“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).
English Standard Version (ESV)
The name "Immanuel" isn't just a label; it's a profound statement about Jesus' very nature. It directly translates to "God with us," signifying that in Jesus, we see God Himself dwelling among humanity in a way never before imagined. This isn't just a promise of God's presence, but the reality of it made flesh.
“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).
English Standard Version (ESV)
Matthew is recounting the miraculous conception and birth of Jesus, tracing his lineage through Joseph, Mary's husband. After detailing Joseph's initial confusion and an angelic visitation that confirmed the divine nature of the pregnancy, Matthew presents this passage as the fulfillment of an Old Testament prophecy, underscoring the unique identity of Jesus.
Matthew 1:23 gives Jesus a name that sounds like a promise: Immanuel, 'God with us.' But what does it truly mean for God to be 'with us'?
This name isn't just a label; it's a profound statement about Jesus' identity and purpose. While Old Testament prophets like Isaiah used 'Immanuel' to signify God's presence and deliverance for His people in specific historical moments (like during the threat from Syria and Israel), Matthew applies it to Jesus with a deeper meaning.
A Deeper Dwelling
In Jesus, God's presence isn't just a sign or a temporary assurance. It's personal, tangible, and fully realized. The commentators highlight that 'Immanuel' points to the union of the divine and human nature in Christ. He is God Himself, dwelling among us, not just observing from afar.
This presence offers comfort, security, and a profound connection that transcends any historical event. It's the ultimate assurance that God is not distant but intimately involved in our lives.
The prophecy of a virgin conceiving is central to Jesus' birth. But why was this specific, miraculous event so crucial?
Matthew presents the virgin conception not just as a biological event but as a divinely orchestrated sign, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy. This wasn't merely a 'young woman' conceiving naturally; the text emphasizes the virginity.
Divine Intervention
This miraculous conception signifies that Jesus' birth was unique. He was not conceived through human means but by the power of the Holy Spirit. This underscores His divine nature and His role as the unique Son of God.
Ask a follow-up
Commentators point out that this event sets Jesus apart, highlighting that His arrival wasn't just another birth in history but a pivotal moment where God intervened directly in human affairs. It's the foundation for understanding how Jesus can truly be 'God with us.'
Understand the original words
parthenos · Greek Noun
A young woman, specifically one who has not had sexual relations. In this context, it emphasizes the miraculous, supernatural nature of the Incarnation.
Emmanouēl · Hebrew/Greek Noun
A Hebrew name meaning 'God is with us,' highlighting the divine presence and fellowship God establishes with His people through the Incarnation.
Matthew's quotation of Isaiah 7:14 isn't just a clever theological link; it's a profound claim that the birth of Jesus, understood as a miraculous virgin conception, fulfills a prophecy given during a time of intense national crisis for Judah. The name 'Immanuel' then becomes not just a sign of God's presence with his people against immediate threats, but the ultimate manifestation of God Himself dwelling among humanity.
c. 740 BC
Syrian-Ephraimite War begins
The allied forces of Syria (Aram) and the northern kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) attack Judah and lay siege to Jerusalem. King Ahaz of Judah fears for his kingdom's survival.
c. 740 BC— this verse
Isaiah prophesies 'Immanuel'
The prophet Isaiah is sent by God to King Ahaz, offering a sign of deliverance from the impending invasion. Isaiah delivers the prophecy concerning a virgin and the child Immanuel ('God with us').
c. 732 BC
Fall of Damascus
The capital of Syria, Damascus, is conquered by the Assyrian Empire, ending the immediate threat from Rezin and the Syrian kingdom.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria
The northern kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) is conquered by the Assyrian Empire, and its people are exiled, fulfilling further prophecies.
c. 586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
Babylon conquers Judah and destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, leading to the Babylonian exile of the Jewish people. The Davidic royal line is interrupted.
c. 539 BC
Persian Conquest
Cyrus the Great of Persia conquers Babylon, allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and begin rebuilding the Temple.
c. 167-164 BC
Maccabean Revolt
A revolt against Hellenistic rule (Seleucid Empire) by the Maccabees leads to a brief period of Jewish independence, a time of significant Messianic expectation.
This is the original Old Testament prophecy that Matthew is quoting, highlighting that the miraculous conception and birth of Jesus was foretold centuries earlier.
John 1:14This passage echoes the 'God with us' theme, stating that the Word (Jesus) became flesh and 'dwelt among us,' emphasizing the incarnational reality of Immanuel.
Philippians 2:6-8These verses describe Jesus, though divine, emptying himself and taking on human form, a profound act of God being 'with us' in the most intimate way.
Matthew 28:20Jesus promises his disciples, 'I am with you always, to the end of the age.' This echoes the Immanuel concept, showing God's continued presence with His people through Christ.
1 Timothy 3:16This verse states 'God was manifested in the flesh,' directly connecting the divine nature of God with the human person of Jesus, fulfilling the meaning of Immanuel.
barnesMatthew 1:23: "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."
Behold, a virgin shall be with child - Matthew clearly understands this as applying literally to a virgin. Compare Luke 1:34 . It thus implies that the conception of Christ was miraculous, or that the body of the Messiah was created directly by the power of God, agreeably to the declaration in Hebrews 10:5 ; "Wherefore, when he cometh…
vincentMatthew 1:23: "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."
The virgin (ἡ παρθένος)Note the demonstrative force of the article, pointing to a particular person. Not, some virgin or other.They shall call (καλὲσουσιν)In Matthew 1:21, it is thou shalt call. The original of Isaiah (Isaiah 7:14) has she shall call; but Matthew generalizes the singular into the plural, and quotes the prophecy in…
The name "Immanuel" isn't just a label; it's a profound statement about Jesus' very nature. It directly translates to "God with us," signifying that in Jesus, we see God Himself dwelling among humanity in a way never before imagined. This isn't just a promise of God's presence, but the reality of it made flesh.
Matthew is recounting the miraculous conception and birth of Jesus, tracing his lineage through Joseph, Mary's husband. After detailing Joseph's initial confusion and an angelic visitation that confirmed the divine nature of the pregnancy, Matthew presents this passage as the fulfillment of an Old Testament prophecy, underscoring the unique identity of Jesus.
Matthew is recounting the miraculous conception and birth of Jesus, tracing his lineage through Joseph, Mary's husband. After detailing Joseph's initial confusion and an angelic visitation that confirmed the divine nature of the pregnancy, Matthew presents this passage as the fulfillment of an Old Testament prophecy, underscoring the unique identity of Jesus.
"“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel”
(which means, God with us)." — The name "Immanuel" isn't just a label; it's a profound statement about Jesus' very nature. It directly translates to "God with us," signifying that in Jesus, we see God Himself dwelling among humani…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026