Matthew 1:23
Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
Original Language Analysis
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γαστρὶ
G1064
γαστρὶ
Strong's:
G1064
Word #:
5 of 22
the stomach; by analogy, the matrix; figuratively, a gourmand
ἕξει
G2192
ἕξει
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
6 of 22
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τέξεται
shall bring forth
G5088
τέξεται
shall bring forth
Strong's:
G5088
Word #:
8 of 22
to produce (from seed, as a mother, a plant, the earth, etc.), literally or figuratively
υἱόν,
a son
G5207
υἱόν,
a son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
9 of 22
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καλέσουσιν
they shall call
G2564
καλέσουσιν
they shall call
Strong's:
G2564
Word #:
11 of 22
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄνομα
name
G3686
ὄνομα
name
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
13 of 22
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
14 of 22
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
ὅ
which
G3739
ὅ
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
16 of 22
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
μεθερμηνευόμενον,
being interpreted
G3177
μεθερμηνευόμενον,
being interpreted
Strong's:
G3177
Word #:
18 of 22
to explain over, i.e., translate
Μεθ'
with
G3326
Μεθ'
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
19 of 22
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
Cross References
Isaiah 7:14Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.John 1:14And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.Psalms 46:11The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.Isaiah 12:2Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.Psalms 46:7The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.Matthew 28:20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.1 Timothy 3:16And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.2 Timothy 4:22The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.Romans 9:5Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.Acts 18:9Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:
Historical Context
Isaiah's prophecy was given to King Ahaz around 735 BC during the Syro-Ephraimite crisis. While it had an immediate fulfillment, Matthew shows its ultimate fulfillment in Christ. The Septuagint's translation choice of 'parthenos' (virgin) was providential.
Questions for Reflection
- What difference does it make in your daily life that God is 'with us' in Christ?
- How does the doctrine of the incarnation shape your understanding of God's love?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Matthew's quotation of Isaiah 7:14 emphasizes the virgin birth ('virgin' translates Hebrew 'almah' via the Septuagint's 'parthenos'). The name 'Emmanuel' (God with us) reveals Jesus' identity as divine—not merely a prophet or king, but God incarnate dwelling among His people. This is the theological foundation of the incarnation.