Isaiah 7 14 Almah and Septuagint

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Isaiah 7:14 (“almah”) and the Septuagint

Sources note: This page aims to represent both Jewish and Christian views fairly. Where a claim describes a Jewish position, it should be supported by Jewish sources (Tanakh, rabbinic texts, or mainstream Jewish explanations). Where a claim describes a Christian position, it should be supported by Christian sources (New Testament, early church, or scholarly references).

The debate in one sentence

Isaiah 7:14 is disputed because Christians often read it as a virgin-birth prophecy (in part via the Greek Septuagint and Matthew), while Jewish interpreters generally read it in Isaiah’s immediate historical context (Ahaz) and contest the translation/meaning.

Key Hebrew term: “almah”

• “Almah” refers to a young woman of marriageable age; it does not explicitly mean “virgin” in every context (though it also does not exclude virginity).
• The Hebrew word that more directly means “virgin” is often identified as “betulah” (context still matters).

Septuagint factor

The Greek Septuagint renders the term with a Greek word often translated “virgin,” which becomes part of the Christian argument because Matthew cites it.

Common Jewish framing (summary)

• Isaiah 7 is addressing a specific historical crisis.
• The “sign” functions within that immediate context.
• Therefore, applying it directly to Jesus is a misreading/overreach.

Common Christian framing (summary)

• Isaiah has an immediate context and a deeper typological fulfillment.
• Matthew’s use is treated as authoritative for Christians.
• The Septuagint usage supports the Christian reading (debated).