Matthew 1:21
And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
Original Language Analysis
τέξεται
she shall bring forth
G5088
τέξεται
she shall bring forth
Strong's:
G5088
Word #:
1 of 19
to produce (from seed, as a mother, a plant, the earth, etc.), literally or figuratively
υἱὸν
a son
G5207
υἱὸν
a son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
3 of 19
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καλέσεις
thou shalt call
G2564
καλέσεις
thou shalt call
Strong's:
G2564
Word #:
5 of 19
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄνομα
name
G3686
ὄνομα
name
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
7 of 19
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
αὐτῶν
his
G846
αὐτῶν
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 19
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Ἰησοῦν·
JESUS
G2424
Ἰησοῦν·
JESUS
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
9 of 19
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
αὐτῶν
his
G846
αὐτῶν
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 19
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
11 of 19
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
σώσει
he shall save
G4982
σώσει
he shall save
Strong's:
G4982
Word #:
12 of 19
to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λαὸν
people
G2992
λαὸν
people
Strong's:
G2992
Word #:
14 of 19
a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)
αὐτῶν
his
G846
αὐτῶν
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
15 of 19
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
16 of 19
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
Cross References
Acts 13:23Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:Acts 4:12Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.John 1:29The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.1 John 3:5And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.Luke 2:21And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.Acts 5:31Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.Luke 1:31And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.Titus 2:14Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.Luke 2:11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.Zechariah 9:9Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.
Historical Context
First-century Jews expected a military messiah to overthrow Rome. Matthew immediately redefines messianic expectations by focusing on spiritual salvation. The angel's words echo Psalm 130:8 about God redeeming Israel from all iniquities.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding Jesus' name and mission deepen your appreciation for His work?
- In what areas of your life do you need Jesus to save you from sin's power?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The name 'Jesus' (Hebrew: Yeshua) means 'Yahweh saves,' directly stating His mission. The phrase 'he shall save his people from their sins' defines salvation not as political deliverance but spiritual redemption. This is the first explicit statement in Matthew that the Messiah came to deal with sin—the root problem of humanity.