Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

MATTHEW 1:23KJV
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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.

Where else these words appear

“interpreted” Greek G3177 · used in 7 verses

  • Mark 5:41 And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.
  • Mark 15:34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
  • Acts 4:36 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas,(which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,

“child” Greek G1064 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
  • Mark 13:17 But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

“virgin” Greek G3933 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 25:1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
  • Acts 21:9 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:36 But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry.

“forth” Greek G5088 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
  • Luke 2:6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
  • Hebrews 11:11 Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.