Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles.

MATTHEW 12:18KJV
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Matthew 12:18 (KJV)

What does Matthew 12:18 mean?

Matthew 12:18 describes how God points out His chosen servant, whom He deeply loves and is pleased with, promising to put His Spirit on this servant so that he will bring justice to the Gentiles. The verse highlights the servant’s special relationship with God and his mission to extend God’s justice beyond Israel.

In this verse, Matthew is quoting from the Old Testament (Isaiah 42:1) to show that Jesus fulfills the prophecy about God’s chosen servant. God is speaking about the servant, and Matthew is explaining to his readers that Jesus is the one who brings God’s Spirit and justice not just to the Jewish people, but also to non-Jews (Gentiles), showing the broad reach of Jesus’ mission.

The Greek behind Matthew 12:18

  • "servant" (παῖς, pais): This word can mean both "servant" and "child" or "son" in Greek, emphasizing both the servant’s obedience and the closeness of his relationship to God.
  • "judgment" (κρίσιν, krisin): Often understood as "justice" or "righteousness," this word here points to the idea of making things right, not just legal judgment but a setting right of wrongs for all people.
  • "Gentiles" (ἔθνεσιν, ethnesin): This word means "nations" or "non-Jews," making it clear that the servant’s work is meant for all humanity, not just Israel.
  • "well pleased" (εὐδόκησεν, eudokēsen): This word means to take delight or find favor, showing God’s deep approval and joy in the servant.

Why Matthew 12:18 matters

  • Matthew 12:18 clarifies that Jesus’ mission is not limited to Israel but is meant for all nations, which would have been a surprising and important claim for Matthew’s original audience.
  • The verse emphasizes that Jesus acts with God’s Spirit and approval, underlining his authority and unique role in God’s plan.
  • By quoting Isaiah, Matthew connects Jesus directly to Old Testament prophecy, helping readers see continuity between the Hebrew Scriptures and the story of Jesus.

Where else these words appear

“pleased” Greek G2106 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 3:17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
  • Romans 15:27 It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.
  • 1 Thessalonians 2:8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.

“servant” Greek G3816 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.
  • Luke 1:54 He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;
  • Luke 15:26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.

“shew” Greek G518 · used in 44 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.
  • Luke 8:34 When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country.
  • Acts 12:14 And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.

“judgment” Greek G2920 · used in 47 verses

  • Matthew 5:21 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
  • Luke 11:32 The men of Nineve shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.
  • 1 Timothy 5:24 Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.