Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,

MATTHEW 1:22KJV
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Matthew 1:22 (KJV)

What does Matthew 1:22 mean?

Matthew 1:22 explains that everything happening in the story—specifically, the events around Jesus’ birth—was to fulfill what God had already said through a prophet. The verse points out that these events were not random, but were part of a plan foretold long before.

In this verse, the writer of Matthew is speaking directly to the reader, pausing the story to highlight that what is happening with Mary and Joseph is the fulfillment of a prophecy from God, spoken by a prophet. The verse sets up the next line, which will quote the prophecy itself, and helps the reader see the connection between Jesus’ birth and the promises made in the Hebrew Scriptures.

The Greek behind Matthew 1:22

  • πληρωθῇ (plērōthē, "fulfilled"): This word means to fill up or complete. Here, it signals that what was spoken by God through the prophet has now reached its intended outcome in these events.
  • ῥηθέν (rhēthen, "spoken"): This word refers to something that was said or declared, emphasizing that the prophecy was a spoken message from God, not just a written one.
  • διὰ τοῦ προφήτου (dia tou prophētou, "by the prophet"): The phrase shows that the prophet was the channel or means through which God communicated His message, underlining the prophet’s role as a messenger rather than the originator.

Why Matthew 1:22 matters

  • Matthew 1:22 helps the reader see that the birth of Jesus is not a new or isolated event, but is deeply connected to the promises and prophecies of the Old Testament.
  • The verse emphasizes that God’s actions in history are intentional and foretold, not accidental or improvised.
  • By pointing out the fulfillment of prophecy, Matthew encourages readers to see Jesus’ story as the continuation and completion of God’s earlier work with His people.

Where else these words appear

“spoken” Greek G4483 · used in 26 verses

  • Matthew 2:15 And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
  • Matthew 5:33 Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:
  • Matthew 24:15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place,(whoso readeth, let him understand:)

“fulfilled” Greek G4137 · used in 90 verses

  • Matthew 2:15 And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
  • John 3:29 He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.
  • Acts 24:27 But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.

“all” Greek G3650 · used in 99 verses

  • Matthew 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.
  • Mark 15:33 And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.
  • Acts 15:22 Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:

“prophet” Greek G4396 · used in 143 verses

  • Matthew 2:5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
  • Luke 6:23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.
  • Acts 7:42 Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space of forty years in the wilderness?