Matthew 1:21

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Matthew 1:21 (KJV)

Context

Matthew 1:21 is spoken by an angel of the Lord to Joseph in a dream, revealing the significance of Mary’s pregnancy and the purpose of the child to be born. This verse is part of the birth narrative of Jesus Christ, following the genealogy of Jesus and preceding Joseph’s acceptance of Mary as his wife. The angel’s instruction that Joseph name the child is significant: by naming Jesus, Joseph would legally adopt him and place him in the royal line of David.

Meaning

The verse begins by stating that Mary will give birth to a son, emphasizing the miraculous nature of Jesus’ birth, as Mary conceived by the Holy Spirit while still a virgin. The angel instructs Joseph to call the child “Jesus.” The name Jesus is derived from the Hebrew name “Yeshua,” which means “Yahweh saves” or “the Lord is salvation.” This name, given by divine command, reflects the central mission and purpose of Jesus’ life—to bring salvation and deliverance to humanity.

The verse continues by proclaiming that Jesus will save His people from their sins. The name Jesus is intricately connected to the concept of salvation. Jesus came to fulfill the prophecies of the Old Testament and provide redemption for humanity through His sacrificial death on the cross. Sin separates humanity from a perfect and holy God. Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection provide forgiveness and reconciliation with God for all who repent and believe in Him.

Biblical connections

The salvation Jesus brings is not from political oppression or earthly enemies, but from sin itself—the root problem of humanity. The phrase “his people” refers to the people of God, initially Israel, but in the broader New Testament context, it extends to all who believe in Him. This announcement connects the birth of Jesus to the Old Testament expectation of a Savior who would deal with the problem of sin, establishing that Jesus’ primary work is spiritual salvation.

Application

Matthew 1:21 encapsulates the core message of the Gospel—the birth of Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s plan to bring salvation to humanity. It highlights Jesus’ unique identity as the Son of God and emphasizes the transformative power of His work to rescue people from the bondage of sin and offer eternal life through faith in Him. By understanding the significance of this verse, we gain insight into the profound purpose of Jesus’ life and the hope and salvation available to all who trust in Him.

Reflection

The verse calls for a response of faith and trust in Jesus as the one who saves from sin. It assures believers that salvation is found in Him alone, and it invites all to receive the forgiveness and new life He offers.