Matthew 1:23 (KJV)

What does Matthew 1:23 mean?

Matthew 1:23 announces that a virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, who will be called Emmanuel, a name that means “God with us.” This verse highlights the special nature of Jesus’s birth and points to his identity as someone who brings God’s presence to people.

Matthew is quoting a prophecy to explain the birth of Jesus to his readers. The angel is speaking to Joseph, reassuring him about Mary’s pregnancy and connecting it to God’s promise from the Old Testament. By including the meaning of the name Emmanuel, Matthew makes it clear that Jesus’s arrival is about God coming close to humanity in a new way.

The Greek behind Matthew 1:23

• Ἐμμανουήλ (Emmanouēl): This is a Greek spelling of a Hebrew name meaning “God with us.” Matthew pauses to explain the meaning, showing its importance for understanding who Jesus is.
• παρθένος (parthenos): This word means “virgin.” Its use here emphasizes the miraculous nature of Jesus’s conception, which Matthew connects directly to prophecy.
• μεθ’ ἡμῶν ὁ θεός (meth’ hēmōn ho theos): This phrase translates as “God with us.” The Greek makes it clear that the focus is on God’s presence among people, not just a symbolic name.

Why Matthew 1:23 matters

• Matthew 1:23 directly connects Jesus’s birth to a prophecy from Isaiah, showing that Jesus’s arrival is part of God’s long-standing plan.
• The explanation of the name Emmanuel helps readers understand that Jesus is not just a special teacher or leader, but someone who brings God’s presence into the world in a unique way.
• By highlighting the virgin birth, Matthew sets the stage for the rest of his Gospel, where Jesus’s identity and mission are closely tied to God’s promises and actions.