Devine Scripture

Matthew 1:22

What does Matthew 1:22 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 1:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 1:22 means

This verse is a crucial interpretive statement by Matthew himself, emphasizing that the miraculous events surrounding Jesus' conception and birth are not random but are the precise fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. It underscores Matthew's consistent theme throughout his Gospel: that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah, whose life events perfectly correspond to what "was spoken by the Lord through the prophet." This assertion invites the reader to see God's sovereign hand orchestrating history to bring about His promised salvation.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Now all this is come to pass, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Now all this is come to pass, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now all this took place so that the word of the Lord by the prophet might come true,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And all this hath come to pass, that it may be fulfilled that was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Now all this was done that it might be fulfilled which the Lord spoke by the prophet, saying:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Now all this came to pass that that might be fulfilled which was spoken by [the] Lord, through the prophet, saying,

Context

This verse serves as a parenthetical theological explanation, breaking from the narrative of Joseph's dream to highlight the divine significance of the events. It immediately follows the angelic command and prophecy to Joseph, connecting it to a broader divine plan. This interpretive statement sets up the direct quotation of the prophet Isaiah that immediately follows, demonstrating how Jesus' birth fulfills ancient Scripture.

v.21And she shall bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name JESUS; for it is he that shall save his people from their sins.

v.22This passage

v.23Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, And they shall call his name Immanuel; which is, being interpreted, God with us.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Matthew 8:17

    that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our diseases.

  • Acts 13:27

    For they that dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath, fulfilled them by condemning him.

  • Matthew 2:23

    and came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophets, that he should be called a Nazarene.

  • John 12:38

    that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? And to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?

  • 1 Kings 8:15

    And he said, Blessed be Jehovah, the God of Israel, who spake with his mouth unto David my father, and hath with his hand fulfilled it, saying,

  • John 19:36

    For these things came to pass, that the scripture might be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Matthew 1

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Matthew 1.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Matthew 1:22.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary