Matthew 1:21

Letters to the Faithful - Matthew 1:21

Berean Standard Bible

She will give birth to a Son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.”

King James Bible

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

Greek Text:

τέξεται δὲ υἱὸν καὶ καλέσεις τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ Ἰησοῦν· αὐτὸς γὰρ σώσει τὸν λαὸν αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν αὐτῶν.

Transliteration:

Texetai de huion kai kaleseis to onoma autou Iēsoun; autos gar sōsei ton laon autou apo tōn hamartiōn autōn.

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She will give birth to a Son

This phrase refers to the prophecy of the virgin birth, fulfilling Isaiah 7:14, which speaks of a virgin conceiving and bearing a son. The birth of a son signifies the continuation of the Davidic line, as Jesus is a descendant of King David, fulfilling the covenant promise made to David in 2 Samuel 7:12-16. The birth of a son also highlights the humanity of Jesus, emphasizing His role as the incarnate Word (John 1:14).

and you are to give Him the name Jesus

The name "Jesus" is the Greek form of the Hebrew name "Yeshua" or "Joshua," meaning "The Lord is salvation" or "Yahweh saves." This name was divinely appointed, as seen in Luke 1:31, where the angel Gabriel instructs Mary to name her child Jesus. The name signifies His mission to bring salvation to humanity, aligning with the Old Testament theme of God as the deliverer of His people (Psalm 68:20).

because He will save His people from their sins.

This phrase encapsulates the primary mission of Jesus: salvation from sin. It reflects the messianic expectation of a savior who would deliver Israel, but it expands this role to a spiritual deliverance from sin, not just political or national liberation. This salvation is prophesied in passages like Isaiah 53, which speaks of the suffering servant who bears the iniquities of many. The concept of salvation from sin is central to the New Testament, as seen in John 3:16 and Romans 5:8, where Jesus' sacrificial death is portrayed as the means by which humanity is reconciled to God.

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Matthew 1:21, a pivotal verse in the New Testament, states in the New International Version, “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” This verse, spoken by the angel of the Lord to Joseph in a dream, encapsulates the core of the Gospel message and serves as a theological cornerstone for the narrative of Jesus’ birth and mission. Situated within the opening chapter of Matthew’s Gospel, it bridges the genealogy of Jesus (1:1-17) and the account of His birth (1:18-25), providing a divine announcement that reveals the identity, purpose, and significance of the child to be born. To fully unpack Matthew 1:21, we must explore its narrative context, linguistic nuances, theological implications, and its connections to Old Testament promises, as well as its role in shaping Matthew’s portrayal of Jesus as the Messiah and Savior.

The verse occurs within the context of Joseph’s dilemma upon discovering that Mary, his betrothed, is pregnant before their marriage. In the Jewish culture of the first century, betrothal was a legally binding commitment, and Mary’s pregnancy could have been grounds for public disgrace or even severe punishment (Deuteronomy 22:23-24). Joseph, described as a righteous man (1:19), plans to divorce her quietly to spare her shame, but the angel’s intervention redirects his course. The divine message in verse 21 not only reassures Joseph of Mary’s fidelity but also reveals the supernatural origin and cosmic significance of the child. The angel’s command to name the child Jesus and the explanation of His mission—“he will save his people from their sins”—frame the narrative as a fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan, aligning with Matthew’s broader purpose of presenting Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah who fulfills Old Testament prophecies.

The name “Jesus,” derived from the Hebrew Yehoshua or Yeshua, meaning “Yahweh saves” or “salvation,” is central to the verse’s meaning. In ancient Jewish culture, names often carried significant weight, reflecting character, destiny, or divine purpose. The angel’s instruction to name the child Jesus is not merely a practical directive but a theological declaration, linking the child’s identity to His mission. The phrase “because he will save his people from their sins” explicitly ties the name to its salvific purpose. This connection is reinforced by the etymological link between Yeshua (salvation) and the verb yasha (to save), emphasizing that Jesus embodies God’s saving power. Matthew’s choice to highlight the name’s meaning underscores his audience’s need to understand Jesus as more than a political or military deliverer; He is the divine agent of spiritual redemption.

The phrase “his people” in Matthew 1:21 invites careful consideration. In the immediate context, “his people” likely refers to Israel, as Matthew’s Gospel is deeply rooted in Jewish expectations of a Messiah who would restore God’s covenant people. The genealogy in 1:1-17 traces Jesus’ lineage through Abraham and David, establishing His credentials as the heir to God’s promises to Israel. However, Matthew’s Gospel also foreshadows the inclusion of Gentiles in God’s redemptive plan, as seen in the presence of Gentile women in the genealogy (Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba) and the Great Commission (28:19-20). Thus, while “his people” initially denotes Israel, it carries a broader, eschatological significance, encompassing all who will come to faith in Jesus as Savior. This dual focus reflects Matthew’s theology of continuity and expansion, where Jesus fulfills Israel’s hopes while extending salvation to the nations.

The purpose of Jesus’ mission—“to save his people from their sins”—is the theological heart of the verse. In the Old Testament, salvation often referred to deliverance from physical enemies, oppression, or exile (e.g., Exodus 14:30, Psalm 106:10). While some first-century Jews expected a Messiah who would overthrow Roman rule and restore Israel’s political sovereignty, Matthew 1:21 redefines salvation in spiritual terms. The phrase “from their sins” indicates that the primary human predicament is not external oppression but internal moral failure and alienation from God. This emphasis aligns with Old Testament prophecies that envision a new covenant where God forgives sins and transforms hearts (Jeremiah 31:31-34, Ezekiel 36:25-27). Jesus’ role as Savior, therefore, addresses the root of humanity’s brokenness, offering forgiveness and reconciliation with God through His life, death, and resurrection.

The verb “save” (sōsei, future tense) in Matthew 1:21 points to the certainty and future fulfillment of Jesus’ mission. While the angel’s announcement precedes Jesus’ birth, the future tense assures Joseph—and Matthew’s readers—that this salvation is guaranteed by divine decree. The verb also carries a comprehensive sense, encompassing not only forgiveness of sins but also deliverance from sin’s power and consequences. In Matthew’s Gospel, this salvation is unfolded through Jesus’ teachings (e.g., the Sermon on the Mount, 5-7), His miracles (e.g., healing the sick, 8:1-17), and ultimately His atoning death and resurrection (27-28). The announcement in 1:21, therefore, serves as a programmatic statement for the entire Gospel, encapsulating the scope and purpose of Jesus’ earthly ministry.

The verse’s connection to Old Testament prophecy is further highlighted by its proximity to Matthew 1:22-23, which cites Isaiah 7:14: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel.” While Matthew 1:21 does not directly quote a specific prophecy, the concept of salvation from sins resonates with messianic expectations found in texts like Isaiah 53:5-6, where the Servant of the Lord bears the iniquities of His people, and Psalm 130:8, which declares that God “will redeem Israel from all their sins.” Matthew’s Gospel frequently employs fulfillment citations (e.g., 2:15, 4:14-16) to demonstrate that Jesus is the culmination of Israel’s hopes, and 1:21 prepares the reader for this theme by grounding Jesus’ mission in God’s redemptive promises.

Theologically, Matthew 1:21 affirms the divine initiative in salvation. The angel’s message originates from God, and the child’s conception is by the Holy Spirit (1:20), underscoring that salvation is God’s work, not a human achievement. This emphasis on divine agency aligns with Matthew’s portrayal of Jesus as both fully human (born of Mary) and fully divine (conceived by the Spirit, named Immanuel, “God with us”). The verse also highlights the personal nature of salvation, as Jesus saves “his people,” implying a relational bond between the Savior and those He redeems. This relational aspect is developed throughout Matthew’s Gospel, where Jesus calls disciples to follow Him (4:19), teaches them to pray to “our Father” (6:9), and promises His presence until the end of the age (28:20).

In the broader context of Matthew’s Gospel, 1:21 serves as a theological lens through which to read the narrative. It establishes Jesus’ identity as Savior from the outset, shaping the reader’s understanding of His actions and teachings. For example, Jesus’ forgiveness of the paralytic’s sins (9:2-6) and His association with sinners (9:10-13) reflect the mission announced in 1:21. The verse also anticipates the cross, where Jesus’ death becomes the means of salvation (26:28, “my blood of the covenant, poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins”). By placing this declaration at the beginning of the Gospel, Matthew ensures that Jesus’ identity as Savior remains central to the story, even as His messiness and kingship are explored.

In Christian tradition, Matthew 1:21 has been a foundational text for understanding Jesus’ mission. Early Church Fathers, such as Irenaeus and Augustine, emphasized the verse’s declaration of Jesus as Savior, seeing it as evidence of His divine role in redeeming humanity. In liturgical contexts, the verse is often associated with Advent and Christmas, celebrating the incarnation as the moment when God’s salvation entered the world. The verse also resonates with soteriological doctrines, affirming that salvation is found in Jesus alone (Acts 4:12) and that His work addresses the universal problem of sin. For contemporary readers, Matthew 1:21 offers a message of hope, assuring believers that Jesus’ name embodies His power to save and inviting them to trust in His redemptive mission.

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Grace to you and peace from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Lamb who was slain and the King who reigns forever. To all who call upon His name in truth, to those sanctified by the Spirit and sealed for the day of redemption, I write to you with urgency and affection. My heart is stirred by the Word, and my soul is set aflame by the mystery of Christ, revealed not only in power but in His very name.

Let us fix our attention upon the Word of God in Matthew 1:21: “She will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Simple in sentence, infinite in scope. A verse that holds within it the entire hope of the human race. It is a decree spoken not by man, but by the messenger of heaven. It is a name not chosen by Joseph or Mary, but appointed by the Father, because the name speaks of the mission—and the mission reveals the heart of God.

“You are to name him Jesus.” This was not a cultural preference or a poetic gesture. This was heaven’s declaration of identity. The name “Jesus” is derived from the Hebrew Yeshua, meaning The Lord is salvation. Not might be, not could become, but is. Salvation is not a concept, a philosophy, or a path—it is a person. His name reveals His function. He is not only the bringer of truth, He is the embodiment of deliverance. In a world choking on the lies of self-reliance and sin-soaked remedies, His name is the antidote. His name is not just a sound; it is a sentence, a sentence of pardon written across the guilty hearts of mankind.

And what is the mission given to Him by the Father? “He will save his people from their sins.” Not merely comfort them in their sorrows. Not merely inspire them with His teachings. Not merely heal them from affliction or confront injustice—though He does all these with mercy and might. But this—this is the cornerstone: He came to save. And not from political oppression, not from earthly inconvenience, not from the wounds of others—but from their sins. From the chains they forged themselves. From the rebellion that corrupted the soul. From the darkness that crouches in the corners of every human heart.

Let this confront us with holy clarity: sin is not a minor flaw to be tolerated; it is the death sentence over humanity. And salvation is not a religious upgrade; it is a resurrection from death. The Son of God did not leave heaven to polish our morality or improve our image. He came because we were lost—utterly and eternally—and only He could save.

This is where modern religion often falters. We preach Him as teacher, as helper, as model—but we are slow to declare Him as Savior from sin. And yet, that is the title heaven gave Him. That is the name we are told to trust. If we remove this mission, we do not just distort the gospel—we dissolve it. Jesus did not come to make us slightly better versions of ourselves. He came to put the old man to death and raise us up in righteousness. He came to save—not to decorate, not to manage, but to rescue.

He saves His people. Who are these? Those who respond to His call. Those who repent, believe, and follow. Those who receive His mercy and forsake their idols. Those who call upon His name and continue in His Word. The gospel is for all, but only those who yield to His lordship will walk in the power of His name. His blood was shed universally, but it is applied personally. There is no salvation in good behavior, no redemption in religious effort. There is salvation in Jesus alone.

Let us then not treat sin lightly, nor tolerate it in secret. If He came to save us from it, we must not make peace with it. What He died to free us from, we dare not indulge. Let no believer presume upon grace without surrender. If we truly bear His name, let us also bear His nature. The evidence of salvation is not a prayer prayed once, but a life reoriented toward holiness. We do not clean ourselves to be saved, but if we are saved, we will not remain in the filth. His Spirit within us produces a hatred for sin, a hunger for righteousness, and a longing for obedience.

And yet, we must not lose sight of the hope this verse offers. It is not a condemnation—it is a cure. He will save. That is the promise. Not He might. Not He’ll try. He will save His people from their sins. That means you, weary soul. You who are bound in patterns you hate but cannot break. You who feel disqualified by your past. You who have tried and failed, tried and failed again. His name still speaks. His mission still stands. His blood still flows. If you call upon the name of Jesus, if you confess and forsake your sin, you will not be turned away. The Savior has not grown weary. The cross has not lost its power.

And so, dear brothers and sisters, we must preach this name. Not a vague spirituality, not a moral improvement plan, but Jesus, the Savior of sinners. Let the church stop offering half-measures and start proclaiming the fullness of His deliverance. Let pastors not shy away from naming sin, nor from naming the only one who saves us from it. Let parents teach their children the gospel not as tradition, but as the rescue story of God. Let every believer, in word and in deed, bear witness to the name that saves.

There is no name higher. No name heavier with mercy. No name more opposed by the powers of darkness, and no name more adored in heaven. He is the desire of nations and the stumbling block of the proud. He is the cornerstone and the sword of truth. And He is the friend of sinners, who came not to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

So now, children of God, let us walk worthy of the name. Let us tremble at the mercy it declares. Let us preach it with boldness, bear it with honor, and cling to it with joy. For He who was born of the virgin, named by the angel, and crucified by sinners, is alive forevermore—and still saving His people from their sins.

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Almighty and Everlasting God,

You who dwell in unapproachable light, and yet draw near to us in mercy, we come before You with reverence and gratitude, stirred by the mystery of Your plan and the wonder of Your name. Before time began, You determined to redeem a people for Yourself—not by the strength of men nor the wisdom of this world, but through the sending of Your Son. And we remember the words of Your angel spoken to Joseph: “You shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

O Lord, how glorious is that name—Jesus, the name above every name, the name that holds the hope of all mankind. You did not leave us lost in our rebellion, nor forsake us in our filth. You came. You descended into our world, clothed in frail flesh, born of a virgin, born under the law, born into obscurity—yet full of glory. And You gave Him the name that is salvation itself: Jesus, Yeshua—God saves.

We call upon that name now—not as a religious word, not as a formula, but as our very lifeline. For we know that apart from Him, we are lost. Apart from Him, we are dead in sin. No effort of our own could cleanse the stain. No achievement could reverse our guilt. We were Your enemies, wandering far from the path of life. But You, O God, in Your mercy, appointed a Savior—not to condemn the world, but to save it. And You gave Him authority to do what no other could: to rescue us not only from the consequences of sin, but from sin itself.

Jesus, You are not a teacher only, though Your words bring life. You are not a healer only, though Your hands restore. You are the Savior, and that is our greatest need. Save us, Lord—not just from trouble, not just from pain, but from sin, that ancient curse, that inward poison, that deceiver of hearts. Save us from the sins we excuse. Save us from the pride we hide. Save us from bitterness, lust, envy, hatred, fear, idolatry, and the love of self. Save us from the sins we cannot shake, from the habits that have become chains, from the lies we have called truth.

Let not Your name be merely on our lips—let it be the banner over our lives. Let the salvation You bring be more than comfort; let it be transformation. Let it reach not just our behavior, but our nature. Let the power of Your Spirit so work in us that sin loses its grip and righteousness becomes our joy. Tear down every false refuge. Strip away every mask. Let the cross be our boast and the empty tomb our assurance.

Lord Jesus, You said You would save Your people. And so we come as those who belong to You—not by merit, but by mercy. We are Yours, purchased with Your blood, marked by Your Spirit. Save us afresh today. Save us from spiritual apathy. Save us from superficial religion. Save us from depending on ourselves, from performing without presence, from speaking truth without living it. Deliver us from a form of godliness that denies Your power. Let us not be found as those who honor You with lips while hearts remain far off. Draw us close, even when it costs us comfort. Purify us, even when it breaks our pride.

And as You save us, O Lord, give us hearts that burn for the salvation of others. Let us not hoard the treasure of Your name. Let the power of Your gospel spill from our lives into the streets, into our families, into every nation. Let us not only rejoice that You save—we ask that You send us as witnesses. Fill our mouths with truth, our eyes with tears, and our hands with compassion. Let the Church arise not in its own strength, but in the strength of the One who saves.

Father, we bless You for the name of Jesus. Let it be a fortress for the weary, a song for the broken, a sword for the battle, and a seal upon our hearts. Let it be hallowed in our homes, honored in our worship, and lifted high in every season of life. We pray for those who have never known Him—open their eyes, O Lord. For those who have wandered—draw them home. For those who are weighed down in guilt—speak again the power of forgiveness.

And when all is said and done, when the kingdoms of this world have fallen, when every tongue confesses and every knee bows, let it be known that You were faithful. You did what You said: You saved Your people from their sins. And we will cast our crowns at Your feet and cry, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain.”

In the name of Jesus, the only name given under heaven by which we must be saved, we pray. Amen.