New Testament · Gospel

Matthew 1:23

The King Arrives

“Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel” (which means, “God with us”). Matthew 1:23 · Berean Standard Bible

What It Means

Matthew 1:23, in plain English

The prophet Isaiah said a virgin would have a son called Immanuel, meaning 'God with us.' In Jesus, God wasn't watching from a distance anymore. He moved in.

Why it's here

This prophecy was spoken 700 years before Jesus was born. When Matthew's readers heard it, they would have realized the long wait was finally over.

Who's speaking

Matthew quotes the ancient prophet Isaiah.

Where it sits in the story

This name, 'God with us,' is the heart of the whole Gospel. It starts here and echoes all the way to the last verse of Matthew.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

Matthew quotes Isaiah 7:14, using the Septuagint's translation of almah as parthenos (virgin). The name Immanuel ('God with us') introduces a central Matthean theme that bookends the Gospel (cf. Matthew 28:20, 'I am with you always').

Language and setting

Isaiah originally spoke to King Ahaz during the Syro-Ephraimite crisis (c. 735 BC). Matthew sees a deeper, typological fulfillment in the virgin birth of Jesus.

Voice

Matthew, quoting the prophet Isaiah (7:14).

Significance

The name Immanuel captures the entire purpose of the incarnation: God entering human experience to dwell among His people.

In context

Matthew 1:21–25

21She will give birth to a Son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.”

22All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:

23“Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel” (which means, “God with us”).

24When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and embraced Mary as his wife.

25But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a Son. And he gave Him the name Jesus.

Read all of Matthew 1 — The New Testament opens with a genealogy — and every name carries a story. Two great promises converge in one person. This is where it all comes together.

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