What Does Matthew 12:21 Mean in the King James?

And in his name shall the Gentiles trust.

Matthew 12:21 · KJV

The analysis reads the King James wording.

King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.

THE KEY

The nations place their hope in his nature, the character carried by his name.

THE MEANING

This verse opens trust to the nations: people across boundaries place their hope in his nature. His name points to who he is, the character their hope rests on.

WHAT THIS UNDOES

Hope in him is not reserved for people of one ancestry; the verse names the Gentiles among those who trust.

THE ROOT

ὄνομα

onoma

GROWS FROM

ὀνομ-

onom-

Name; a designation that identifies and makes someone known.

The phrase places trust in the nature disclosed by his name, not merely in a sound or title. The verse names the Gentiles too: his nature becomes a ground for hope across peoples.

ALSO GROWS

onomazō: To name or call.

ὀνομάζω

Naming makes an identity known; here, his name carries the nature in which the nations trust.

onomastos: Named, renowned.

ὀνομαστός

A name can carry a recognized character, deepening the sense of trust placed in who he is.

THE PATTERN

A nature made known becomes ground for trust across peoples.

And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.

Psalm 9:10 · KJVKnowing the name and trusting in the one named appear together.

And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.

Isaiah 11:10 · KJVThe nations seek the one whose presence gathers them beyond their own people.

And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.

Romans 15:12 · KJVThe nations’ trust is again placed in the one who rises to reign over them.

THE THREAD

And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.

Romans 15:12 · KJV

Both verses use ⁨ἐλπίζω⁩ (elpizō, to hope or trust) for the Gentiles’ response. Matthew locates that hope in his name; Romans says “in him,” bringing the person and the nature carried by his name together.

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