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G1694 · Greek · New Testament
Ἐμμανουήλ
Emmanouel
Proper Noun
Emmanuel, Immanuel, God is with us

Definition

Emmanouel is the Greek form of the Hebrew Immanuel — meaning 'God with us.' It appears once in the NT (Matthew 1:23) as a fulfillment quotation from Isaiah 7:14. This name encapsulates the entire theology of the Incarnation: God becoming flesh and dwelling among His people.

Usage & Theological Significance

Isaiah's original prophecy of Immanuel in 7:14 had an immediate historical context (a sign to King Ahaz) but a meaning that exceeded any near-term fulfillment. Matthew sees its ultimate realization in Jesus — the virgin-born Son who literally embodies 'God with us.' The Gospel of Matthew brackets itself with this theme: it opens with 'God with us' (1:23) and closes with 'I am with you always, to the very end of the age' (28:20). The incarnation is the turning point of all history because it answers the most primal human question: is God accessible, present, knowable? Emmanouel answers: not merely present, but present as one of us. John 1:14 ('the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us') is the full explication of this name.

Key Bible Verses

Matthew 1:23 The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means 'God with us').
Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.
Isaiah 8:10 Devise your strategy, but it will be thwarted; propose your plan, but it will not stand, for God is with us [Immanuel].
John 1:14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory.
Matthew 28:20 I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

Related Words

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