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Matthew 12:17
ESV This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah:
NIV This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:
NASB This happened so that what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet would be fulfilled:
CSB so that what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:
NLT This fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah concerning him:
KJV That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying,
NKJV that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying:

What does Matthew 12:17 mean?

Perhaps to explain why Jesus was avoiding contact with the Pharisees during this time and telling people not to make Him known, Matthew will reference a passage from Isaiah 42 and apply it to Jesus. That passage begins by describing a servant refusing to bicker or shout in a public setting (Isaiah 42:19). This begins the longest of Matthew's citations of the Old Testament.

Matthew is clear that Jesus is the fulfillment of this passage. To its original audience, Isaiah's words seem to be about Israel. The fact that Matthew, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, applies it to Jesus fits the idea that Jesus is the ultimate expression of "Israel." He is the best product of the nation and the one in whom the Gentiles will hope (Matthew 12:21).
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Context Summary
Matthew 12:15–21 shows Jesus withdrawing away from the Pharisees, who want to destroy Him. The crowds persist in following Him, though, and He continues to tell those He heals not to make Him known. Matthew declares that Jesus is the fulfillment of Isaiah 42:1–4. Isaiah quotes God referring to His promised servant using the same terminology God used of Jesus at His baptism. This servant is gentle, refusing to call attention to Himself, but is also the One who will bring justice to victory and in whom the Gentiles will hope.
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Chapter Summary
Matthew 12 features confrontations between the Pharisees and Jesus over several issues. Among these are working on the Sabbath, healing on the Sabbath, and the source of His power to cast out demons. Jesus counters each argument and rebukes the Pharisees sharply for their obstinate unbelief. He even notes that those who maliciously ascribe His miracles to demons are unforgivable. He warns them, and the rest of their current generation, about the judgment to come. Jesus calls the Pharisees a brood of vipers and rejects their demand for another miracle. All they'll be promised is the sign of Jonah. The Son of Man will be in the heart of the earth for three days. Jesus also states that all who do His Father's will are His family.
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What is the Gospel?
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