Isaiah 42:3
A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.
Original Language Analysis
קָנֶ֤ה
reed
H7070
קָנֶ֤ה
reed
Strong's:
H7070
Word #:
1 of 11
a reed (as erect); by resemblance a rod (especially for measuring), shaft, tube, stem, the radius (of the arm), beam (of a steelyard)
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
7 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יְכַבֶּ֑נָּה
shall he not quench
H3518
יְכַבֶּ֑נָּה
shall he not quench
Strong's:
H3518
Word #:
8 of 11
to expire or (causatively) to extinguish (fire, light, anger)
לֶאֱמֶ֖ת
unto truth
H571
לֶאֱמֶ֖ת
unto truth
Strong's:
H571
Word #:
9 of 11
stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness
Cross References
Ezekiel 34:16I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment.Jeremiah 31:25For I have satiated the weary soul, and I have replenished every sorrowful soul.Matthew 11:28Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.Isaiah 40:11He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.Psalms 147:3He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.John 5:30I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.Revelation 19:11And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.Isaiah 50:10Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.Psalms 96:13Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.Psalms 98:9Before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity.
Historical Context
This prophecy describes Christ's ministry to broken humanity—tax collectors, sinners, the sick and demon-possessed received His compassionate attention. His mission was restorative, not destructive.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's treatment of bruised reeds encourage you in your brokenness?
- What does balancing gentleness with truth-telling look like in your relationships?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The Servant's gentleness toward the weak is beautifully portrayed: a bruised reed ('qaneh ratsuts') He won't break, smoking flax ('pishtah kehah') He won't quench. These images depict the most fragile—nearly broken reeds and barely burning wicks—treated with utmost care. Yet this gentleness doesn't compromise truth: 'he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.'