Why Was Jesus Called Immanuel?
In Matthew’s gospel Jesus is called Immanuel. Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us”(Matthew 1:23). This is not a personal name. In Isaiah 7:14 it is seen as fulfilled, not in the naming of Jesus, but in the whole account of His origin and naming. It is not that Jesus ever bore the name Immanuel but that it indicates His role, bringing God’s presence to man. Matthew now explains to his readers what this phrase means. It is actually a transliteration of the Hebrew into Greek—making a new Greek word from the sound of the Hebrew phrase “God is with us.” God Is With Us Because Of Jesus This is a statement, not a prayer. The meaning is explained to Matthew’s readers. Matthew’s use of this term may be understood in one of two ways. • The phrase “God is with us” describes the nature of Jesus. He is God who has become a human. • Matthew wanted to show that the virgin conception was not something new, bu
