What does Matthew 1:21 mean?
What is the meaning of Matthew 1:21?

She will give birth to a Son

“ ‘She will give birth to a Son’ ” highlights the promised arrival of a real, flesh-and-blood Child.

• Fulfillment of prophecy—Isaiah 7:14 foretold, “ ‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son’ ”. Matthew shows that promise coming true.

• True humanity—Galatians 4:4 says God sent His Son “born of a woman,” grounding Jesus in our human experience.

• Divine initiative—From Genesis 3:15 onward, God pledged a Redeemer; here the pledge becomes visible.

• Assurance in hard moments—Joseph can trust that what seems impossible is God’s sovereign plan (Luke 1:37).


you are to give Him the name Jesus

Joseph is commanded, “ ‘you are to give Him the name Jesus’ ”. Naming conveys purpose and authority.

• Obedient faith—By naming the Child, Joseph embraces his role in God’s story (Matthew 1:24-25).

• Meaning of the name—“Jesus” means “The LORD saves.” Acts 4:12 insists, “there is no other name under heaven…by which we must be saved”.

• Exalted identity—Philippians 2:9-10 shows God giving Jesus “the name above every name,” so every knee will bow.

• Personal invitation—When we call on this Name we join the redeemed throughout the ages (Romans 10:13).


because He will save His people from their sins

The verse explains why the Child must bear that specific Name.

• Primary mission—1 Timothy 1:15: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”.

• Substitutionary rescue—2 Corinthians 5:21 declares He “became sin for us,” removing guilt we could never erase.

• Ongoing deliverance—Hebrews 7:25 affirms He “is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him”.

• Particular yet expansive—“His people” first recalls Israel (Matthew 15:24), then extends to believing Gentiles (John 10:16; Revelation 5:9).

• Total forgiveness—Psalm 103:12 pictures sins removed “as far as the east is from the west,” a reality secured by Jesus’ cross and resurrection (Romans 4:25).


summary

Matthew 1:21 anchors the Christmas story in God’s saving purpose. The Child is truly born, truly named, and truly sent to rescue. Every detail—birth, name, mission—proves God keeps His promises and offers sure forgiveness to all who trust His Son.

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