New Testament
Matthew 1:21
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
She will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."
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And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
What Matthew 1:21 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, an angel tells Joseph that Mary will have a son, and he is to name him Jesus. The name 'Jesus' means 'the Lord saves,' which highlights the purpose of Jesus' coming into the world. He is destined to save his people from their sins, indicating that humanity has a problem with sin that separates them from God. This verse emphasizes the divine plan for salvation through Jesus, who is not just a historical figure but the Savior who addresses the spiritual needs of people. The announcement of Jesus' birth is significant because it fulfills Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah. This moment marks the beginning of a new hope for humanity, as Jesus will provide a way for people to be reconciled with God through forgiveness and redemption.
How to apply Matthew 1:21 to your life
Understanding that Jesus came to save us from our sins encourages us to seek forgiveness and embrace a relationship with Him. We can share this message of hope with others, reminding them that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace and love.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: An Angel Speaks to Joseph (Matthew 1:18–25)
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Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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Keep studying Matthew 1:21
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 1:21 mean?
Matthew 1:21 means that Mary will give birth to a son named Jesus, who will save people from their sins. This highlights Jesus' role as the Savior and the significance of his birth in God's plan for salvation.
What is the significance of the name Jesus in Matthew 1:21?
The name Jesus means 'the Lord saves,' which reflects his mission to save humanity from sin. This name emphasizes the purpose of his coming into the world.
How does Matthew 1:21 relate to the concept of salvation?
Matthew 1:21 relates to salvation by stating that Jesus will save his people from their sins. This indicates that through Jesus, individuals can find forgiveness and reconciliation with God.
What themes are present in Matthew 1:21?
Themes in Matthew 1:21 include the birth of Jesus, the significance of his name, salvation, forgiveness of sins, and the hope that comes from God's divine plan.
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