Matthew 1:22

KJV

Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

Now {G1161} all {G3650} this {G5124} was done {G1096}, that {G2443} it might be fulfilled {G4137} which {G3588} was spoken {G4483} of {G5259} the Lord {G2962} by {G1223} the prophet {G4396}, saying {G3004},

Complete Jewish Bible

All this happened in order to fulfill what ADONAI had said through the prophet,

Berean Standard Bible

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:

American Standard Version

Now all this is come to pass, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 1:22 serves as a foundational declaration within the Gospel's opening narrative, asserting that the extraordinary circumstances surrounding Jesus' conception and birth were not random occurrences but rather the deliberate and precise fulfillment of ancient divine prophecies. This verse acts as a bridge, connecting the unfolding events of Christ's advent directly to God's long-established redemptive plan, underscoring the purposeful nature of His arrival as the promised Messiah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 1:22 immediately follows the angelic revelation to Joseph, where he is instructed not to fear taking Mary as his wife, as her pregnancy is by the Holy Spirit, and the child is to be named Jesus because "he shall save his people from their sins" ([Matthew 1:18-21](/matthew/1-18-21 "Matthew 1:18-21 - The Birth of Jesus Foretold")). This verse functions as Matthew's characteristic "fulfillment formula," a literary device he employs frequently throughout his Gospel to demonstrate that Jesus' life and ministry align perfectly with Old Testament expectations. By stating "all this was done, that it might be fulfilled," Matthew signals to his readers that the preceding narrative, including the virgin conception, is not merely a historical account but a divinely orchestrated event designed to bring ancient prophecies to their intended completion. The specific prophecy being referred to is then quoted in the very next verse, [Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - The Prophecy of Immanuel"), which directly cites [Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - The Sign of Immanuel").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Matthew's Gospel was primarily written for a Jewish audience, or at least for a community deeply rooted in Jewish tradition and the Hebrew Scriptures. For this audience, the fulfillment of prophecy was a crucial criterion for validating any claim to Messiahship. First-century Jews eagerly awaited the Messiah, who they believed would be the culmination of God's promises to Israel, a descendant of David, and a deliverer. Therefore, Matthew's frequent use of fulfillment citations (e.g., [Matthew 2:15](/matthew/2-15 "Matthew 2:15 - Out of Egypt I Called My Son"), [Matthew 2:23](/matthew/2-23 "Matthew 2:23 - He Shall Be Called a Nazarene")) served to establish Jesus' credentials beyond doubt, proving that He was not merely a good teacher or prophet, but the long-awaited Christ, whose life perfectly corresponded to the prophetic word of God. This approach resonated deeply with a people who valued their sacred texts as the authoritative word of God, revealing His plan for salvation.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 1:22 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Gospel. Firstly, **Prophecy Fulfillment** is paramount, as the verse explicitly states that the events surrounding Jesus' birth were designed to bring ancient prophecies to completion. This theme underscores the continuity between the Old and New Testaments, presenting Jesus as the climax of God's redemptive history, the one in whom all the promises find their "yes" and "amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). Secondly, the verse highlights **Divine Sovereignty**, emphasizing that God is actively in control of history. The phrase "all this was done, that it might be fulfilled" points to a meticulously orchestrated divine plan, demonstrating that even seemingly miraculous or unexpected circumstances (like a virgin birth) are part of God's perfect design for salvation. This reassures the reader that God's purposes will always prevail, regardless of human circumstances or opposition. Finally, this verse reinforces **Messianic Identity**, solidifying Jesus' unique role as the Christ. By linking His birth directly to the prophetic word "spoken of the Lord by the prophet," Matthew establishes Jesus as the divinely appointed and long-awaited Messiah, whose life embodies and fulfills the expectations and promises laid out in the Hebrew Scriptures concerning the Deliverer of Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **done (Greek, _gínomai'_):** This verb signifies "to come into being," "to happen," or "to be brought to pass." In Matthew 1:22, its use implies that the events surrounding Jesus' birth were not accidental or coincidental, but rather actively brought about or caused to be. It speaks to the active hand of God in orchestrating these circumstances. The divine passive implied here suggests that God is the ultimate agent behind these occurrences.
* **fulfilled (Greek, _plēróō'_):** Meaning "to make replete," "to complete," or "to verify (or coincide with a prediction)," this word is crucial. It indicates more than just a superficial correspondence; it denotes a complete and purposeful actualization of what was foretold. The prophecy is not just echoed, but brought to its full and intended realization in the person and circumstances of Jesus. This verb emphasizes the definitive and intentional completion of Old Testament prophecies through Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.
* **prophet (Greek, _prophḗtēs'_):** This term refers to a "foreteller" or "inspired speaker." It highlights the divine origin of the message. The prophet serves as God's mouthpiece, delivering a message that originates from the Lord Himself. This underscores the authority and divine inspiration of the Old Testament Scriptures, through which God revealed His future plans.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now all this was done":** This phrase serves as a direct reference to the preceding narrative, particularly the miraculous conception of Jesus by the Holy Spirit and Joseph's obedient response to the angelic message ([Matthew 1:18-21](/matthew/1-18-21 "Matthew 1:18-21 - The Nativity Account")). The use of "all this" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the divine orchestration, suggesting that every detail of these events was purposeful. The passive voice, "was done," implies a divine agent, God Himself, as the one bringing these things to pass.
* **"that it might be fulfilled":** This is a purpose clause, indicating the divine intention behind the events. The events did not merely happen to correspond with prophecy; they happened *in order that* prophecy might be brought to its complete realization. This highlights God's sovereign plan and His meticulous attention to detail in bringing about His redemptive purposes. It signifies a divine intention for events to align perfectly with what was spoken by God.
* **"which was spoken of the Lord":** This clarifies the ultimate source of the prophecy: it originated from God Himself ("the Lord," _kýrios_). This imbues the prophecy with divine authority and infallibility. It is not merely a human prediction but a declaration from the sovereign God, ensuring its certain fulfillment.
* **"by the prophet, saying,":** This identifies the human instrument through whom God's word was delivered. While the ultimate source is "the Lord," God chose to communicate His will and future plans through human prophets. This emphasizes the dual authorship of Scripture – divinely inspired yet communicated through human agents – and prepares the reader for the direct quotation of Isaiah 7:14 in the subsequent verse.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 1:22 effectively employs several literary devices. The most prominent is the **Fulfillment Formula**, a characteristic feature of Matthew's Gospel. By stating "Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled," Matthew explicitly connects the events of Jesus' life to Old Testament prophecy, thereby validating Jesus' identity as the Messiah for his Jewish audience. This formula acts as a theological interpretation, guiding the reader to see divine purpose in historical events. The use of the **Divine Passive** ("was done," "might be fulfilled") subtly highlights God's active agency without explicitly naming Him as the subject in every clause, reinforcing the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**. Furthermore, the verse demonstrates **Intertextuality**, as it directly points to a prophetic text from the Old Testament (Isaiah 7:14, quoted in [Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - The Prophecy of Immanuel")), creating a seamless theological narrative between the two testaments. This intertextual connection serves to underscore the continuity of God's redemptive plan throughout history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 1:22 profoundly reveals God's meticulous faithfulness and the unwavering reliability of His Word. It demonstrates that God is not a God of chance, but one who orchestrates history according to His sovereign will, bringing to pass what He has promised centuries in advance. This verse establishes a crucial theological principle: God's promises are not mere suggestions or possibilities, but certainties that will inevitably come to fruition. The fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus' birth assures us that God's plan of salvation is unfolding precisely as He intended, culminating in Christ. This provides immense comfort and confidence, affirming that the God who meticulously fulfilled ancient prophecies concerning His Son is the same God who remains faithful to His promises to His people today, working all things together for His glory and our good.

* [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is Not a Man That He Should Lie")
* [2 Peter 1:20-21](/2_peter/1-20-21 "2 Peter 1:20-21 - Prophecy from God")
* [Luke 24:44](/luke/24-44 "Luke 24:44 - Fulfillment of Scripture")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 1:22 offers profound encouragement and a call to deeper trust in God's sovereign plan. In a world often characterized by chaos, uncertainty, and unfulfilled promises, this verse stands as a powerful reminder that our God is utterly faithful and meticulously purposeful. Just as He orchestrated every detail of Jesus' birth to fulfill ancient prophecies, so too does He work in our lives and in the world today, often in ways unseen or misunderstood. This truth invites us to rest in His perfect timing and wisdom, even when circumstances seem perplexing or contrary to our expectations. It challenges us to look beyond immediate difficulties and to trust that God is always working to bring about His ultimate good, weaving every thread of our lives into His grand tapestry of redemption. Our assurance is not in our own strength or understanding, but in the unwavering faithfulness of the God who always fulfills His Word.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of prophecy fulfillment in Matthew 1:22 strengthen your faith in the reliability of God's Word today?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust more deeply in God's sovereign orchestration, knowing that He is working all things according to His purpose?**
* **How can understanding God's meticulous plan for Jesus' birth encourage you when facing seemingly random or difficult circumstances?**
* **What does Matthew's emphasis on fulfillment teach us about the continuity and unity of God's redemptive plan across the Old and New Testaments?**

### FAQ
**Which specific prophecy is Matthew referring to in this verse?**

Answer: While Matthew 1:22 states that "all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying," it does not quote the prophecy directly in this verse. Instead, it serves as an introductory statement to the prophecy which is then quoted in the very next verse, [Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - The Prophecy of Immanuel"). There, Matthew explicitly quotes [Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - The Sign of Immanuel"): "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." So, Matthew 1:22 acts as a signpost, directing the reader to the specific prophetic fulfillment that immediately follows.

**Why does Matthew emphasize prophecy fulfillment so much in his Gospel?**

Answer: Matthew's frequent emphasis on prophecy fulfillment, often introduced by phrases like "that it might be fulfilled," serves several crucial purposes, especially for his primary audience, which was largely Jewish. Firstly, it aimed to demonstrate conclusively that Jesus was indeed the long-awaited Messiah, the Christ, whose life perfectly aligned with the ancient promises and expectations found in the Hebrew Scriptures. For a Jewish audience, the fulfillment of prophecy was a non-negotiable criterion for Messianic claims. Secondly, it underscored the divine authority and intentionality behind Jesus' life and ministry. Matthew wanted to show that Jesus' advent was not a random event but the culmination of God's meticulously planned redemptive history. This validated Jesus' identity and mission as originating directly from God. Finally, it highlighted the continuity between the Old and New Testaments, presenting Jesus as the one who brings the entire story of God's covenant with Israel to its ultimate fulfillment, establishing the new covenant through His person and work ([Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 1:22 is a profound declaration of Christ's centrality to God's eternal plan. It reveals that Jesus is not merely a figure who happened to fulfill some predictions, but rather the very embodiment and ultimate culmination of all divine prophecy and redemptive history. His miraculous conception and birth, far from being isolated events, were divinely orchestrated steps in God's unfolding drama of salvation. This verse establishes that Jesus is the one in whom the Old Testament finds its ultimate meaning and purpose, the "Anointed One" promised from antiquity. Every promise, every shadow, every type in the Hebrew Scriptures points forward to Him, and in Him, they find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). From His very first breath, Jesus' life was a testament to God's faithfulness, demonstrating that He is the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), the [Son of David](/matthew/9-27 "Matthew 9:27 - Son of David") and the [Son of God](/john/1-34 "John 1:34 - Jesus, the Son of God"), whose mission was to [seek and to save that which was lost](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - Jesus Came to Seek and Save"). Thus, Matthew 1:22 is not just about a specific prophecy, but about the very person of Christ as the living fulfillment of God's eternal purpose to reconcile humanity to Himself.

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

Luke 24:44

And he said unto them, These [are] the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and [in] the prophets, and [in] the psalms, concerning me.

Matthew 2:23

And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.

1 Kings 8:15

And he said, Blessed [be] the LORD God of Israel, which spake with his mouth unto David my father, and hath with his hand fulfilled [it], saying,

Acts 3:18

But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled.

1 Kings 8:24

Who hast kept with thy servant David my father that thou promisedst him: thou spakest also with thy mouth, and hast fulfilled [it] with thine hand, as [it is] this day.

John 18:9

That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.

Matthew 13:35

That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.