“Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights Jesus not just as a servant, but as God's beloved servant, emphasizing a deep, intimate delight God has in Him. This unique relationship means Jesus is the one chosen to carry out God's "judgment," which here signifies the entire system of divine truth and salvation, extended even to the Gentiles.
“Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just healed a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, angering the Pharisees who then plot to destroy him. He withdraws from them, but crowds still follow, and he continues to heal. This passage quotes Isaiah 42, describing the gentle, Spirit-empowered servant who will bring justice not just to Israel, but to the Gentiles as well.
God Himself speaks, declaring the identity and divine appointment of His Son. This isn't just a human choice; it's a heavenly confirmation.
In Matthew 12:18, God the Father speaks about Jesus, calling Him His "servant" and "beloved." This echoes the Old Testament prophecies, particularly Isaiah 42, where God introduces His chosen servant who will bring justice.
Jesus' mission wasn't confined to one group. The Father's plan extends to all nations, bringing a message of divine justice and truth.
The verse states that this chosen servant "will proclaim justice to the Gentiles." This has profound implications:
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Understand the original words
pais · Greek Noun
In the Old Testament, the "Servant of the Lord" often refers to Israel but ultimately points to the Messiah, who perfectly fulfills God's purposes through humble obedience and suffering. It denotes one who is commissioned by God to perform a specific, redemptive task.
agapētos · Greek Adjective
One who is deeply loved and favored; in the New Testament, it is specifically used of Jesus to denote the Father’s unique, eternal affection for the Son. It highlights the intimate relationship within the Trinity and the Father's absolute approval of the Son's mission.
pneuma · Greek Noun
In a biblical context, this is the third person of the Trinity, the active presence of God in the world. He empowers the Messiah for His ministry, provides guidance, and imparts new life to believers.
krisis · Greek Noun
A broad biblical term denoting God’s righteous standard, the moral order He established, and the legal rectification of wrongs. It includes both the inner righteousness God demands and the external act of bringing about vindication and judgment.
ethnos · Greek Noun
Refers to all nations or people groups other than Israel. In the New Testament, it signifies the universal scope of the gospel, which is intended for all humanity, breaking down the barrier between Jew and non-Jew.
This verse directly quotes Isaiah 42:1-4, a prophecy given centuries before Jesus' birth. Matthew uses it to show how Jesus' life and ministry are the fulfillment of God's long-awaited plan, particularly highlighting his gentle, unassuming nature and his mission to reach beyond the Jewish people to the Gentiles.
c. 740 BC
Isaiah Prophesies
Isaiah the prophet foretells a future suffering servant who will bring justice.
c. 63 BC - AD 14
Roman Rule in Judea
Rome rules Judea, creating a climate of political tension and anticipation for a Messiah.
c. AD 28-30
Jesus' Ministry Begins
Jesus begins his public ministry, gathering disciples and teaching throughout Galilee.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus' Baptism
At Jesus' baptism, God declares, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased," echoing the Isaiah passage.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Ministry Continues
Jesus performs many miracles and preaches the kingdom of God, drawing large crowds, but also facing increasing opposition.
This is the primary Old Testament prophecy from which Matthew is quoting, directly identifying Jesus as God's chosen 'servant' who will bring justice and be a light to the nations.
Matthew 3:16-17At Jesus' baptism, the Father's voice declares His pleasure in His Son, echoing the 'beloved' aspect of this verse and confirming the Spirit's presence upon Him.
Acts 10:34-35Peter's declaration to Cornelius highlights God's impartiality, showing that Jesus' mission to bring 'justice' (the Gospel) was intended for Gentiles as well as Jews.
Romans 15:8-12Paul explicitly connects Jesus' ministry with this prophecy, emphasizing His role as a servant to the circumcised (Jews) and His faithfulness to bring God's mercy to the Gentiles.
Psalm 22:22This psalm, often seen as messianic, speaks of declaring God's name to 'the brethren' and to 'the assembly,' echoing the proclamation of God's ways, including to the nations, as mentioned in Matthew 12:18.
barnesMatthew 12:18: "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."
My servant - That is, the Messiah, the Lord Jesus; called a servant from his taking the "form" of a "servant," or his being born in a humble condition Philippians 2:7 , and from his obeying or "serving" God. See Hebrews 10:9 . Shall show judgment to the Gentiles - The word "judgment" means, in the Hebrew, law, "commands,…
meyerMatthew 12:18: "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 12:18 . Isaiah 40:1 ff., a very free rendering of the original Hebrew text, yet not without some reminiscences of the LXX. For the עֶבֶר יְהֹוָה , which the LXX. ( Ἰακὼβ ὁ παῖς μου ) and modern expositors interpret as applying to Israel as a nation, or the ideal Israel of the prophets, see, besides, the commentari…
The verse highlights Jesus not just as a servant, but as God's beloved servant, emphasizing a deep, intimate delight God has in Him. This unique relationship means Jesus is the one chosen to carry out God's "judgment," which here signifies the entire system of divine truth and salvation, extended even to the Gentiles.
Jesus has just healed a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, angering the Pharisees who then plot to destroy him. He withdraws from them, but crowds still follow, and he continues to heal. This passage quotes Isaiah 42, describing the gentle, Spirit-empowered servant who will bring justice not just to Israel, but to the Gentiles as well.
Jesus has just healed a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, angering the Pharisees who then plot to destroy him. He withdraws from them, but crowds still follow, and he continues to heal. This passage quotes Isaiah 42, describing the gentle, Spirit-empowered servant who will bring justice not just to Israel, but to the Gentiles as well.
"“Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles." — The verse highlights Jesus not just as a servant, but as God's beloved servant, emphasizing a deep, intimate delight God has in Him. This unique relationship means Jesus is the one chosen to carry…
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Last reviewed October 2026