What is the meaning of Matthew 1:23? Behold Matthew opens the verse with a word that says, “Stop and look!” • Scripture often uses “Behold” to signal a divine announcement—see Revelation 21:5, “Behold, I am making all things new.” • By quoting Isaiah 7:14, Matthew lets us know that what follows is a fulfillment of long-standing prophecy. • The call to attention reminds readers that God’s promises never slip by unnoticed; He highlights them so we won’t miss His intervention in history. The virgin will be with child • Isaiah’s prophecy (Isaiah 7:14) is repeated verbatim, underscoring the miraculous nature of Jesus’ conception. • Luke 1:26-35 records Gabriel telling Mary, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you,” confirming that this pregnancy is entirely God’s doing. • The virgin birth protects both the sinless nature of Christ (Hebrews 4:15) and the faithfulness of God to act supernaturally when human ability ends. And will give birth to a son • The eternal Son enters the world as a real baby—sharing our humanity (Philippians 2:7-8). • Galatians 4:4 adds, “When the fullness of time had come, God sent His Son, born of a woman,” showing perfect timing in God’s plan. • His being “a son” also ties to the Davidic promise (2 Samuel 7:12-14; Luke 1:32-33) that the Messiah would rule forever. And they will call Him Immanuel • “They” points beyond Mary and Joseph to all who come to know Him; people who meet Jesus recognize God’s nearness. • In John 1:14 we read, “The Word became flesh and tabernacled among us,” echoing Immanuel’s theme. • Colossians 1:19 says, “God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him,” affirming that calling Jesus “Immanuel” is no metaphor but literal truth. Which means, “God with us” • Matthew kindly translates for his readers so no one misses the point: Jesus is God present, not merely God sending help. • Throughout the Gospel Jesus proves it—stilling storms (Matthew 8:27), forgiving sins (9:6), and promising, “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (28:20). • The name assures believers today that His presence is constant, personal, and indwelling through the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-17). summary Matthew 1:23 packs a sweeping promise into a single sentence: God Himself steps into human history through a virgin, arrives as a real Son, and stays as Immanuel, the ever-present Lord. The verse confirms prophetic reliability, celebrates the miracle of the incarnation, and reassures every believer that the God who once lay in a manger still abides with us right now. |
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