Mat 12:17-21 | RWP | e4.org | That it might be fulfilled ( ινα πληρωθη ). The final use of ινα and the sub-final just before (verse ). The passage quoted is "a very free reproduction of the Hebrew with occasional side glances at the Septuagint" (Bruce), possibly from an Aramaic collection of Testimonia (McNeile). Matthew applies the prophecy about Cyrus to Christ.

‏ Matthew 12:17-21

That it might be fulfilled ( ινα πληρωθη ). The final use of ινα and the sub-final just before (verse 16). The passage quoted is Isa 42:1-4 "a very free reproduction of the Hebrew with occasional side glances at the Septuagint" (Bruce), possibly from an Aramaic collection of Testimonia (McNeile). Matthew applies the prophecy about Cyrus to Christ.

My beloved ( ο αγαπητος μου ). This phrase reminds one of Mt 3:17 (the Father's words at Christ's baptism).

A bruised reed ( καλαμον συντετριμμενον ). Perfect passive participle of συντριβω. A crushed reed he will not break. The curious augment in κατεαξε (future active indicative) is to be noted. The copyists kept the augment where it did not belong in this verb (Robertson, Grammar, p. 1212) even in Plato. "Smoking flax" ( λινον τυφομενον ). The wick of a lamp, smoking and flickering and going out. Only here in N.T. Flax in Ex 9:31. Vivid images that picture Jesus in the same strain as his own great words in Mt 11:28-30.