Matthew 12:21

21 the mere sound of his name will signal hope, even among far-off unbelievers.

Matthew 12:21 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 12:21

And in his name shall the Gentiles trust.
] The former part of the text is omitted, "he shall not fail, nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth"; but is inserted in Munster's Hebrew Gospel; and which some understand of the bruised reed, and smoking flax, and others of Christ; the latter sense is to be preferred. The passage, here cited, is somewhat different in Isaiah: for there it is, "and the isles shall wait for his law"; but the difference, at least, in sense, is not so great as it may appear at first sight: for, (Myya) , as Grotius observes, does not always signify "islands", but nations, and countries, that are upon the continent, ( Genesis 10:5 ) and so might be rightly rendered here, the Gentiles, or "nations"; and by "the name" of Christ is meant his Gospel: see ( Acts 9:15 ) which Isaiah calls his "law": that is, his doctrine, the doctrine of righteousness, life, and salvation by him, which is the ground and foundation of hope, and trust in him; and they that wait for it, may be truly said to hope, or trust in it. This began to have its accomplishment in the Idumeans, Tyrians, and Sidonians, now attending on the ministry of Christ; and has had a greater accomplishment since: the Gospel having been preached in the Gentile world, both upon the main land, and in the isles afar off; whereby multitudes have been brought to hope, and believe in Christ, as their Saviour and Redeemer.

Matthew 12:21 In-Context

19 But he won't yell, won't raise his voice; there'll be no commotion in the streets.
20 He won't walk over anyone's feelings, won't push you into a corner. Before you know it, his justice will triumph;
21 the mere sound of his name will signal hope, even among far-off unbelievers.
22 Next a poor demon-afflicted wretch, both blind and deaf, was set down before him. Jesus healed him, gave him his sight and hearing.
23 The people who saw it were impressed - "This has to be the Son of David!"
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.