Paragraph 1:22–23

Verses 1:22–23 interrupt the story of Mary and Joseph to give us some background information. This background information shows that an Old Testament prophecy was fulfilled. It is not part of what the angel said to Joseph.

1:22

Verse 1:22 begins the background information. If you have a word or phrase to introduce background information, you may want to use it here.

All this took place: The clause All this took place refers to the all the events that happened in 1:18–21.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

This all happened
-or-
All these events occurred

to fulfill: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates here as to fulfill means “in order to make come true.” For example:

in order to make come true (Good News Translation)
-or-
to bring about (New Century Version)

what the Lord had said through the prophet: The phrase what the Lord had said through the prophet refers to the words/message that the Lord God told the prophet Isaiah to tell the people. Isaiah then spoke these words to the people. He also wrote them down.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

the Lord’s message through his prophet: (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
the message that the Lord ⌊God⌋ spoke through the prophet. He said,
-or-
the words that the Lord told the prophet to say to the people. He said,

prophet: A prophet is a person who spoke on behalf of God. He told people what God revealed to him. A prophet is someone who has had direct communication from God.

It has a different meaning than either “angel,” “preacher” or “apostle.” See prophet in the Glossary for further information. Some ways to translate prophet are:

• Use the word that has the same meaning as prophet in your language.

• Use a descriptive phrase. For example:

spokesman for God
-or-
one who speaks God’s message
-or-
one who brings words from God

• Borrow a loanword from a major language.

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