What does Matthew 1:21 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 1:21 contains the angel Gabriel’s message to Joseph, who is betrothed to Mary, the mother of Jesus.

In this verse, the angel reveals the divine nature and purpose of Jesus' birth.

The name "Jesus" is of Hebrew origin ("Yeshua"), and it means "Yahweh is salvation" or "The Lord saves." The mention of Jesus saving his people from their sins indicates the redemptive mission that defines the Christian understanding of Jesus' purpose on Earth.

This verse, therefore, not only announces the birth of a child but also foreshadows the significance of his life and death for Christian salvation.

Historical Context

This verse is part of the first chapter of the Gospel of Matthew, one of the four canonical gospels in the New Testament.

Matthew’s Gospel was written primarily for a Jewish audience and aims to present Jesus as the promised Messiah of the Old Testament.

The historical context of this verse is in first-century Judea, under Roman occupation, where the Jewish people were anticipating a savior to liberate them.

Instead of a political or military savior, the verse introduces a savior who offers spiritual redemption.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse encapsulates the doctrine of salvation in Christian theology, which posits that through Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, believers are saved from their sins.

The instruction to name the child Jesus is seen as a direct divine command, emphasizing God's sovereignty and foreknowledge.

Additionally, some theologians emphasize that the phrase "he shall save his people from their sins" reflects a particularistic view, focusing on the salvation of Israel, while later Christian theology expands this salvation universally to all who believe in Jesus.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse encourages individuals to put their faith in Jesus for the forgiveness of sins and spiritual salvation.

For Christians, it can be a call to reflect on the meaning of Jesus' name and mission, and to live a life characterized by repentance and gratitude for the grace that is believed to be offered through him.

It also challenges believers to extend grace and forgiveness to others, emulating the redemptive purpose of Jesus' ministry.

Cross-References

• Isaiah 7:14: "Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel."
• Luke 1:31: "And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS."
• John 3:16: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
• Acts 4:12: "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."

Language Study

The key word in Matthew 1:21 is "Jesus" (Greek: Ἰησοῦς, transliterated as Iēsous), derived from the Hebrew "Yeshua" (Hebrew: ישוע), meaning "Yahweh is salvation" or "The Lord saves." The phrase "shall save" (Greek: σώσει, transliterated as sōsei) indicates a future action of delivering or preserving, alluding to the salvation that Jesus is to bring.

Lastly, "his people" (Greek: λαὸς αὐτοῦ, laos autou) denotes a particular group to whom Jesus belongs and who will be the recipients of this salvation.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of a divine or semi-divine figure coming to save humanity is not unique to Christianity and has parallels in various religious myths and traditions.

In Greco-Roman mythology, savior figures and demigods often appear to rescue mortals or offer some form of salvation from worldly challenges.

However, the Christian concept of salvation is distinct in its focus on spiritual redemption rather than physical or political deliverance.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the virgin birth, which precedes this verse, is regarded as biologically impossible because human reproduction requires genetic materials from both a male and female.

Nonetheless, the concept of parthenogenesis, virgin birth, is observed in some animal species, but not in humans.

Concerning the claim that Jesus will save people from their sins, this is a metaphysical claim beyond the scope of empirical science and thus is considered a matter of faith.

commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have commented on Matthew 1:21.

Conservative commentators emphasize the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and the divine nature of Jesus as key themes of this verse.

Liberal scholars might focus more on the text's literary and historical aspects, viewing Jesus' role as reflective of Jewish messianic expectations of the time.

Traditional Christian commentators discuss the verse's soteriological significance, how it relates to the doctrine of salvation.

Meanwhile, some modern scholars might explore the verse in the context of emerging Christian identity in a pluralistic Second Temple Judaism.

The consensus among Christian commentators is that this verse is pivotal for understanding Jesus' role in Christian theology as the savior.