Emmanuel
/ɪˈmænjuəl/
noun
Origin
Hebrew
עִם (ʿim) + אֵל (ʾēl) — with + God
Overview
Meaning Now
- A masculine given name derived from Hebrew, meaning 'God is with us'.
- In Christian theology, a name applied to the Messiah (Jesus Christ).
Literal older meaning
God is with us
Language path
Hebrew → Greek → Latin → English
Earliest form
עִמָּנוּאֵל (ʿImmānūʾēl)
Earliest period
8th century BCE
Journey
The name appears in the book of Isaiah as a sign given to King Ahaz. In the Christian tradition, it is interpreted as a prophecy concerning the birth of Jesus Christ, making it a common theological motif in hymns and Christmas carols.
Evolution
- Biblical Hebrew
עִמָּנוּאֵל
“God is with us”
- Koine Greek
Ἐμμανουήλ
“God is with us”
Used in the Septuagint and the New Testament.
- Late Latin
Emmanuel
“God is with us”
Used in Vulgate and liturgical contexts.
- Old English/Middle English
Emmanuel
“God is with us”
Connections
Word parts
עִם (ʿim)
root
with
אֵל (ʾēl)
root
God
Related across languages
French
Emmanuel
Spanish
Manuel
Manuel
Explore next
Related to Emmanuel
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.