Lexical Summary tuphó: smoldering Original Word: τυφόω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance smoke. Apparently a primary verb; to make a smoke, i.e. Slowly consume without flame -- smoke. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition to raise smoke NASB Translation smoldering (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5188: τύφωτύφω: (τῦφος, smoke); from Herodotus down; to cause or emit smoke (Plautus fumifico), raise a smoke; passive (present participle τυφόμενος) to smoke (Vulg.fumigo): Matthew 12:20. Topical Lexicon Scriptural Setting Τυφόμενον appears once in the Greek New Testament, in Matthew 12:20, where Matthew cites Isaiah 42:3. The participle describes the “smoldering” or “smoking” flax-wick that the Messianic Servant refuses to snuff out. By selecting the Septuagint wording, Matthew shows that Jesus’ public ministry perfectly embodies the long-promised character of the Servant: gentle, protective, and just. Imagery and Symbolism The picture is that of a lamp whose flax wick has burned low. It is not yet extinguished, but it no longer gives clear light—only smoke. In ancient Near-Eastern households such a wick would normally be pinched out and replaced. Scripture instead portrays Messiah as tenderly nurturing the faint flame until it again burns bright. The imagery stands in parallel with the “bruised reed” (a cracked piece of marsh grass ready to be thrown away). Together the two metaphors capture human fragility—whether moral, emotional, or physical—and the gracious determination of the Servant to restore rather than discard. Old Testament Anticipation In the Septuagint Isaiah 42:3 uses the same participle for “smoldering.” The context announces Yahweh’s Servant who brings justice to the nations, not by crushing force but by steadfast faithfulness. The Hebrew underlying “smoldering” (keheh) speaks of something dim or faint. By choosing τυφόμενον the translators highlighted the thin line between life and extinction, thereby deepening the sense of mercy when the Servant intervenes. The concept reappears in Isaiah 43:17 concerning a military threat reduced to “wick, quenched,” showing that God both judges and saves by the same sovereign power. Christological Fulfillment Matthew 12 records growing opposition to Jesus: controversy over Sabbath observance (Matthew 12:1–14), accusations of working by demonic power (Matthew 12:22–24), and demands for signs (Matthew 12:38). Against that hostile backdrop the quotation explains what kind of Messiah He is: “ A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not extinguish, till He leads justice to victory.” (Matthew 12:20) Christ’s miracles, teaching, and ultimate atoning death fulfill the Servant song. The decisive victory of justice comes at the cross (John 12:31–32) and will culminate at His return (Revelation 19:11–16). Pastoral and Ecclesiological Implications 1. Assurance for the weak: Believers conscious of failure find in this word a pledge that the Lord will not cast them off (Psalm 103:13–14; Hebrews 4:15–16). Doctrinal Themes • Perseverance of the saints: The same Savior who rescues the dying ember is committed to bring it to full brightness (Philippians 1:6). Historical Reflection in Church Teaching Early Christian writers such as Origen and Chrysostom cited Matthew 12:20 to defend patient pastoral care. The Reformation applied the text to Christ’s advocacy for troubled consciences. Modern hymnody echoes the theme (“He will hold me fast”). Throughout church history Matthew 12:20 has steadied believers under persecution, illness, and doubt, reminding them that smoldering faith is still living faith. Practical Application for Discipleship • Cultivate Christ-like gentleness: correct error without extinguishing hope. Τυφόμενον thus anchors a rich tapestry of biblical truth. A single participle, preserved in Matthew’s Gospel, illumines the heart of Messiah and sets before His people a model of firm yet tender ministry until He brings perfect justice and everlasting light. Forms and Transliterations τυφομενον τυφόμενον tuphomenon typhomenon typhómenonLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 12:20 V-PPM/P-ANSGRK: καὶ λίνον τυφόμενον οὐ σβέσει NAS: HE WILL NOT BREAK OFF, AND A SMOLDERING WICK KJV: break, and smoking flax shall he INT: and a wick smoldering not he will quench |
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