Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important passage from Matthew 1:23. It's a really significant moment in the beginning of the Bible! Here’s what it means, explained simply: Basically, it says that Mary, Joseph, and Jesus will have a baby. Let’s unpack that a little more: “Matthew 1:23” : This is a specific verse from the Gospel of Matthew. It’s a very important part of the story of how Jesus was born. “Behold…” : This phrase is like a dramatic introduction – it's drawing your attention to something special. “A virgin shall be with child…” : This means Mary will become pregnant. The word “virgin” refers to her being without any man’s sexual involvement during this time. “…and shall bring forth a son…” : This is the key part! She will have a baby boy. “And they shall call his name Emmanuel…” : This is where it gets really significant. “Emmanuel” is a Hebrew word that means "God with us" or "the God who comes." So, what does "being interpreted as..." mean? It’s a translation of the Hebrew word "Emmanuel.” It essentially means that God has chosen to come into the world through Jesus. He's going to be present with humanity – with us – in a special and profound way. Why is this important? This story is considered one of the most important beginnings in the Bible. It tells us: Jesus was born: This establishes that Jesus is the Messiah, or savior, that many people have been waiting for. God’s plan: It shows God's plan to bring about a new relationship with humanity. Hope and promise: It gives us hope because it speaks of a future where God will be close to us. In short, Matthew 1:23 tells us that Jesus was born to Mary and Joseph, and that he would be called Emmanuel – meaning God with us! --- Do you have any specific questions about this verse that you'd like me to answer? For example, are you curious about: The context of the story? What it means in terms of theology? How this verse relates to other parts of the Bible?