How was Jesus called by the name Immanuel if that wasn't His name?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Immanuel, meaning “God with us,” was not Jesus’ actual name but a title describing His role as the Messiah who came to live among humanity. Isaiah’s prophecy foretold this, emphasizing that the Messiah would be God in human form. Although Jesus was given the name “Jesus” by divine command because He would save His people from their sins, He still fulfilled the role of Immanuel, God with us. The New Testament confirms that Jesus fulfilled this prophecy by becoming flesh and dwelling with us, embodying God’s presence on earth. Paul’s teachings highlight Jesus’ humility in taking human form and sacrificing Himself for humanity. This truth encourages us to trust in Jesus as a close, compassionate God who walks with us daily and calls us to live in His love and humility.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Isaiah 7:14 predicted, "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." The name Immanuel means "God with us." The prediction by Isaiah was in reference to who the Messiah would be, not necessarily what He would be physically named. Jesus came to live as God in human form.
• Immanuel was only one of many names used in reference to Jesus. In fact, Isaiah 9:6 also taught, "his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Each of these names reveals important information regarding the nature and work of the Messiah. However, Jesus was not called these names during His earthly life. He was simply known as Jesus.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Matthew 1:22–23 confirms that the birth of Jesus fulfilled the Isaiah 7:14 prophecy, stating, "All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 'Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel' (which means, God with us)." Some have wondered why Jesus was not named Immanuel instead.
• The angel who appeared to Mary commanded her to name Him Jesus, not Immanuel: "you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus" (Luke 1:31). An angel also appeared to Joseph, saying, "She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21). This dream was noted as a fulfillment of the name Immanuel as predicted by Isaiah (Matthew 1:22–24).
• The title and prediction of Immanuel served as an important part of Jesus' coming. John 1:14 teaches, "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us." Jesus (the Word, who is God; see John 1:1) took on human form and lived among people, just as the meaning of the title Immanuel indicates.
• The apostle Paul used this profound characteristic of Jesus to teach early believers as well. In Philippians 2:5–8 we read, "Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

The truth that Jesus is called Immanuel—“God with us”—though not His given name, reminds us that Jesus is not distant or aloof; instead, God Himself entered our human experience fully, sharing in our joys, struggles, and sufferings. Knowing that God chose to be with us in the flesh means we never face life alone. This invites us to approach Jesus not only as our Savior but as a present, compassionate friend who understands our weaknesses and walks alongside us every day.

Recognizing Jesus as Immanuel also challenges us to reflect His presence to others. If God is truly with us, then our lives should radiate His love, humility, and service. We are called to embody the same self-emptying mindset Jesus showed by becoming human and serving others sacrificially. This assurance that God is with us empowers us to face fear, loneliness, and hardship with confidence and hope. We can trust that the God who lived among us is always near, guiding and strengthening us.

UNDERSTAND

• Immanuel means "God with us" and describes Jesus’ role, not His given name.
• Jesus was named to fulfill His mission to save, fulfilling the Immanuel prophecy by living among us.
• Jesus’ incarnation shows God’s closeness and calls us to trust Him and reflect His love.

REFLECT

• How does knowing Jesus is “God with us” affect the way you experience His presence?
• How can you embrace Jesus’ humility as an example in your relationships and in your life’s challenges?
• How does the truth of Jesus living among us impact your understanding of God’s love and compassion toward you?

ENGAGE

• How does the title “Immanuel” deepen our understanding of Jesus’ mission beyond His given name?
• In what practical ways can we reflect the presence of “God with us” in how we live and serve others?
• How does Jesus’ incarnation challenge common perceptions of God’s distance? How can we share His closeness with others?