Matthew 1:21

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

And {G1161} she shall bring forth {G5088} a son {G5207}, and {G2532} thou shalt call {G2564} his {G846} name {G3686} JESUS {G2424}: for {G1063} he {G846} shall save {G4982} his {G846} people {G2992} from {G575} their {G846} sins {G266}.

She will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Yeshua, [which means `ADONAI saves,'] because he will save his people from their sins."

She will give birth to a Son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.”

And 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.

Commentary

Matthew 1:21 delivers a pivotal message from an angel to Joseph in a dream, confirming the divine origin of Mary's miraculous pregnancy. This verse follows Joseph's dilemma upon discovering Mary's condition before their marriage, and God's intervention to reveal His extraordinary plan. It directly fulfills ancient prophecies concerning the virgin birth of the Messiah, setting the stage for the arrival of God's Son.

Key Themes

  • The Name "JESUS" (Yeshua): The angel's instruction to name the child "JESUS" is profoundly significant. This name is not arbitrary but carries the very purpose of His coming.
  • Salvation from Sins: Unlike the Jewish expectation of a political or military deliverer, the angel explicitly states that Jesus' primary mission is spiritual: to "save his people from their sins." This highlights the core problem humanity faces and God's ultimate solution.
  • Divine Commission: The naming and purpose are divinely ordained, underscoring Jesus' unique role as the promised Savior and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

Linguistic Insights

The name JESUS is the Greek form of the Hebrew/Aramaic name Yeshua (or Yehoshua), which literally means "Yahweh saves" or "The Lord is salvation." This etymology is crucial, as the angel's explanation directly links the name to the child's mission: "for he shall save his people from their sins." The name itself is a prophecy and a statement of purpose. The phrase "save his people from their sins" emphasizes a spiritual deliverance, addressing the root cause of humanity's separation from God, rather than merely physical or political liberation.

Related Scriptures

The concept of Jesus saving humanity from sins is central to Christian theology and is further elaborated throughout the New Testament. For instance, John 3:16 declares God's immense love in sending His Son for salvation. Paul emphasizes this mission in Romans 5:8, stating that Christ died for us while we were still sinners. The preaching of repentance and remission of sins in His name is a recurring theme in the Gospels and Acts.

Practical Application

Matthew 1:21 reminds us of the profound and personal nature of Jesus' mission. His name, "Savior," is not just a title but a function. For every individual, this verse highlights the universal need for salvation from sin and the divine provision made through Jesus Christ. It calls believers to acknowledge Jesus as their personal Savior and to live in light of the freedom from sin He offers. Understanding this verse deepens appreciation for the Christmas story, moving beyond festive traditions to the core theological truth of God's redemptive love for humanity.

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Cross-References

  • Acts 13:23 (45 votes)

    Of this man's seed hath God according to [his] promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:

  • Acts 4:12 (41 votes)

    Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

  • John 1:29 (37 votes)

    ¶ The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

  • 1 John 3:5 (30 votes)

    And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.

  • Colossians 1:20 (27 votes)

    And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, [I say], whether [they be] things in earth, or things in heaven.

  • Colossians 1:23 (27 votes)

    If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and [be] not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, [and] which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

  • Luke 2:21 (22 votes)

    ¶ And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.