One verse. Three ways to understand.
He will not break a damaged reed, and he will not put out a dimly burning wick. He will bring justice based on truth.
God is describing someone who will be gentle with the weak and vulnerable, carefully nurturing them back to strength while establishing true justice.
These are AI-assisted adaptations, not separate Bible editions. Compare them with the KJV source and read our methodology. How these readings are made →
Read the KJV source
King James Version · EnglishA bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.Ask the AI Assistant
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📚 Historical Context
Isaiah 42:3 is part of a prophecy in the book of Isaiah, written around the 8th century BC during a time when the nation of Israel faced threats from powerful empires like Assyria. This verse describes the Servant of the Lord, who handles the weak and fading with care, symbolizing God's mercy toward His people amid their struggles and exile. It points to the Messiah's mission of establishing true justice without crushing the vulnerable.