Isaiah 7:14-16
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The Hebrew word translated "virgin" here, almah, doesn't strictly mean someone who has never had sexual relations. It denotes a young woman of marriageable age, and while it can refer to a virgin, it doesn't necessarily imply it. This subtle distinction is important because the prophecy's primary focus isn't just on the miraculous conception, but on the name "Immanuel" – God with us – as a sign of God's presence and faithfulness amidst current crisis.
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. He shall eat curds and honey when he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. For before the boy knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land whose two kings you dread will be deserted.
English Standard Version (ESV)
King Ahaz of Judah is facing an invasion from a coalition of Israel and Syria, and he's terrified. The prophet Isaiah, sent by God, initially offers reassurance and a chance for Ahaz to ask for a sign of deliverance. When Ahaz refuses, pretending piety but actually showing distrust, God declares He will provide a sign Himself, and this miraculous birth will signify His presence and ultimate deliverance, despite the immediate dangers.
King Ahaz was facing a terrifying invasion, but he refused God's offer of a sign. What does this tell us about how God responds to our disbelief?
When King Ahaz was threatened by a massive coalition of enemies, the prophet Isaiah, on God's direct command, offered him a sign from the Lord. Ahaz, however, refused this offer, claiming he would not 'tempt the Lord.'
God's Initiative
This refusal is critical. Ahaz, in his fear and distrust, essentially said 'no' to God's gracious attempt to reassure him. Yet, God doesn't let Ahaz's disbelief stand in the way of His purpose. The Lord declares, 'Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign.'
This highlights God's initiative and faithfulness. Even when we reject Him or doubt His promises, God often provides reassurance anyway, not because we deserve it, but because He is committed to His plan and His people.
The 'Sign'
The sign itself—the birth of Immanuel—was a profound assurance. It signaled that God was indeed 'with us' and would act on behalf of His people. This wasn't just a one-time event for Ahaz; it was a promise pointing to a future fulfillment that would ultimately anchor the hope of all believers.
The Hebrew word for 'virgin' in Isaiah 7:14 has sparked centuries of debate. What's the difference, and why does it matter?
The word translated 'virgin' in Isaiah 7:14 is 'almah in Hebrew. This word is consistently used in the Old Testament to refer to a young, unmarried woman, typically of marriageable age. While it refer to a virgin, it doesn't mean virgin in the same way the Hebrew word does.
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Context is Key
Commentators have debated whether Isaiah specifically meant a virgin in the strictest sense or simply a young woman who would conceive. The context of Isaiah's prophecy is crucial here. Ahaz was in desperate need of a sign of immediate deliverance from the invading armies.
Reconciling the Views
It's possible Isaiah used 'almah with a dual fulfillment in mind. The immediate sign for Ahaz would be a young woman's conception, demonstrating God's presence. However, the ultimate sign, fulfilling the prophecy in its fullest sense, would be the miraculous birth of Jesus from the Virgin Mary, signifying God's presence with humanity in a profound, redemptive way.
Ultimately, the word choice doesn't detract from the power of the prophecy. Whether an immediate sign or a distant, miraculous one, it points to God's intimate involvement and presence with His people.
The name 'Immanuel' is more than just a label; it's a divine message. What does 'God with us' truly signify for us today?
The name Immanuel, literally translating to 'God with us,' is the core of the sign given to Ahaz. It's a powerful declaration of God's presence and commitment to His people, even in their darkest hours.
A Promise in Crisis
For Ahaz and Judah, facing the overwhelming threat of the Syro-Ephraimite alliance, the name Immanuel was a direct assurance that God had not abandoned them. It meant that despite their fear and the enemy's might, God was present to protect and deliver. This wasn't just a passive presence; it was an active engagement on their behalf.
The Ultimate Fulfillment
As we read through Scripture, we see this name find its ultimate meaning in Jesus Christ. The New Testament declares that Jesus is Immanuel, born of a virgin. This signifies God's most profound act of presence: God Himself entering human history, taking on our nature, to dwell among us.
Living with Immanuel
The truth of Immanuel calls us to live differently. Knowing God is with us means we don't have to face our challenges alone. We can approach Him in prayer, trust His promises, and find strength in His presence, knowing that 'God with us' is the ultimate victory.
Understand the original words
almah · Hebrew Noun
A young woman of marriageable age, often interpreted as one who is chaste or unmarried; in the context of this prophecy, it signifies a miraculous, supernatural conception.
Immanuel · Hebrew Proper Noun
A compound name meaning "God with us," signifying the divine presence and intervention among His people, ultimately fulfilled in the incarnation of Jesus Christ.
ra' · Hebrew Noun
An ethical or moral framework of what is detrimental, wicked, or contrary to God's will; it stands in opposition to that which is righteous or pleasing to God.
towb · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
That which conforms to the standards of God, is morally upright, or fulfills His purposes; it represents the path of obedience and divine wisdom.
raʿ · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
In a moral sense, this refers to that which is contrary to the will of God, or that which is ethically wicked, corrupt, or injurious to others. It stands in direct opposition to righteousness and holiness.
ṭôb · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
Refers to moral excellence, integrity, and that which aligns with the character, law, or purpose of God. It signifies what is upright, beneficial, and acceptable in the sight of the Lord.
The prophecy of Immanuel was given to King Ahaz during a severe political crisis. While the immediate sign pointed to deliverance from the immediate threat of Syria and Israel, the name 'Immanuel' (God with us) also served as a profound assurance of God's ongoing presence and a foreshadowing of the ultimate deliverance through the Messiah.
c. 734 BC
Syrian-Ephraimite War Begins
Rezin of Syria and Pekah of Israel form an alliance and invade Judah, seeking to depose King Ahaz and install a pro-Syrian ruler.
c. 734-732 BC
Assyrian Intervention
King Ahaz of Judah appeals to Assyria for aid against the invading forces, initiating Assyria's growing influence in the region.
c. 732 BC
Fall of Damascus
Assyria conquers Damascus, the capital of Syria, effectively ending the threat from Rezin and crippling the Syrian kingdom.
c. 724-722 BC
Fall of Samaria
Shalmaneser V of Assyria lays siege to and eventually conquers Samaria, the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel, leading to its destruction and exile.
c. 715 BC
Hezekiah Becomes King of Judah
Ahaz's son, Hezekiah, ascends to the throne of Judah, initiating a period of religious reform and a stance against Assyrian dominance.
c. 701 BC
Sennacherib's Invasion of Judah
Assyrian King Sennacherib invades Judah, capturing many cities but ultimately failing to conquer Jerusalem, an event detailed in Isaiah and other historical records.
Mid-8th Century BC— this verse
Prophecy of Immanuel
Isaiah delivers the prophecy of the virgin birth of Immanuel to King Ahaz as a sign of God's presence and future deliverance amidst the Syrian-Ephraimite crisis.
This passage directly quotes Isaiah 7:14, interpreting the 'virgin's' conception as a prophecy fulfilled in the miraculous birth of Jesus.
Luke 1:34-35This account of the angel's announcement to Mary highlights the divine, miraculous nature of a virgin's conception, echoing the sign given in Isaiah.
John 1:14The verse 'The Word became flesh and dwelt among us' directly relates to the meaning of Immanuel ('God with us'), showing that God's presence is fully realized in the person of Jesus.
Genesis 3:15This 'protoevangelium' is the first hint of a future 'seed of the woman' who will crush the serpent's head, laying the groundwork for a Messianic lineage that eventually points to a miraculous birth.
Micah 5:2-3Micah expands on the coming ruler from Bethlehem and, like Isaiah, speaks of his 'giving birth' until the time of his 'giving birth' has come, hinting at a foretold, significant birth.
barnesIsaiah 7:14: "Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel."
Therefore - Since you will not "ask" a pledge that the land shall be safe, Yahweh will furnish one unasked. A sign or proof is desirable in the case, and Yahweh will not withhold it because a proud and contemptuous monarch refuses to seek it. Perhaps there is no prophecy in the Old Testament on which more has been written, and which has produced mor…
pooleIsaiah 7:14: "Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel."
Therefore; because you despise me, and the sign which I now offer to you, God of his own free grace will send you a more honourable messenger, and give you a nobler sign, to try whether that will cure you of your infidelity. Or, nevertheless , as this particle seems to be understood, Isaiah 30:18 Jeremiah 16:14 30:16 . Although you deserve no sign n…
The Hebrew word translated "virgin" here, almah, doesn't strictly mean someone who has never had sexual relations. It denotes a young woman of marriageable age, and while it can refer to a virgin, it doesn't necessarily imply it. This subtle distinction is important because the prophecy's primary focus isn't just on the miraculous conception, but on the name "Immanuel" – God with us – as a sign of God's presence and faithfulness amidst current crisis.
King Ahaz of Judah is facing an invasion from a coalition of Israel and Syria, and he's terrified. The prophet Isaiah, sent by God, initially offers reassurance and a chance for Ahaz to ask for a sign of deliverance. When Ahaz refuses, pretending piety but actually showing distrust, God declares He will provide a sign Himself, and this miraculous birth will signify His presence and ultimate deliverance, despite the immediate dangers.
King Ahaz of Judah is facing an invasion from a coalition of Israel and Syria, and he's terrified. The prophet Isaiah, sent by God, initially offers reassurance and a chance for Ahaz to ask for a sign of deliverance. When Ahaz refuses, pretending piety but actually showing distrust, God declares He will provide a sign Himself, and this miraculous birth will signify His presence and ultimate deliverance, despite the immediate dangers.
"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. He shall eat curds and honey when he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. For before the boy…" — The Hebrew word translated "virgin" here, almah, doesn't strictly mean someone who has never had sexual relations. It denotes a young woman of marriageable age, and while it can refer to a virgin…
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Last reviewed October 2026
