King James Version

What Does Matthew 1:23 Mean?

Matthew 1:23 in the King James Version says “Behold, a virgin shall be with child , and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being i...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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. they: or, his name shall be called”

Matthew 1:23 · KJV

Context

21

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. JESUS: that is, Saviour, Heb

22

Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,

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. they: or, his name shall be called

24

Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:

25

And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

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Commentary

KJV Study 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.

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Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. What difference does it make in your daily life that God is 'with us' in Christ?
  2. How does the doctrine of the incarnation shape your understanding of God's love?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
Ἰδοὺ1 of 22

“Behold”

G2400

used as imperative lo!

ἡ2 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

παρθένος3 of 22

“a virgin”

G3933

a maiden; by implication, an unmarried daughter

ἐν4 of 22

“shall be with child”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

γαστρὶ5 of 22
G1064

the stomach; by analogy, the matrix; figuratively, a gourmand

ἕξει6 of 22
G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

καὶ7 of 22

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τέξεται8 of 22

“shall bring forth”

G5088

to produce (from seed, as a mother, a plant, the earth, etc.), literally or figuratively

υἱόν,9 of 22

“a son”

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

καὶ10 of 22

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

καλέσουσιν11 of 22

“they shall call”

G2564

to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)

τὸ12 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὄνομα13 of 22

“name”

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

αὐτοῦ14 of 22

“his”

G846

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

Ἐμμανουήλ,15 of 22

“Emmanuel”

G1694

god with us; emmanuel, a name of christ

ὅ16 of 22

“which”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐστιν17 of 22

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

μεθερμηνευόμενον,18 of 22

“being interpreted”

G3177

to explain over, i.e., translate

Μεθ'19 of 22

“with”

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

ἡμῶν20 of 22

“us”

G2257

of (or from) us

ὁ21 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Θεός22 of 22

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 1:23 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 1:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 7:14Isaiah 9:6-7Psalms 46:11John 1:14Isaiah 12:2Psalms 46:7

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