and in his name the Gentiles will hope.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse reveals a subtle but profound shift in focus from "law" in the Old Testament to "name" in the New. It highlights that for the Gentiles, hope isn't found in adherence to a code, but in a personal relationship with the Messiah Himself, summing up all they need to know of God.
and in his name the Gentiles will hope.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse is the concluding part of a passage where Jesus is accused of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebul. In response, Jesus explains that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand and that his powerful works demonstrate God's kingdom. He then quotes Isaiah 42:1-4, portraying himself as God's chosen servant who will bring justice to the nations, not through force but through gentle perseverance, a picture of God’s long-suffering love and judgment.
Jesus' ministry was intended for more than just the Jewish people. This verse points to a future where His message reaches across all nations.
Matthew quotes Isaiah here, showing how Jesus' work fulfills ancient prophecies not just for Israel, but for the entire world.
A New Name, A New Covenant
The original Hebrew in Isaiah speaks of the Gentiles trusting in 'his law,' but Matthew, following the Septuagint (a Greek translation of the Old Testament), uses 'in his name.' This shift is significant. It emphasizes that hope isn't just in following a set of rules, but in a Person—Jesus Himself and all that His name represents: His authority, His power, and His salvation.
The Gentiles' Turn
This verse highlights a crucial turning point in God's plan. While Jesus' earthly ministry was primarily to Israel, this prophecy looks ahead to a time when the Gentiles, those outside the Jewish covenant, would find their hope and trust in Him. It's a promise of inclusion and a testament to God's expansive love.
What's in a name? For Jesus, His name encapsulates everything about His identity and mission, becoming the very ground of hope.
This verse points to the profound significance of Jesus' name. It's not merely a label, but a summary of who He is and what He accomplishes.
More Than a Title
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When the Bible speaks of God's or Jesus' name, it refers to His essence, His character, His authority, and His power. To 'hope in His name' means to place our trust in the totality of who Jesus is—the Son of God, the Savior, the one who brings 'judgment unto victory.'
The Foundation of Trust
The original Hebrew text mentions trusting in 'His law,' but Matthew's use of 'His name' elevates this concept. It signifies that our hope rests on Jesus Himself, on His finished work, and on the authority He wields. It's on this solid ground that Gentiles, and indeed all people, can build their hope for salvation and peace.
Understand the original words
onoma · Greek Noun
The personal name of God, or more broadly, the authority, character, and manifested presence of a person. In Scripture, to put hope in the Name is to place one's trust in the identity and power of the one represented.
ethnos · Greek Noun
Non-Jewish nations or individuals; in the New Testament context, it refers to all peoples outside of the covenant nation of Israel who are now recipients of the promise of the Messiah.
elpizō · Greek Verb
The confident expectation or eager anticipation of something good to come, rooted specifically in the character and promises of God rather than human certainty.
This verse, a quotation from Isaiah, highlights a pivotal shift in God's plan: the Messiah's hope is not just for Israel, but for all nations, a concept that unfolded dramatically as the early church reached out beyond its Jewish roots.
c. 740 BC
Isaiah Prophesies Messiah
Isaiah delivers prophecies about a coming servant of God who will bring justice and hope, and to whom the Gentiles will turn.
c. 250-150 BC
Septuagint Translation
The Hebrew Scriptures are translated into Greek (the Septuagint), rendering Isaiah's prophecy in a way that uses 'name' instead of 'law' and 'isles/nations' instead of a specific Hebrew term.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Ministry Begins
Jesus begins His public ministry, teaching, healing, and gathering disciples. His fame spreads throughout Galilee and Judea.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus Quotes Isaiah
During a confrontation with the Pharisees, Jesus quotes from Isaiah 42:1-4, applying the prophecy of the suffering servant to Himself. This verse is part of that quotation.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus is crucified and resurrected, demonstrating His victory and fulfilling prophecies about the Messiah.
c. AD 40s-60s
Early Church Spreads the Gospel
The apostles and early followers of Jesus begin to preach the gospel, actively including Gentiles in the message of salvation.
This passage directly connects to Matthew 12:21, as Matthew is quoting and applying Isaiah's prophecy about a shoot from Jesse, in whom the nations will seek refuge and find rest.
Isaiah 42:1-4This prophecy describes God's chosen Servant who will bring justice to the nations, not by shouting or breaking, but by faithfully establishing truth, paralleling the gentle yet powerful nature of Christ described in Matthew 12:18-20.
Romans 15:12The Apostle Paul directly quotes this same prophecy from Isaiah 11:10, applying it to Jesus and the hope the Gentiles find in Him, showing the continuity of this promise through the New Testament.
Acts 10:34-35Peter's realization that God shows no favoritism and welcomes those who fear Him and do what is right, regardless of their background, demonstrates the fulfillment of Gentiles finding hope in God through Christ.
Galatians 3:8This verse speaks of the gospel being proclaimed in advance to Abraham, stating that all nations would be blessed through him, highlighting the ancient promise that Gentiles would find hope and blessing in God's plan through the Messiah.
barnesMatthew 12:21: "And in his name shall the Gentiles trust."
And in his name ... - The Hebrew in Isaiah is, "And the isles shall wait for his law." The idea is, however, the same. The "isles" denote the Gentiles, or a part of the Gentiles - those out of Judea. The meaning is, that the gospel should be preached to the Gentiles, and that they should receive it. See the notes at Isaiah 41:1 for an explanation of the word "islands," as it is used in the Bible.
pulpitMatthew 12:21: "And in his name shall the Gentiles trust."
Verse 21. - And in his Name shall the Gentiles trust; hope (Revised Version). The evangelist thus completes the parallelism with the end of the first stanza (ver. 18) However Jews treat Messiah, Gentiles shall place their hope in his Name, which, in fact, sums up for man all that can be known of God (Matthew 6:9, note). In his Name. So even the LXX. But the Hebrew, "in his Law." Ὀνόματι is possibly due to a confusion with νόμῳ, but is m…
This verse reveals a subtle but profound shift in focus from "law" in the Old Testament to "name" in the New. It highlights that for the Gentiles, hope isn't found in adherence to a code, but in a personal relationship with the Messiah Himself, summing up all they need to know of God.
This verse is the concluding part of a passage where Jesus is accused of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebul. In response, Jesus explains that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand and that his powerful works demonstrate God's kingdom. He then quotes Isaiah 42:1-4, portraying himself as God's chosen servant who will bring justice to the nations, not through force but through gentle perseverance, a picture of God’s long-suffering love and judgment.
This verse is the concluding part of a passage where Jesus is accused of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebul. In response, Jesus explains that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand and that his powerful works demonstrate God's kingdom. He then quotes Isaiah 42:1-4, portraying himself as God's chosen servant who will bring justice to the nations, not through force but through gentle perseverance, a picture of God’s long-suffering love and judgment.
"and in his name the Gentiles will hope.”" — This verse reveals a subtle but profound shift in focus from "law" in the Old Testament to "name" in the New. It highlights that for the Gentiles, hope isn't found in adherence to a code, but in a pe…
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Last reviewed October 2026