30 Important old testament bible verses about jesus’ birth (With Explanation)

Today we will talk about old testament bible verses about jesus’ birth. Many Christians do not know what this means. Be on the mode of meditation as we read through God’s word. In these pages we will listen together for the whispers of promise, the pictures of hope, and the steady thread that points forward to the coming of the Messiah. We will look at Old Testament passages that the New Testament later shows to be about Jesus’ coming — his origin, his line, his mission, and the joy he brings to the world. As we read, let us keep our hearts soft and our minds ready to receive wisdom. We will pray silently and reflect, and we will notice how these ancient words work like a map leading to Bethlehem, to a child, and to God with us. Let us read slowly, ask questions, and encourage one another. We are exploring old testament bible verses about jesus’ birth to strengthen our faith and to learn how God prepared the world for the Savior. We will walk together through prophecy, promise, and picture, trusting that the Spirit will guide our understanding and warm our hearts.

Isaiah 7:14

“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. – Isaiah 7:14

old testament bible verses about jesus’ birth

The Prophecy of the Virgin and “God With Us”

In our reading of old testament bible verses about jesus’ birth, we find a striking promise: a child would be given and called Immanuel — God with us. As we study these words together, we notice how the Old Testament speaks in images and signs that both comfort and challenge us. The prophecy about a young woman conceiving points us to a birth that will be unusual and holy. We, as a community of readers, pay attention not only to the immediate meaning in Isaiah’s time but to the larger thread that runs forward. When we say “God with us,” we mean the arrival of God’s presence in a way people could see and touch — through a human life. These passages invite us to see how God bends ordinary history toward a sacred moment. We approach these verses with humble curiosity. We ask: How did people then expect God to act? How does the image of a child change the way we look at power and promise? We remember that prophecy often functions as a lamp rather than a full map — it gives light on a path we are to trust. When we read old testament bible verses about jesus’ birth together, we receive an invitation to hope: that God would come near in surprising and tender ways. This prophecy challenges our expectations of how God works — not by dazzling displays alone, but through a child’s vulnerability and the name Immanuel that promises presence and closeness.

Isaiah 7:14

“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. – Isaiah 7:14

Isaiah 9:6

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:6

Isaiah 66:7

“Before she travailed, she brought forth; before her pain came, she was delivered of a man child. – Isaiah 66:7

Isaiah 9:7

“Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. – Isaiah 9:7

Isaiah 42:1

“Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. – Isaiah 42:1

Birthplace: Bethlehem and the Line of Judah

As we gather around old testament bible verses about jesus’ birth, we notice that the place of birth itself was foretold. Bethlehem, a small town with deep ties to David, becomes the signpost in prophecy that points to a new beginning. When we read passages that name this place, we feel how God often uses small, humble settings to start great things. We, together, remember how the promise to Abraham and the line of Judah set a pattern: blessing flows through family, land, and lineage. The prophets remind us that God’s way often passes through the ordinary — a town, a family, a child. This helps us see that God’s plan can distinguish one small town as a moment of world-changing significance. We also recognize sorrow mixed in with promise: the reference to Rachel weeping shows that birth and hope can arise amid grief. As we study these old testament bible verses about jesus’ birth, we keep in mind how God connects people and places across generations. That connection reassures us: God is patient and purpose-driven. We worship a God who plans through history and chooses gentle things — like Bethlehem — to bring forth salvation for many.

Micah 5:2

“But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. – Micah 5:2

Genesis 49:10

“The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be. – Genesis 49:10

Numbers 24:17

“I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth. – Numbers 24:17

Jeremiah 31:15

“Thus saith the LORD; Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears: for thy work shall be rewarded, saith the LORD; and they shall come again from the land of the enemy. – Jeremiah 31:15

Psalm 72:17

“His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and men shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed. – Psalm 72:17

The Davidic Line: Roots and Royal Promises

When we study old testament bible verses about jesus’ birth, we see God tying the future king to David’s line again and again. We, together, notice that this is not merely family trivia; it is God’s plan to place the promised ruler in a specific royal context so that the people would recognize continuity and hope. The prophets speak of a shoot from Jesse, of a righteous branch rising, and of a ruler who will bring justice. As we read these passages, we feel the weight of promise stretching across centuries — from Samuel anointing David to prophets naming a coming king. We are reminded that God works through ordinary families, through history’s ups and downs, to bring about redemption. The Davidic promise comforts us because it ties God’s future work to a familiar lineage: God keeps covenant and remembers his word. When we read these old testament bible verses about jesus’ birth, we also see how God’s kingship is meant for the whole world — not just one nation. We find assurance that the ruler God sends will be rooted in human history and yet raised by divine purpose. This helps us trust that God’s plans are both personal and universal.

Isaiah 11:1

“And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots. – Isaiah 11:1

Jeremiah 23:5

“Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. – Jeremiah 23:5

Jeremiah 33:14

“Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will perform that good thing which I have promised unto the house of Israel and to the house of Judah. – Jeremiah 33:14

Psalm 89:3

“I have made a covenant with my chosen, I have sworn unto David my servant, – Psalm 89:3

Ezekiel 34:23

“And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd. – Ezekiel 34:23

Names and Heavenly Roles: What the Prophets Call Him

As we read old testament bible verses about jesus’ birth, we learn the many names and roles assigned to the coming one. We read of Son, King, Priest, and Servant in phrases that paint a broad picture. When we read these titles, we, together, recognize that each name tells part of the story: the Son as one beloved by the Father, the King who will reign in justice, the Priest who has an eternal order, and the One who will act on behalf of all people. The Old Testament uses royal and priestly language to show that this child would hold a unique place. We take comfort in the way the Bible blends roles — showing how the promised one will rule and serve, judge and save. These verses prepare our hearts to see a Messiah who is not limited to a single function but who brings salvation in many forms. By holding these titles together in our minds, we can better appreciate the depth of God’s plan. We keep these names close as we read the story of Jesus’ birth in the New Testament and recognize the continuity between promise and fulfillment. This gives us confidence that God’s words are connected across time and that the child born will be exactly who the prophets described.

Psalm 2:7

“I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. – Psalm 2:7

Psalm 110:1

“The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. – Psalm 110:1

Daniel 7:13

“I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. – Daniel 7:13

Psalm 45:6

“Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre. – Psalm 45:6

Psalm 110:4

“The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. – Psalm 110:4

Early Promises: The Seed and the Promise of a Redeemer

We turn to the earliest of old testament bible verses about jesus’ birth and find seeds of hope planted after the first fall. When we read the words that promise enmity between the seed of the woman and the serpent, we, together, trace a line of divine intent from the garden forward. The voice of promise does not stop at brokenness; it reaches into history and declares rescue. As we study the law and the prophets, we hear promises of a prophet like Moses, and we read of a Redeemer who will stand for the people. These early promises teach us patience: God’s plan unfolds slowly but surely. We are comforted that God speaks in ways we can follow over generations. We also find in these verses a reminder that God’s redemption answers the problem of sin at its root. When we read these old testament bible verses about jesus’ birth, we do not read only about a child; we read about the beginning of God’s remedy for a wounded world. These passages give us hope that God has not abandoned us, and that the promised seed will bring restoration that echoes across all the earth.

Genesis 3:15

“And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. – Genesis 3:15

Deuteronomy 18:15

“The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken; – Deuteronomy 18:15

Deuteronomy 18:18

“I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. – Deuteronomy 18:18

Job 19:25

“For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: – Job 19:25

Amos 9:11

“In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old: – Amos 9:11

Preparing the Way: Messengers and Announcements

When we read old testament bible verses about jesus’ birth, we see a pattern of preparation. The prophets speak of a voice crying in the wilderness, messengers who clear the way, and a forerunner to call people to readiness. As a community, we notice how God prepares hearts before the big event happens. We, together, hear the call to repair what is broken so that the arrival will be met with open hands. These passages tell us that God’s coming is not sudden in the sense of being unannounced; rather, it is heralded, anticipated, and longed for. This idea comforts us because it shows God’s patience and order. We also learn that preparation involves repentance and humility — inner work that makes room for grace. Reading these old testament bible verses about jesus’ birth shows that God invites people to participate: to listen, to prepare, and to welcome. The prophetic calls ask us to be ready in heart as well as in mind, teaching us that waiting can be active and hopeful.

Isaiah 40:3

“The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. – Isaiah 40:3

Malachi 3:1

“Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts. – Malachi 3:1

Malachi 4:5

“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: – Malachi 4:5

Daniel 9:25

“Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. – Daniel 9:25

Haggai 2:6

“For thus saith the LORD of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land; – Haggai 2:6

The Suffering Servant: Foreshadowing His Life

We, as readers of old testament bible verses about jesus’ birth, also encounter passages that foreshadow suffering — descriptions of a servant who bears pain for others. These texts give us a fuller vision of who the promised child will become. We notice that birth and suffering are connected in God’s plan: the child who comes to save will also be wounded for our sake. When we read the Servant Songs and the Psalms of lament, we feel a deep compassion and we learn that redemption often comes through costly love. These verses help us prepare not only to celebrate a birth but also to understand the purpose behind it. We reflect together on how God sometimes chooses paths of humility and suffering to bring healing. This reshapes our expectations: the Messiah is a ruler, but the way he rules includes bearing pain to bring life to others. As we read these old testament bible verses about jesus’ birth, we hold both wonder and sorrow — and through both we find a hope that is rich and real.

Isaiah 53:1

“Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed? – Isaiah 53:1

Isaiah 53:4

“Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. – Isaiah 53:4

Isaiah 53:5

“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. – Isaiah 53:5

Psalm 22:1

“My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? – Psalm 22:1

Psalm 22:16

“For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. – Psalm 22:16

Joy, Light, and Salvation for the Nations

As we read old testament bible verses about jesus’ birth, we rejoice that the promise is not only for one people but for all nations. These verses speak of light rising, of nations coming, and of kings bringing tribute. We find a joyful vision: the child to be born will be a blessing that reaches beyond borders. We, together, note how the prophets widen the scope — what begins in a small town grows into a message for the whole world. This truth comforts us because it shows God’s heart for every person. The images of radiant light and gathered nations invite us to imagine a restored creation where peace spreads and justice flows. As we reflect on these passages, we feel encouraged to share the hope we have been given. Reading old testament bible verses about jesus’ birth reminds us that the incarnation carries global significance: a newborn who will one day draw many to God and bring healing across the earth.

Isaiah 60:1

“Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. – Isaiah 60:1

Isaiah 49:6

“I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth. – Isaiah 49:6

Zechariah 9:9

“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass. – Zechariah 9:9

Isaiah 62:11

“Behold, the LORD hath proclaimed unto the end of the world, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh; behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. – Isaiah 62:11

Zephaniah 3:15

“The LORD is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: the LORD will joy over thee, to see thee restored to himself as his bride. – Zephaniah 3:15

Divine Visitation: Signs, Longing, and the Spirit Poured Out

When we study old testament bible verses about jesus’ birth, we also see promises of God’s presence and signs that point to a time of deep turning. The prophets speak of a time when God will pour out his spirit, when people will look on one they have pierced, and when families will turn back. We, together, are moved by these images of visitation. They tell us that the birth of the promised child is tied to a greater work of God’s heart among people. The references to looking, turning, and being gathered show us the emotional and spiritual depth of what is promised. We notice how God’s coming is both an event and a movement: personal transformation plus corporate restoration. These passages encourage us to expect God—not in distant thunder alone but in a gentler, persistent drawing of people toward himself. Reading old testament bible verses about jesus’ birth in this light invites us to pray for a renewed openness to God’s work among us and in our time.

Zechariah 12:10

“And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, – Zechariah 12:10

Hosea 11:1

“When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt. – Hosea 11:1

Hosea 3:5

“Afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek the LORD their God, and David their king; and shall fear the LORD and his goodness in the latter days. – Hosea 3:5

Zechariah 3:8

“Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, thou, and thy fellows that sit before thee: for they are men wondered at: for, behold, I will bring forth my servant the BRANCH. – Zechariah 3:8

Zechariah 6:12

“And speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Behold the man whose name is The BRANCH; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the LORD: – Zechariah 6:12

Final Thoughts

I have enjoyed walking with you through these old testament bible verses about jesus’ birth. We have seen prophecies of a child, signs of a ruler from David’s line, and pictures of a servant who would carry our sorrows. We have read of preparation, of the place of birth, and of the promise that God would come near as Immanuel.

We have learned together that the Old Testament prepares the heart: its words are like a lamp guiding us toward the moment of fulfillment. As we move from prophecy to fulfillment, we can trust that God works through history, through families, and through humble places to bring healing and hope to the world.

Let us keep these verses in our hearts, share them gently with others, and keep watching for the good work God continues to do. May we be people who welcome God’s presence, who prepare the way in our own lives, and who hold fast to the promise that God is with us. Amen.

Further Reading

30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)

30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)

30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)

30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)

4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4