Matthew 1:23 - “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall give birth to a son. They shall call his name Immanuel”; which is, being interpreted, “God with us.” Isaiah 7:14

Generated Verse: Matthew 1:23

What does "Matthew 1:23" mean?


This verse is a key passage in Christian theology, linking the Old Testament prophecy of Isaiah to the birth of Jesus in the New Testament. Let's break it down:

The Verse (Matthew 1:23): "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall give birth to a son. They shall call his name Immanuel”; which is, being interpreted, “God with us.”

The Source (Isaiah 7:14): This verse is a direct quote from the Old Testament Book of Isaiah. In its original context, Isaiah was prophesying to King Ahaz of Judah, who was facing a military threat. The sign of a virgin conceiving and giving birth to a son, named Immanuel, was meant to be a sign of God's presence and protection for Judah.

Matthew's Interpretation: Matthew, the author of the Gospel of Matthew, sees this prophecy as being fulfilled in the birth of Jesus. He highlights the virgin birth (Jesus being conceived by Mary without a human father, through the Holy Spirit) and the name "Immanuel" as evidence that Jesus is indeed "God with us."

Key Concepts:

Virgin Birth: The miraculous conception of Jesus by the Virgin Mary.
Immanuel: A Hebrew name meaning "God with us." It signifies that God is present and active in the person of Jesus.
Fulfillment of Prophecy: Matthew, like other New Testament writers, emphasizes that Jesus is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, demonstrating that he is the promised Messiah.

Significance:

Divinity of Jesus: The verse suggests that Jesus is more than just a human being; he embodies God's presence on Earth.
God's Salvation: By becoming "God with us," Jesus bridges the gap between humanity and God, offering salvation and reconciliation.
Hope and Comfort: The name "Immanuel" provides hope and comfort to believers, knowing that God is always present with them, especially in times of difficulty.

In summary, Matthew uses Isaiah 7:14 to assert that Jesus' birth fulfills a divine prophecy, emphasizing his virgin birth and, more importantly, that Jesus is the embodiment of "God with us" - Immanuel. It is a foundational verse for Christian belief in Jesus as the divine Messiah.

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