Bible Strands
Matthew 12:21
In His name the nations will put their hope.”
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Jesus speaks of His own messianic mission, positioned between His declaration of bringing justice to victory and His healing of a demon-possessed blind and mute man. The context frames this as a present reality unfolding through His compassionate actions.
The words — ἔθνη (ethnē) refers to the Gentile nations, and ἐλπιοῦσιν (elpiousin) literally means they will place their hope. The phrase ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι αὐτοῦ (en tō onomati autou) specifies that this hope is directed into His name.
The thread — This expectation runs directly into Isaiah 11:10, where the nations seek the Root of Jesse, and Isaiah 42:4, which states the islands will put their hope in His teaching. Paul cites this same prophetic line in Romans 15:12 to show the Gentile inclusion in the messianic promise.
Why it lands — The text states that Gentile hope is anchored in Jesus alone, requiring the reader to direct expectation toward His authority. It asks for a practical reorientation of trust from human systems to His demonstrated mission of justice and healing.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And in his name shall the Gentiles trust.
Cross-references
- Isaiah 11:10 On that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples. The nations will seek Him, and His place of rest will be glorious.
- Romans 15:12 And once more, Isaiah says: “The Root of Jesse will appear, One who will arise to rule over the Gentiles; in Him the Gentiles will put their hope.”
- Isaiah 42:4 He will not grow weak or discouraged before He has established justice on the earth. In His law the islands will put their hope.”
- Colossians 1:27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
- Ephesians 1:12 in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, would be for the praise of His glory.