosen, loved, and empowered servant of God who will bring God's justice to the entire world.