from עִם and with a pronominal suffix inserted; with us (is) God; Immanuel, a type name of Isaiah's son; Immanuel.
Transliteration:ʻImmânûwʼêl
Pronunciation:im-maw-noo-ale'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word עִמָּנוּאֵל (ʻImmânûwʼêl, `{{H6005}}`) is a compound proper noun derived from three constituent elements: the preposition עִם (ʻim, `{{H5973}}`), meaning "with"; the first-person plural pronominal suffix נוּ (nû), meaning "us"; and the divine name אֵל (ʼēl, `{{H410}}`), meaning "God." Thus, the literal and profound meaning of ʻImmânûwʼêl is "God is with us" or "With us is God." This is not merely a descriptive name but a declarative statement of divine presence, solidarity, and active intervention. Its semantic range primarily encompasses this theological declaration, functioning both as a personal name and a prophetic assurance of God's intimate involvement in human affairs, particularly in moments of crisis or salvation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The primary biblical occurrences of ʻImmânûwʼêl are found within the book of Isaiah.
1. **[[Isaiah 7:14]]**: This is the foundational passage where the name is first introduced. In a moment of national crisis, King Ahaz of Judah is besieged by the Syro-Ephraimite coalition. Despite God's offer of a sign, Ahaz refuses to ask, demonstrating a lack of faith. In response, the prophet Isaiah declares that the Lord Himself will give a sign: "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name ʻImmânûwʼêl." The immediate context suggests a sign of assurance to Ahaz that God's presence will secure Judah against its enemies, even if judgment is also impending. The child's birth and development (learning to refuse evil and choose good) are linked to a timeframe within which the land of the two kings Ahaz fears will be forsaken. This passage carries a dual prophetic layer: an immediate fulfillment in Isaiah's contemporary period (perhaps a child born to a young woman, or even Isaiah's own son) and a deeper, ultimate messianic fulfillment.
2. **[[Isaiah 8:8]]**: The prophet Isaiah, speaking of the impending Assyrian invasion, declares that the flood of the invading army "will sweep on into Judah, it will overflow and pass on, reaching even to the neck, and its outspread wings will fill the breadth of your land, O ʻImmânûwʼêl." Here, the land of Judah is directly addressed as "your land, O Immanuel," reinforcing the idea that Judah is under God's special protection and ownership, even amidst divine judgment. The name serves as a powerful declaration of God's continued presence and ultimate sovereignty over His people and land, despite the temporary triumph of their enemies.
3. **[[Isaiah 8:10]]**: In a defiant challenge to the nations conspiring against Judah, Isaiah proclaims: "Take counsel together, but it will come to nothing; speak a word, but it will not stand, for God is with us" (kî ‘immānû ʼēl). While not using the proper noun ʻImmânûwʼêl directly, this phrase is the exact etymological breakdown of the name, reinforcing the theological truth behind it. It serves as a declaration of divine invincibility and a promise that God's purposes will prevail.
4. **[[Matthew 1:23]]**: The New Testament explicitly cites [[Isaiah 7:14]] in the context of Jesus' miraculous conception and birth: "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name ʻImmânûwʼêl (which means, God with us)." This direct citation and interpretation by Matthew firmly establish Jesus Christ as the ultimate and complete fulfillment of the ʻImmânûwʼêl prophecy, demonstrating that in Him, God's presence among humanity is fully realized through the Incarnation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The core components of ʻImmânûwʼêl connect it to broader biblical themes:
* **עִם (ʻim, `{{H5973}}`):** This preposition "with" is fundamental, emphasizing proximity, association, and active companionship. It frequently appears in divine promises of presence, such as "I will be with you" (e.g., [[Genesis 26:3]], [[Exodus 3:12]], [[Joshua 1:5]]).
* **אֵל (ʼēl, `{{H410}}`):** A common Semitic term for God, often used in compound names (e.g., Israel, Bethel, Daniel) to signify a relationship with the divine or a characteristic of God. It denotes divine power, sovereignty, and faithfulness.
* **Divine Presence:** The concept of God's presence (Shekinah, though not a biblical Hebrew word, captures this idea) is central to biblical theology. From God walking in the Garden [[Genesis 3:8]], to His presence in the tabernacle and temple [[Exodus 40:34]], to the promise of His Spirit, the idea of God being "with" His people is a recurring motif.
* **Covenant Faithfulness:** The name ʻImmânûwʼêl is deeply intertwined with God's covenant promises. It signifies God's unwavering commitment to His people, even when they are unfaithful or face overwhelming odds.
* **Messianic Prophecy:** As interpreted by Matthew, ʻImmânûwʼêl is a pivotal messianic title, pointing to the unique nature of the Messiah as God incarnate.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ʻImmânûwʼêl is profound and multifaceted:
1. **Assurance of Divine Presence:** At its core, ʻImmânûwʼêl is a powerful declaration that God is not distant or detached but intimately involved in the affairs of His creation and, specifically, with His people. It is a promise of divine solidarity, particularly in times of fear, distress, or national peril.
2. **God's Active Intervention:** The name signifies God's active and saving presence. He is "with us" not merely in observation but in intervention, to deliver, protect, and fulfill His purposes. In Isaiah, this means the defeat of Judah's enemies; in Matthew, it means salvation from sin.
3. **The Incarnation of Christ:** The New Testament's application of ʻImmânûwʼêl to Jesus Christ elevates its meaning to its ultimate fulfillment. Jesus is not just a sign *of* God's presence; He *is* God present among humanity. This name encapsulates the mystery and wonder of the Incarnation, where the divine and human natures are united in one person, making God truly "with us" in a unique and saving way.
4. **Hope and Comfort:** For believers across all ages, ʻImmânûwʼêl serves as an enduring source of hope and comfort. It assures them that in every circumstance, whether joy or suffering, God is present, providing strength, guidance, and ultimate salvation. It underscores the relational and personal nature of God's interaction with humanity.
5. **Sovereignty and Judgment:** While a comfort to the faithful, ʻImmânûwʼêl also carries implications of divine sovereignty and judgment. God's presence ensures the triumph of His will and the ultimate defeat of those who oppose Him, as seen in Isaiah's prophecies against Judah's enemies.
### Summary
ʻImmânûwʼêl (`{{H6005}}`), meaning "God is with us," is a powerful theological declaration rooted in the Hebrew Bible. Initially serving as a prophetic sign in Isaiah's time, assuring King Ahaz of God's presence amidst national crisis [[Isaiah 7:14]], it underscored divine solidarity and sovereignty over the "land of Immanuel" [[Isaiah 8:8]]. The name is comprised of עִם (ʻim, "with", `{{H5973}}`) and אֵל (ʼēl, "God", `{{H410}}`), emphasizing God's intimate and active involvement. Its ultimate and most profound fulfillment is revealed in the New Testament, where Matthew explicitly applies it to Jesus Christ [[Matthew 1:23]], signifying the Incarnation – that God Himself has come to dwell among humanity. Thus, ʻImmânûwʼêl encapsulates the enduring promise of God's faithful, saving, and personal presence with His people through all generations, culminating in the person of Jesus.
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