This verse is part of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, which Matthew presents at the beginning of his gospel. The genealogy lists the ancestors of Jesus, from Abraham to Joseph, and shows that Jesus is descended from the line of David, the great king of Israel.
However, the verse is not simply a statement of Jesus' lineage. It is also a fulfillment of an Old Testament prophecy. The prophecy is found in Isaiah 7:14, which reads, "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel."
The prophecy was given by the prophet Isaiah to King Ahaz of Judah. At the time, Ahaz was facing a military threat from the Assyrian Empire. Isaiah was sent to him with a message from God, telling him not to fear, and assuring him that God would protect him and his kingdom.
Isaiah's prophecy of the virgin birth was a sign of this protection. It was a sign that God was with the people of Judah, and that he would not abandon them in their time of need.
The prophecy was fulfilled in the birth of Jesus. Mary, the mother of Jesus, was a virgin when she conceived him. This was a miraculous event, brought about by the power of the Holy Spirit.
The name "Immanuel" means "God with us." This name is significant because it emphasizes the fact that Jesus is not just a human being, but also God himself. He is the embodiment of God's presence with his people.
The fulfillment of the prophecy of the virgin birth is a key part of the Christian faith. It is a sign of God's faithfulness to his people, and it emphasizes the fact that Jesus is both fully human and fully divine.
In conclusion, Matthew 1:23 is a verse that fulfills an Old Testament prophecy of the virgin birth. The verse emphasizes the fact that Jesus is both fully human and fully divine, and it is a sign of God's faithfulness to his people. The name "Immanuel" highlights the fact that Jesus is the embodiment of God's presence with his people, and is key to our faith.
Matthew 1:23. “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall give birth to a son. They shall call his name Immanuel;” which is, being interpreted, “God with us.”