Q: I am in need of an answer for our bible study as to what the difference is between "Jesus" and "Immanuel". We've already researched the Greek origins of both, only to find that they mean very separate things. Please help.

A:The name Jesus means “Saviour” and comes from the Hebrew name, Joshua (“Jehovah is salvation”). There were many Jewish boys with the name Joshua (or, in the Greek, Jesus); but Mary’s Boy was called “Jesus the Christ.” The word Christ means “anointed”; it is the Greek equivalent of Messiah. He is “Jesus the Messiah.”

Jesus is His human name; Christ is His official title; and Immanuel describes who He is—“God with us.” Jesus Christ is God! We find this name “Immanuel” in Isaiah 7:14 and 8:8. Matthew is pointing out fulfillments of Old Testament prophecies.

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