What Is the Meaning of Emmanuel — In Biblical Context
Emmanuel (Immanuel) means 'God With Us' — the prophetic name given to Jesus, announcing that God Himself has come to dwell among His people.
Emmanuel (Immanuel) means 'God With Us' — the prophetic name given to Jesus, announcing that God Himself has come to dwell among His people.
"Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." — Isaiah 7:14 (KJV)
The Biblical Context
The prophet Isaiah foretold a virgin would conceive and bear a son, and His name would be called Immanuel — Hebrew for 'God with us.' Matthew applies this prophecy directly to the birth of Jesus Christ, declaring that in Him God has come in human flesh to live with His people. Emmanuel summarizes the whole gospel in a single name: the eternal God did not stay distant from sinners but entered our world, took on flesh, walked our roads, bore our sorrows, died our death, and rose again. The promise continues for the church: Jesus said, 'Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.' And it climaxes in the new creation, when the tabernacle of God will be with men forever.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Isaiah 7:14, sits inside Isaiah 7. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel."
Supporting Passages
"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."
"And 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."
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Emmanuel (עִמָּנוּאֵל (Immanu'el))
God with us — the prophetic name declaring God's presence among His people.
Life (Zoe) (ζωή (zōē))
Divine, eternal, abundant life — the quality of life that belongs to God.
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