Matthew 1:21 - She shall give birth to a son. You shall call his name Jesus, for it is he who shall save his people from their sins.”

Generated Verse: Matthew 1:21

What does "Matthew 1:21" mean?


Matthew 1:21 is a pivotal verse in the Bible, loaded with theological significance. Let's break down its meaning:

"She shall give birth to a son": This refers to Mary, a virgin betrothed to Joseph. The phrase emphasizes the miraculous nature of Jesus' birth - conceived by the Holy Spirit (as explained earlier in Matthew 1).

"You shall call his name Jesus": The angel instructed Joseph to name the child Jesus. "Jesus" is the Greek form of the Hebrew name "Yeshua" (Joshua), which means "Yahweh (the Lord) saves." Names in ancient cultures, especially Hebrew culture, were often very meaningful and reflected something about the person's character or purpose.

"for it is he who shall save his people from their sins": This is the core of the verse's meaning. It states the reason for the name Jesus: He will deliver (save) "his people" from the bondage and consequences of their "sins."
"His people": This generally refers to the Jewish people, who were God's chosen people through the covenant with Abraham. However, in a broader sense, it can also refer to all who believe in and follow Jesus, regardless of their ethnic background.
"Sins": Sins are acts of disobedience against God's will and moral law. In the New Testament, sin is portrayed as a force that separates humans from God and leads to death.

In Summary:

Matthew 1:21 reveals that Jesus' birth is not just a historical event but a divine act of salvation. His name, Jesus (Yeshua/Joshua), encapsulates his mission: to save people from the penalty and power of sin. This verse is a prophecy, a declaration of Jesus' purpose, and a foundation for Christian belief. It establishes Jesus as the Messiah, the promised savior who will redeem humanity.

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