Graphic Definition of Emmanuel

Emmanuel, Immanuel - The name of Jesus Christ when prophesized as the Messiah.

Emmanuel and Immanuel are two spellings of the same name, both meaning “God is with us.” The difference in spelling comes from translation: Immanuel reflects the original Hebrew form עִמָּנוּאֵל (ʿImmanuʾel), while Emmanuel is the Greek and Latin rendering that carried into English and other European languages.

The name first appears in the Book of Isaiah (7:14), where it is given as a sign that God would protect the House of David. Later, in the Gospel of Matthew (1:22–23), the prophecy is interpreted as being fulfilled in the birth of Jesus Christ, making Emmanuel/Immanuel a central title in Christian theology. The word itself is built from two Hebrew roots: ʿim (“with”) and El (“God”), forming the phrase “God is with us.” Over time, the name spread widely across cultures, appearing in variations such as Manuel in Spanish and Portuguese.

In Christian tradition, Emmanuel is more than a name—it is a declaration of divine presence. During Advent and Christmas, hymns like O Come, O Come, Emmanuel emphasize the hope and comfort that God is not distant but intimately involved in human life. In Jewish tradition, however, the name is seen more as a symbolic sign rather than a messianic prophecy. Thus, Emmanuel/Immanuel bridges linguistic, cultural, and theological contexts, carrying profound meaning across centuries.