Isaiah 7:14

KJV

Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore the Lord {H136} himself shall give {H5414} you a sign {H226}; Behold, a virgin {H5959} shall conceive {H2030}, and bear {H3205} a son {H1121}, and shall call {H7121} his name {H8034} Immanuel {H6005}{H410}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore Adonai himself will give you people a sign: the young woman will become pregnant, bear a son and name him 'Immanu El [God is with us].

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel.

American Standard Version

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 7:14 stands as a profound prophetic declaration, delivered by the prophet Isaiah to an unfaithful King Ahaz, promising a divine sign: a young woman or virgin would conceive and bear a son, whose name would be Immanuel, meaning "God with us." This verse serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and sovereign initiative, assuring His presence and ultimate deliverance even amidst human doubt and national crisis, while simultaneously laying a foundational stone for the future revelation of God incarnate.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 7:14 is situated within a crucial narrative in the book of Isaiah, specifically during the Syro-Ephraimite War (circa 735-732 BC). The preceding verses detail the immense fear gripping King Ahaz of Judah as a coalition of Aram (Syria) and Israel (Ephraim) threatens Jerusalem ([Isaiah 7:1-2](/isaiah/7-1 "Isaiah 7:1-2 - The Syro-Ephraimite War Begins")). God, through Isaiah, offers Ahaz a sign of assurance, urging him to ask for anything, "either in the depth, or in the height above" ([Isaiah 7:11](/isaiah/7-11 "Isaiah 7:11 - God Offers Ahaz a Sign")). However, Ahaz, feigning piety or demonstrating a profound lack of faith, refuses to ask for a sign. It is in direct response to Ahaz's stubborn unbelief that the Lord declares He will provide the sign Himself, culminating in the pronouncement of verse 14. The immediate context underscores God's initiative in revealing His plan despite human resistance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the turbulent reign of King Ahaz in Judah. Faced with the formidable alliance of King Rezin of Aram and King Pekah of Israel, Ahaz was contemplating forming an alliance with Assyria, a move that would have dire long-term consequences for Judah's independence and spiritual fidelity. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, signs and omens were often sought from deities to confirm divine will or predict outcomes. Prophets like Isaiah served as God's spokespersons, delivering messages, warnings, and promises, often accompanied by a "sign" to authenticate the message. The concept of a child's birth serving as a sign was also not uncommon, as the child's name or age could signify a prophetic timeline or message. The cultural understanding of a "young woman" (`'almah`) in a patriarchal society often implied one of marriageable age, typically a virgin, though the term itself does not exclusively denote virginity.
* **Key Themes:** This pivotal verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Initiative**, demonstrating that God's plans will unfold regardless of human faith or failure. Even when Ahaz refuses to ask for a sign, God, in His boundless wisdom and power, provides one. Secondly, the theme of **God's Presence (Immanuel)** is central. The name "Immanuel" encapsulates the profound truth that God is actively "with us," not distant or detached, but intimately involved in the affairs of His people, offering protection, guidance, and ultimate salvation. This theme resonates throughout Scripture, finding its ultimate expression in the incarnation of Christ ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Thirdly, it reinforces the theme of **Messianic Prophecy**, foreshadowing a unique birth that transcends natural means and points to a future divine intervention. While some scholars identify a near-term fulfillment, its profound and ultimate meaning undeniably points to the virgin birth of Jesus Christ, as explicitly affirmed in the New Testament ([Matthew 1:22-23](/matthew/1-22 "Matthew 1:22-23 - Jesus' Birth Fulfills Prophecy")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lord (Hebrew, _ʼĂdônây'_):** This term (H136) is an emphatic form of `ʼâdôn`, meaning "master" or "lord." When used as `ʼĂdônây`, it functions as a proper name for God, emphasizing His absolute sovereignty, authority, and ownership. In Isaiah 7:14, the use of "the Lord himself" underscores that this sign is not merely from a prophet or an earthly king, but from the supreme, covenant-keeping God who acts decisively and powerfully.
* **virgin (Hebrew, _ʻalmâh'_):** The Hebrew word (H5959) refers to a "lass (as veiled or private); damsel, maid, virgin." While it broadly means a young woman of marriageable age, its use in contexts often implies virginity, especially in the absence of any indication to the contrary. Crucially, centuries later, when the Old Testament was translated into Greek (the Septuagint), `ʻalmâh` in this verse was rendered as `parthenos` (παρθένος), a word that unequivocally means "virgin." This translation choice became highly significant for the New Testament understanding of the prophecy.
* **Immanuel (Hebrew, _ʻImmânûwʼêl'_):** This name (H6005), derived from `ʻim` (with) and `ʼêl` (H410, God), literally translates to "God with us." It is more than a mere appellation; it is a profound theological statement. It signifies God's personal, active, and saving presence among His people. It speaks to His commitment to deliver, protect, and dwell with humanity, a promise that finds its ultimate and most complete fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign;":** This opening clause highlights divine initiative and sovereignty. Despite King Ahaz's refusal to ask for a sign, God, in His unyielding faithfulness and determination, takes it upon Himself to provide one. The "sign" (`ʼôwth`, H226) is not just a wonder, but a powerful indicator, a prophetic token of God's active involvement and impending action. It serves as both a promise of deliverance and a rebuke for Ahaz's lack of faith.
* **"Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son,":** This is the core of the sign. The word "Behold" (`hinnēh`) draws immediate attention to the miraculous nature of the event. The pivotal phrase "a virgin (`ʻalmâh`) shall conceive (`hâreh`, H2030), and bear (`yâlad`, H3205) a son (`bên`, H1121)" describes an unprecedented birth. While `ʻalmâh` can mean "young woman," the context and subsequent fulfillment in the New Testament strongly point to a miraculous, virgin conception, emphasizing God's ability to work outside natural human limitations to accomplish His divine purposes.
* **"and shall call his name Immanuel.":** The naming of the son is integral to the sign's meaning. The name "Immanuel" (`ʻImmânûwʼêl`, H6005) is not merely a label but a theological declaration: "God with us." This name encapsulates the essence of the prophecy, promising God's tangible presence and active intervention in the midst of His people's distress. It assures Judah that despite the immediate threats and Ahaz's unbelief, God has not abandoned them; He is intimately involved and will ultimately bring deliverance and salvation.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 7:14 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Prophecy**, as the verse clearly foretells a future event—the miraculous birth of a son—that serves as a sign. This prophecy functions on both an immediate, historical level (potentially a child born in Isaiah's time) and a far-reaching, ultimate level (the birth of Jesus). **Symbolism** is evident in the "sign" itself, which is not just a literal event but a powerful symbol of God's presence and faithfulness. The name **Immanuel** is a potent symbol, embodying the theological truth of God's dwelling among humanity. There is also an element of **Dramatic Irony**, as King Ahaz, in his lack of faith, refuses to ask for a sign, yet God, in His sovereign grace, provides an even more astonishing sign than Ahaz could have imagined or requested. The declarative nature of the verse ("the Lord himself shall give... a virgin shall conceive...") also suggests **Divine Fiat**, emphasizing God's absolute authority and power to bring His will to pass.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 7:14 is a cornerstone of biblical theology, anchoring the themes of divine faithfulness, the nature of prophetic revelation, and the promise of God's tangible presence. It reveals a God who is not distant but intimately involved in human history, orchestrating events to fulfill His redemptive purposes. The "sign" underscores God's commitment to His covenant people, even when their leaders falter, demonstrating His unwavering resolve to save. The concept of "Immanuel" is a profound theological truth, signifying that God's solution to humanity's deepest needs is His own presence among us. This verse points forward to the ultimate manifestation of God's "being with us" in the incarnation of Jesus Christ, where the divine and human natures are perfectly united. It highlights the mystery and wonder of God's plan, where a seemingly simple birth becomes the pivotal moment in salvation history.

* [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium")
* [Matthew 1:22-23](/matthew/1-22 "Matthew 1:22-23 - Fulfillment of Isaiah's Prophecy")
* [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 7:14 offers profound comfort and challenges for contemporary believers. In a world often marked by uncertainty, fear, and human failures, this verse reminds us that God remains sovereign and faithful, actively working His purposes even when we doubt or resist. King Ahaz's unbelief did not thwart God's plan; rather, it occasioned an even greater revelation of His power and grace. This encourages us to trust in God's unfailing promises, knowing that His plans will prevail regardless of our circumstances or the world's chaos. The name "Immanuel" serves as a perpetual assurance of God's intimate presence. In moments of anxiety, loneliness, or overwhelming challenge, we are reminded that "God is with us" – not just a theological concept, but a living reality through the Holy Spirit dwelling within us. This presence provides guidance, strength, and an unbreakable hope. Furthermore, the miraculous nature of the virgin conception inspires faith in God's ability to do the impossible, inviting us to surrender our limitations and expectations to His boundless power. It deepens our appreciation for the intricate tapestry of biblical prophecy, revealing a God who meticulously unfolds His redemptive story across millennia, culminating in the person of Jesus Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's initiative in providing a sign, even when Ahaz refused to ask, encourage your faith in moments of doubt or spiritual apathy?**
* **In what specific ways does the truth of "Immanuel" – God with us – bring comfort and strength to your life amidst current challenges or uncertainties?**
* **Considering the dual fulfillment of this prophecy, how does understanding God's long-term, meticulous plan of salvation deepen your trust in His sovereignty over your own life?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "virgin" (ʻalmâh) referring to in Isaiah's immediate context, and how does this relate to the New Testament?**

Answer: The Hebrew word `ʻalmâh` (H5959) in Isaiah 7:14 means "young woman of marriageable age." In the immediate historical context of Isaiah, some scholars believe it could have referred to a young woman known to Ahaz, perhaps Isaiah's own wife, whose child's birth and naming would serve as a near-term sign to Ahaz that deliverance from the Syro-Ephraimite threat was imminent. However, the definitive understanding for Christians comes from the Septuagint (LXX), the Greek translation of the Old Testament, which rendered `ʻalmâh` as `parthenos` (παρθένος), a word that unequivocally means "virgin." This translation choice, made centuries before Christ, profoundly influenced the New Testament writers. Matthew's Gospel explicitly cites Isaiah 7:14 as a prophecy fulfilled by the miraculous virgin birth of Jesus Christ to Mary ([Matthew 1:22-23](/matthew/1-22 "Matthew 1:22-23 - Jesus' Birth Fulfills Prophecy")). Thus, while there may have been an immediate historical referent, the ultimate and complete fulfillment, as revealed in the New Testament, is the virgin birth of Jesus.

**What is the profound significance of the name "Immanuel"?**

Answer: The name "Immanuel" (`ʻImmânûwʼêl`, H6005) literally means "God with us." This is far more than a simple name; it is a powerful theological declaration of God's active, personal, and saving presence among His people. In the context of Isaiah 7, it assured Judah that despite the immediate military threat and King Ahaz's lack of faith, God had not abandoned them; He was intimately involved in their situation and would bring about deliverance. Ultimately, this name finds its perfect and complete fulfillment in Jesus Christ. When Jesus was born, God truly became "with us" in human flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), dwelling among humanity, experiencing our joys and sorrows, and ultimately providing salvation. The name Immanuel speaks to God's commitment to draw near to His creation, to redeem it, and to establish an eternal fellowship with His people.

**How does Matthew's Gospel specifically utilize Isaiah 7:14?**

Answer: Matthew's Gospel explicitly presents Isaiah 7:14 as a direct prophecy fulfilled by the birth of Jesus Christ. In [Matthew 1:22-23](/matthew/1-22 "Matthew 1:22-23 - The Fulfillment of Prophecy in Jesus' Birth"), after recounting Mary's miraculous conception by the Holy Spirit and Joseph's initial distress, Matthew states, "All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 'Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel' (which means, God with us)." Matthew's use of `parthenos` (virgin) for `ʻalmâh` confirms the miraculous nature of Jesus' birth. By linking Isaiah's prophecy directly to Jesus, Matthew affirms Jesus' divine identity as "God with us" and establishes His birth as the culmination of God's long-foretold redemptive plan, demonstrating His unique role as the promised Messiah.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 7:14 finds its most profound and complete fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, serving as a foundational messianic prophecy. The promise that "a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel" is perfectly realized in the miraculous birth of Jesus to Mary, as explicitly affirmed by the Gospel of [Matthew 1:22-23](/matthew/1-22 "Matthew 1:22-23 - Jesus' Birth Fulfills Isaiah's Prophecy"). Mary's conception by the Holy Spirit, without human intervention ([Luke 1:34-35](/luke/1-34 "Luke 1:34-35 - Mary's Question and Gabriel's Answer")), unequivocally fulfills the prophecy of a virgin conceiving. More significantly, Jesus truly embodies the name "Immanuel," meaning "God with us." He is not merely a prophet or a king, but God incarnate, the Word made flesh, who "dwelt among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Incarnation of the Word")). Through Jesus, God's presence is no longer confined to a temple or a cloud, but is personally and tangibly experienced in human form. He is the ultimate sign of God's faithfulness, demonstrating God's commitment to enter into humanity's brokenness, to suffer with us, and ultimately to save us from sin and death. Jesus, as Immanuel, bridges the chasm between God and humanity, offering reconciliation and eternal fellowship, making God's presence accessible to all who believe ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation")). He is the living proof that God is indeed "with us" in every circumstance, from His birth to His resurrection and beyond, promising His abiding presence until the end of the age ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission and Jesus' Promise")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 1:23

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.

Isaiah 9:6

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Luke 1:31

And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.

John 1:1

¶ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 1:2

The same was in the beginning with God.

John 1:14

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Luke 1:35

And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.