1 Verses 1–7 contain the first of Isaiah’s “servant songs,” which describe the ministry of a special, ideal servant who accomplishes God’s purposes for Israel and the nations. This song depicts the servant as a just king who brings justice to the earth and relief for the oppressed. The other songs appear in 49:1–13; 50:4–11; and 52:13–53:12.
2 Heb “he will bring out justice” (cf. , , ).
3 Like the ideal king portrayed in Isa 11:1–9, the servant is energized by the divine spirit and establishes justice on the earth.
4 Heb “he will not cause his voice to be heard in the street.”
5 The “crushed reed” and “dim wick” symbolize the weak and oppressed who are on the verge of extinction.
6 Heb “faithfully he will bring out justice” (cf. , ).

In other versions

ESVEnglish Standard Version

Behold my servant, whom I uphold,

my chosen, in whom my soul delights;

I have put my Spirit upon him;

he will bring forth justice to the nations.

He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice,

or make it heard in the street;

a bruised reed he will not break,

and a faintly burning wick he will not quench;

he will faithfully bring forth justice.

NIVNew International Version (2011)

“Here is my servant, whom I uphold,

my chosen one in whom I delight;

I will put my Spirit on him,

and he will bring justice to the nations.

He will not shout or cry out,

or raise his voice in the streets.

A bruised reed he will not break,

and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.

In faithfulness he will bring forth justice;

CSBChristian Standard Bible

“This is my servant; I strengthen him,

this is my chosen one; I delight in him.

I have put my Spirit on him;

he will bring justice to the nations.

He will not cry out or shout

or make his voice heard in the streets.

He will not break a bruised reed,

and he will not put out a smoldering wick;

he will faithfully bring justice.

NLTNew Living Translation

“Look at my servant, whom I strengthen.

He is my chosen one, who pleases me.

I have put my Spirit upon him.

He will bring justice to the nations.

He will not shout

or raise his voice in public.

He will not crush the weakest reed

or put out a flickering candle.

He will bring justice to all who have been wronged.

LEBThe Lexham English Bible

Look! here is my servant; I hold him,

my chosen one, in whom my soul delights.

I have put my spirit on him;

he will bring justice forth to the nations.

He will not cry out and lift up

and make his voice heard in the street.

He will not break a broken reed,

and he will not extinguish a dim wick.

He will bring justice forth in faithfulness.

KJV 1900King James Version

Behold my servant, whom I uphold;

Mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth;

I have put my spirit upon him:

He shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.

He shall not cry, nor lift up,

Nor cause his voice to be heard in the street.

A bruised reed shall he not break,

And the smoking flax shall he not quench:

He shall bring forth judgment unto truth.

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