A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.

MATTHEW 12:20KJV
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Matthew 12:20 (KJV)

What does Matthew 12:20 mean?

Matthew 12:20 describes how Jesus will not crush those who are weak or struggling ("a bruised reed") or snuff out those whose faith is barely holding on ("smoking flax"), but will patiently bring about justice until it is fully accomplished. The verse highlights Jesus’ gentle and compassionate approach toward those who are vulnerable or faltering.

In this passage, Matthew is quoting from the prophet Isaiah to explain Jesus’ character to his audience. Jesus is being contrasted with harsh leaders; instead of breaking or extinguishing those who are already wounded or weak, he supports and preserves them. The verse is meant to reassure readers that Jesus’ mission is marked by mercy and patience, especially toward those who are struggling.

The Greek behind Matthew 12:20

  • κάλαμος (kalamos, "reed" G2563): This word refers to a slender, fragile plant. In the verse, it symbolizes someone who is weak or damaged, and the image is of Jesus not breaking such a person.
  • σινιάριον (linarion, "flax" G3043): This is the wick of a lamp, made from flax. "Smoking flax" suggests a wick that is about to go out, representing a person whose faith or spirit is nearly extinguished.
  • κρίσιν (krisin, "judgment" G2920): This word often means justice or a fair decision. Here, it points to Jesus’ mission to bring about true justice, not just legal judgment.
  • εἰς νῖκος (eis nikos, "unto victory" G3534): This phrase means until justice is fully victorious. It emphasizes that Jesus’ gentle approach will ultimately succeed and justice will prevail.

Why Matthew 12:20 matters

  • Matthew 12:20 corrects the idea that God is quick to judge or discard those who are struggling; instead, it shows Jesus as gentle and patient with the weak.
  • The verse connects Jesus’ actions to Old Testament prophecy, showing that his compassion fulfills what was foretold about the Messiah.
  • By highlighting Jesus’ approach to "bruised reeds" and "smoking flax," the verse reassures readers that no one is too broken or weak for his care, and that his justice is not harsh but restorative.

Where else these words appear

“flax” Greek G3043 · used in 2 verses

  • Revelation 15:6 And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles.

“he” Greek G2608 · used in 4 verses

  • John 19:31 The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day,(for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.
  • John 19:32 Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him.
  • John 19:33 But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs:

“victory” Greek G3534 · used in 4 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 15:54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
  • 1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

“bruised” Greek G4937 · used in 8 verses

  • Mark 5:4 Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him.
  • Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
  • John 19:36 For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken.