Isaiah 7:14 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 7:14 mean?

Isaiah 7:14 says that God himself will give a sign: a virgin will become pregnant, have a son, and call him Immanuel, which means "God with us." This verse promises a miraculous birth as a sign from God to the people.

The prophet Isaiah is speaking to King Ahaz of Judah during a time of political crisis, offering reassurance that God is present and in control. The sign of a virgin conceiving and naming her son Immanuel is meant to show that God has not abandoned his people, even in the face of danger from surrounding nations.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 7:14

• "Lord" (אֲדֹנָי, 'Adonai'): This word emphasizes God's authority and sovereignty in giving the sign, highlighting that the promise comes directly from God himself.
• "Sign" (אוֹת, 'ot'): This word means a visible or miraculous indication. In this context, it stresses that what is promised will be something unmistakable and extraordinary.
• "Virgin" (עַלְמָה, 'almah'): This word often refers to a young woman of marriageable age, not always specifically a virgin in the strictest sense, but someone unmarried and presumed chaste. The choice of this word has led to much discussion about the nature of the promised birth.
• "Immanuel" (עִמָּנוּאֵל, 'Immanu-El'): This name literally means "God with us," underlining the message that God's presence is with his people in a very real way.

Why Isaiah 7:14 matters

• Isaiah 7:14 is often misunderstood because of debates about the word "virgin" and whether it means a miraculous birth or simply a young woman; understanding the Hebrew word 'almah' helps clarify the original sense.
• The verse is a turning point in Isaiah's message, shifting from warning to reassurance that God will act directly in history for his people.
• The name "Immanuel" becomes a key theme, reminding readers throughout Isaiah and beyond that God's presence is the ultimate source of hope and security.