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.