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Introduction
The study of Greek words in Biblical texts is crucial for a deeper understanding of the scriptures. Each word carries layers of meaning that can significantly affect the interpretation of the texts. One such word is Ἐμμανουήλ (Emmanouēl), a name with profound theological significance. This word is especially relevant in the New Testament, where it is used to describe Jesus Christ, emphasizing His divine nature and presence among humanity. Understanding the meaning and implications of this word offers valuable insights into both the New Testament’s theological framework and the cultural context of ancient Israel.
Key Information
- Greek Word: Ἐμμανουήλ (Emmanouēl) [em-man-oo-EL]
- Etymology: Derived from the Hebrew name Immanuel (עִמָּנוּאֵל), which means “God with us.” The name combines the Hebrew word im (“with”) and El (“God”).
- Part of Speech: Proper noun (indeclinable).
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon
Primary Meanings
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- “God with us”: The name Ἐμμανουήλ directly translates to “God with us,” signifying the presence of God among His people. This meaning is central to the Christian understanding of Jesus Christ as both fully divine and fully human.
Similar Words:
- Χριστός (Christos) [khris-TOS]: Although distinct in meaning, Χριστός, meaning “anointed one” or “Messiah,” is often associated with Ἐμμανουήλ in the New Testament as titles that affirm Jesus’s divine mission.
- Θεός (Theos) [theh-OS]: This word, meaning “God,” is conceptually related to Ἐμμανουήλ, as it also emphasizes the divine nature of Jesus, aligning with the idea of “God with us.”
Further Insights:
- Morphology: Ἐμμανουήλ is an indeclinable proper noun, meaning it does not change form to indicate case, number, or gender. This is typical of names borrowed from other languages, such as Hebrew, into Greek.
- Linguistic Features: The significance of Ἐμμανουήλ lies not only in its translation but also in its usage within the context of messianic prophecy. The name is a direct reference to Isaiah 7:14, where the prophet foretells the birth of a child who will be called Immanuel, symbolizing God’s presence among His people.
Lexicon Insights
BDAG:
BDAG highlights Ἐμμανουήλ as a significant Christological title, noting its use in Matthew 1:23 as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. The lexicon underscores the importance of this name in emphasizing Jesus’s divine nature and His role in God’s redemptive plan.
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Thayer’s:
Thayer’s lexicon describes Ἐμμανουήλ as a name given to Jesus, meaning “God with us,” to indicate the fulfillment of the prophecy in Isaiah. Thayer also connects this name to the theological concept of the Incarnation, where God becomes present in human form.
Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary emphasizes the prophetic nature of the name Ἐμμανουήλ, linking it directly to the Gospel of Matthew. Vine notes that the name serves as a declaration of God’s intervention in history through the birth of Jesus.
LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon notes the Hebrew origin of Ἐμμανουήλ and its usage in the New Testament, particularly in a theological context, where it underscores the presence of the divine among the people.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance identifies Ἐμμανουήλ as a name that carries deep messianic significance, referring to Jesus Christ. The concordance points to Matthew 1:23 as a key verse where this name is used, linking it directly to the prophecy in Isaiah.
Scripture References
- Matthew 1:23 – “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel (Ἐμμανουήλ), which means, God with us.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Septuagint | Isaiah 7:14 | “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel (Ἐμμανουήλ).” |
| Matthew | Gospel of Matthew | “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel (Ἐμμανουήλ).” |
Summary of Ἐμμανουήλ (G1694: Emmanouēl)
The Greek word Ἐμμανουήλ (Emmanouēl), meaning “God with us,” is a profound expression of the Christian belief in the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. This name, rooted in Old Testament prophecy, underscores the presence of God in human history through Jesus. Its use in the New Testament, particularly in Matthew 1:23, links it directly to the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy, highlighting the divine nature of Jesus and His mission to redeem humanity. The study of this word provides valuable insights into the theological foundations of Christianity and the cultural context of ancient Israel.
Did You Know?
The name Ἐμμανουήλ is one of the few Greek words in the New Testament directly transliterated from Hebrew. Its use in Matthew’s Gospel is the only instance in the New Testament, making it a unique and significant title for Jesus, emphasizing His role as the divine presence among humanity.
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