Old Testament
Isaiah 7:14
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So the Lord himself will give you a sign: Look — a virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and she will name him Immanuel.
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Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
What Isaiah 7:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Isaiah 7:14, God promises a miraculous sign to King Ahaz during a time of fear and uncertainty. The sign is that a virgin will conceive and bear a son named Immanuel, which means 'God with us.' This prophecy points to the coming of Jesus Christ, who fulfills this promise in the New Testament. The mention of a virgin birth emphasizes the divine nature of this child, indicating that He is not just an ordinary human but has a unique role in God's plan for salvation. The name Immanuel signifies God's presence among His people, offering hope and reassurance that they are not alone in their struggles. This verse highlights the importance of faith in God's promises, especially in challenging times, and serves as a reminder of the hope that comes from trusting in God's plan.
How to apply Isaiah 7:14 to your life
In our lives, we can find comfort in knowing that God is always with us, just as He promised through the name Immanuel. When facing challenges or uncertainties, we should remember to trust in God's plans and His presence, which brings hope and reassurance.
Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary
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Illustrated scene from Isaiah's story: A Sign for Ahaz (Isaiah 7:1–17)
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Isaiah
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
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At a Glance — the Book of Isaiah
- Author
- Isaiah the prophet
- Written
- Around 700 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah and the surrounding nations
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Isaiah 7:14 mean by 'a virgin will conceive'?
Isaiah 7:14 refers to a miraculous event where a virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son. This prophecy is significant as it indicates a divine intervention in human affairs, emphasizing that the child born will have a unique role in God's plan. In Christian belief, this is fulfilled in the birth of Jesus Christ, who is seen as both fully divine and fully human, highlighting the importance of faith in God's promises.
Why is the name 'Immanuel' important in Isaiah 7:14?
The name 'Immanuel' means 'God with us,' which is central to the message of Isaiah 7:14. It signifies that God is present among His people, offering comfort and hope during difficult times. This name underscores the belief that God is not distant but actively involved in the lives of His followers, providing reassurance that they are never alone in their struggles.
How does Isaiah 7:14 relate to the New Testament?
Isaiah 7:14 is often cited in the New Testament as a prophecy fulfilled by the birth of Jesus Christ. In the Gospel of Matthew, the angel explains to Joseph that Mary's conception is the fulfillment of this prophecy, linking Jesus' birth directly to Isaiah's words. This connection reinforces the belief in Jesus as the Messiah and highlights the continuity of God's plan throughout the scriptures.
What can we learn from Isaiah 7:14 about faith?
Isaiah 7:14 teaches us the importance of trusting in God's promises, especially during uncertain times. The miraculous sign of a virgin birth serves as a reminder that God can work in extraordinary ways. It encourages believers to have faith in God's presence and plan, knowing that He is with us in our challenges, just as He was with His people in ancient times.
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