Immanuel

“Immanuel” (or Emmanuel) is a Hebrew name meaning “God with us”. The name originates from the Book of Isaiah in the Bible as a prophecy of a child who would bring God’s presence and salvation to His people. The Gospel of Matthew identifies Jesus as the fulfillment of this prophecy, stating that he was born of a virgin and named Immanuel. The name is a common male given name and also refers to the Israeli settlement of Immanuel.

Biblical Significance

• Prophetic Promise: In Isaiah 7:14, the prophet Isaiah promises that a virgin will conceive and give birth to a son named Immanuel. This name signifies God’s presence, bringing comfort and hope to the people of Judah during a time of crisis.
• Fulfillment in Jesus: The New Testament, particularly Matthew 1:23, quotes Isaiah 7:14 and declares that the birth of Jesus fulfills this prophecy. Christians believe Jesus’s birth and presence among humanity is the ultimate realization of the name Immanuel, signifying the incarnation of God becoming flesh.

Etymology

• The name is a combination of the Hebrew words:
  • im (עִם): “with”
  • nu (נוּ): “us” (first-person plural pronoun)
  • el (אֵל): “God”

Other Uses

• Given Name: Immanuel is a recognized male given name in various cultures and traditions, including Jewish and Christian naming customs.
• Geographic Location: Immanuel is also the name of an Israeli settlement in the West Bank.