That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying,

MATTHEW 12:17KJV
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Matthew 12:17 (KJV)

What does Matthew 12:17 mean?

Matthew 12:17 explains that what is happening in the story fulfills something that was spoken by the prophet Isaiah. The verse points out that Jesus’ actions are not random but are connected to a prophecy from the Old Testament.

In this part of Matthew, the writer is speaking to the reader, pausing the story to highlight that Jesus’ life matches what Isaiah said long ago. The verse sets up a direct link between Jesus and the promises or predictions found in the Hebrew Scriptures, preparing the reader to see Jesus as someone who completes or brings about what God had already said through Isaiah.

The Greek behind Matthew 12:17

  • πληρωθῇ (plērōthē, "fulfilled"): This word means to fill up or complete. Here, it stresses that Jesus’ actions are not just similar to prophecy but actually bring it to its full meaning or purpose.
  • ῥηθέν (rhēthen, "spoken"): This word is often used for something officially declared or announced. It highlights that Isaiah’s words are not just old sayings but carry authority and significance.
  • διὰ (dia, "by"): This preposition means "through" or "by means of." It shows that Isaiah was the channel or messenger God used to deliver this prophecy.
  • Ἠσαΐου (Ēsaiou, "Esaias/Isaiah"): This is the Greek form of the name Isaiah, directly connecting the prophecy to the well-known prophet.

Why Matthew 12:17 matters

  • Matthew 12:17 helps the reader see that Jesus’ life and mission are closely tied to the story and promises of the Old Testament, not something new or separate.
  • This verse encourages the reader to look back at Isaiah’s words and see how they are being realized in Jesus, making the connection between old prophecies and new events clear.
  • By pointing out the fulfillment of prophecy, Matthew gives his audience—especially those familiar with Jewish Scriptures—a reason to trust that Jesus is truly the one sent by God.

Where else these words appear

“Esaias” Greek G2268 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 3:3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
  • Luke 3:4 As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
  • Acts 8:30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?

“spoken” Greek G4483 · used in 26 verses

  • Matthew 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
  • Matthew 5:31 It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:
  • Matthew 24:15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place,(whoso readeth, let him understand:)

“That” Greek G3704 · used in 55 verses

  • Matthew 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
  • Mark 5:23 And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live.
  • Acts 23:15 Now therefore ye with the council signify to the chief captain that he bring him down unto you to morrow, as though ye would enquire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, or ever he come near, are ready to kill him.

“fulfilled” Greek G4137 · used in 90 verses

  • Matthew 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
  • John 3:29 He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.
  • Acts 24:27 But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.