How does Matthew 1:23 affirm the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14?

The Original Sign Promised

Isaiah 7:14: “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel.”

---

The Gospel Writer’s Citation

Matthew 1:23: “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’).”

---

Point-by-Point Connection

• Virgin conception foretold in Isaiah, affirmed in Matthew

• A male child promised in Isaiah, identified in Matthew as Jesus

• The name Immanuel announced in Isaiah, interpreted in Matthew as “God with us”

• The event presented as a divine “sign” in Isaiah, shown as literal fulfillment in Matthew

---

Literal Fulfillment in the Birth of Jesus

• Luke 1:34-35—Mary’s question and Gabriel’s answer confirm a true virgin conception

• Galatians 4:4—“God sent His Son, born of a woman,” underscoring supernatural origin

• Genesis 3:15—First promise of the “seed of the woman,” now realized in Christ

---

Significance of the Name “Immanuel”

• John 1:14—“The Word became flesh and tabernacled among us”

• Colossians 2:9—“In Him all the fullness of Deity dwells bodily”

Christ’s arrival is not merely symbolic; He is literally “God with us,” walking among His people.

---

Matthew’s Purpose in Quoting Isaiah

• Establishes Jesus as the long-promised Messiah rooted in Israel’s Scriptures

• Shows God’s faithfulness to keep His word across seven centuries

• Invites readers—Jewish and Gentile alike—to trust the reliability of prophetic Scripture

---

Key Takeaways

• Matthew’s use of Isaiah 7:14 is direct, intentional, and literal.

• The virgin birth is essential to Jesus’ divine identity and sinless humanity.

• God’s promises never fail; what He speaks, He accomplishes—precisely and publicly.