Emmanuel
עִמָּנוּאֵל (Immanu'el)
God with us — the prophetic name declaring God's presence among His people.
Immanu'el combines im (with), nu (us), and El (God), forming the powerful declaration 'God is with us.' Prophesied in Isaiah and fulfilled in Jesus, it captures the heart of the gospel: God has come to dwell among humanity.
"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)
Key Verses
Isaiah 7:14
“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”Read in context
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.”Read in context
Matthew 28:20
“Teaching 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.”Read in context
Etymology and Origin
Immanu'el is a compound Hebrew name: im (with), the suffix nu (us), and El (God). It appears first in Isaiah's prophecy to King Ahaz during a time of national crisis. The name was both a promise and a sign: God Himself would be present with His people. Matthew identifies its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
Theological Significance
Emmanuel is the theological summary of the incarnation: God did not remain distant but entered human existence. The name bridges the Old and New Testaments — from Isaiah's promise to Matthew's fulfillment. Jesus' life, death, and resurrection are the supreme expression of 'God with us.' And His final promise — 'I am with you always' — extends the Emmanuel reality to every believer in every age.
Practical Application
Emmanuel is the antidote to loneliness, fear, and despair. Whatever the circumstance, the foundational truth of the Christian faith is that God is with us. This is not metaphor but reality — through the indwelling Spirit, Christ is truly present with His people. Emmanuel transforms ordinary moments into sacred encounters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Emmanuel mean in the Bible?
Emmanuel (or Immanuel) means 'God with us.' It is a prophetic name from Isaiah 7:14, fulfilled in Jesus Christ according to Matthew 1:23.
Is Emmanuel a name for Jesus?
Yes. Matthew 1:23 applies Isaiah's prophecy of Immanuel directly to Jesus, declaring that His birth fulfilled the promise that God would dwell among His people.
Which Bible verse uses the word "Emmanuel"?
Isaiah 7:14 — "Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel" (KJV). It also appears in Matthew 1:23, Matthew 28:20.
Why does the Hebrew word behind "Emmanuel" matter?
Immanu'el is a compound Hebrew name: im (with), the suffix nu (us), and El (God). English uses one word, "Emmanuel", where the Hebrew עִמָּנוּאֵל (Immanu'el) carries the fuller sense: god with us — the prophetic name declaring god's presence among his people.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Emmanuel (עִמָּנוּאֵל (Immanu'el))
God with us — the prophetic name declaring God's presence among His people.
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Isaiah 7:14 — Meaning & Devotional
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Matthew 28:19 Commentary
In-depth study • The Great Commission
Isaiah 7:14 Commentary
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