Matthew 12:17 - Ellicott's Commentary On The Whole Bible

Bible Comments

That it might be fulfilled. — The quotation of Isaiah 42:1 (not from the LXX., but in a free translation from the Hebrew) in reference to this reserve and reticence, and therefore in a sense which seems to us to fall far short of its full meaning, shows how deep an impression it had made on the mind of the Evangelist in connection with our Lord’s conduct. One who united thus the attributes of divine power with such entire freedom from the ostentation of ambition could be none other than the true ideal King.

Matthew 12:17

17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying,