Justin Martyr's Exegesis of Isaiah 7:14 on the Virgin Birth of Christ
JUSTIN MARTYR ON ISAIAH 7:14 🔗
Justin Martyr's exegesis of Isaiah 7:14 in his dialogue with Trypho the Jew focuses on the prophecy of the virgin birth of the Messiah, contrasting interpretations between Jewish and Christian perspectives. He argues that the term "parthenos" (virgin) used in the Septuagint is more accurate than "neanis" (young woman), which some Jews interpret as referring to Hezekiah. Justin defends the idea that Jesus' miraculous birth was foretold by Isaiah and counters claims that it resembles pagan myths. He emphasizes that this prophecy uniquely pertains to Christ, asserting that no one else in the lineage of Abraham was born of a virgin. Justin also discusses the fulfillment of other Old Testament prophecies related to Jesus, illustrating the significance of his birth and its divine nature.
- Justin argues that the virgin birth of Christ is a unique fulfillment of prophecy.
- He refutes Trypho's claims that Isaiah's prophecy refers to Hezekiah.
- Justin highlights the differences in interpretations of key terms in the prophecy between Jewish and Christian texts.
What is the main argument presented by Justin Martyr regarding Isaiah 7:14?
Justin argues that Isaiah 7:14 prophesies the virgin birth of Christ, asserting that the term "parthenos" (virgin) is more accurate than "neanis" (young woman), which he claims misinterprets the prophecy.
How does Justin counter the comparison between Jesus and pagan myths?
Justin refutes the objection that Jesus' virgin birth is similar to pagan myths by emphasizing the unique fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah, asserting that no one else from Abraham's lineage was born of a virgin.
What does Justin say about the significance of Jesus' birth?
He states that Jesus' miraculous birth from a virgin is a divine sign that fulfills prophetic scripture, highlighting its importance for understanding the nature of Christ as the Messiah.