Old Testament (Daniel 9:25, WEB):
“Know therefore and discern that from the going out of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem to the Anointed One, the prince, will be seven weeks, and sixty-two weeks...”

Fulfillment (Luke 2:1–7, WEB):
“Now in those days, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled... Joseph also went up from Galilee... to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem... and she gave birth to her firstborn son.”

Explanation:
Daniel’s prophecy accurately predicted the timing of the Messiah’s arrival. Jesus was born during the reign of Caesar Augustus, fulfilling this timeline.

Old Testament (Genesis 3:15, WEB):
“I will put hostility between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will bruise your head, and you will bruise his heel.”

Fulfillment (Galatians 4:4, WEB):
“But when the fullness of the time came, God sent out his Son, born to a woman, born under the law...”

Explanation:
This is the very first Messianic prophecy in the Bible. Jesus, born of a woman, ultimately defeats Satan—fulfilling this ancient promise.

Old Testament (Jeremiah 31:15, WEB):
“A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weeping, Rachel weeping for her children; she refuses to be comforted for her children, because they are no more.”

Fulfillment (Matthew 2:16–18, WEB):
“Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked by the wise men, was exceedingly angry, and sent out, and killed all the male children... Then that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled.”

Explanation:
The tragic massacre by Herod fulfills Jeremiah’s lament. Matthew connects the prophecy to this dark moment surrounding Jesus’ early life.

Old Testament (Hosea 11:1, WEB):
“When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.”

Fulfillment (Matthew 2:14–15, WEB):
“He arose and took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt, and was there until the death of Herod; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet...”

Explanation:
Though originally about Israel, Hosea’s verse finds prophetic fulfillment in Jesus being called out of Egypt after Herod’s death.

Old Testament (Isaiah 9:1–2, WEB):
“...by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light...”

Fulfillment (Matthew 4:12–16, WEB):
“He withdrew into Galilee... and dwelt in Capernaum... that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet.”

Explanation:
Jesus began His public ministry in Galilee, bringing spiritual light to a region once viewed as dark and insignificant.

Old Testament (Isaiah 11:1, WEB):
“A shoot will come out of the stock of Jesse, and a branch out of his roots will bear fruit.”

Fulfillment (Matthew 2:23, WEB):
“...and came and lived in a city called Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophets: ‘He will be called a Nazarene.’”

Explanation:
Though no single verse says “He shall be called a Nazarene,” the idea of a “branch” (Hebrew: *netzer*) aligns with Jesus’ humble identity and hometown.

Old Testament (Isaiah 40:3, WEB):
“The voice of one who calls out, ‘Prepare the way of Yahweh in the wilderness! Make a level highway in the desert for our God.’”

Fulfillment (Matthew 3:1–3, WEB):
“In those days, John the Baptizer came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea... For this is he who was spoken of by Isaiah the prophet...”

Explanation:
John the Baptist’s ministry of preparation and repentance directly fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy of a forerunner for the Messiah.

Old Testament (Isaiah 9:6, WEB):
“For a child is born to us... and his name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Fulfillment (John 1:1,14, WEB):
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God... The Word became flesh and lived among us...”

Explanation:
Isaiah identifies the Messiah as “Mighty God.” The apostle John confirms Jesus is the divine Word made flesh.

Old Testament (Isaiah 35:5–6, WEB):
“Then the eyes of the blind will be opened, and the ears of the deaf will be unstopped. Then the lame man will leap like a deer...”

Fulfillment (Matthew 11:4–5, WEB):
“Jesus answered them, ‘Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed...’”

Explanation:
Isaiah foretold the Messiah would perform healing miracles. Jesus lists these exact signs as proof of His identity.

Old Testament (Psalm 78:2, WEB):
“I will open my mouth in a parable. I will utter dark sayings of old...”

Fulfillment (Matthew 13:34–35, WEB):
“Jesus spoke all these things in parables to the multitudes... that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophet...”

Explanation:
Jesus’ frequent use of parables to teach spiritual truths was a direct fulfillment of Psalm 78.

Old Testament (Isaiah 53:3, WEB):
“He was despised, and rejected by men; a man of suffering, and acquainted with disease. He was despised as one from whom men hide their face; and we didn’t respect him.”

Fulfillment (John 1:11, WEB):
“He came to his own, and those who were his own didn’t receive him.”

Explanation:
Isaiah foresaw that the Messiah would be rejected. Jesus was largely rejected by the Jewish people, even as He fulfilled prophecy before their eyes.

Old Testament (Psalm 110:4, WEB):
“Yahweh has sworn, and will not change his mind: ‘You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.’”

Fulfillment (Hebrews 5:5–6, WEB):
“So also Christ didn’t glorify himself to be made a high priest, but it was he who said to him, ‘You are my Son. Today I have become your father.’... ‘You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.’”

Explanation:
Jesus serves as both priest and king, uniquely fulfilling this eternal priesthood foretold in Psalm 110.

Old Testament (Zechariah 9:9, WEB):
“Rejoice greatly, daughter of Zion! Shout, daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King comes to you! He is righteous, and having salvation; lowly, and riding on a donkey...”

Fulfillment (Matthew 21:7–9, WEB):
“...they brought the donkey and the colt... and he sat on them. The multitudes... shouted, ‘Hosanna to the son of David!’”

Explanation:
Jesus fulfilled this prophecy precisely by riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, welcomed as a king.

Old Testament (Psalm 41:9, WEB):
“Yes, my own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, who ate bread with me, has lifted up his heel against me.”

Fulfillment (Luke 22:47–48, WEB):
“While he was still speaking, behold, a multitude, and he who was called Judas... drew near to Jesus to kiss him. But Jesus said to him, ‘Judas, do you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?’”

Explanation:
David’s psalm speaks prophetically of betrayal by a close companion—fulfilled in Judas Iscariot’s infamous act.

Old Testament (Zechariah 11:12–13, WEB):
“So they weighed for my wages thirty pieces of silver... Yahweh said to me, ‘Throw it to the potter’...”

Fulfillment (Matthew 26:14–15, WEB):
“Then one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests, and said, ‘What are you willing to give me, that I should deliver him to you?’ They weighed out for him thirty pieces of silver.”

Explanation:
Judas fulfilled this prophecy to the letter, receiving the exact amount and later throwing it into the temple before it ended up with a potter.

Old Testament (Isaiah 53:7, WEB):
“He was oppressed, yet when he was afflicted he didn’t open his mouth. As a lamb that is led to the slaughter... so he didn’t open his mouth.”

Fulfillment (Matthew 27:12–14, WEB):
“When he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing... and he gave him no answer, not even one word.”

Explanation:
In His trial, Jesus fulfilled this prophecy by remaining silent in the face of false accusations, just like the suffering servant in Isaiah.

Old Testament (Isaiah 50:6, WEB):
“I gave my back to those who beat me, and my cheeks to those who plucked off the hair. I didn’t hide my face from shame and spitting.”

Fulfillment (Matthew 26:67, WEB):
“Then they spat in his face and beat him with their fists, and some slapped him...”

Explanation:
Isaiah prophesied the physical abuse the Messiah would suffer. Jesus endured this humiliation at the hands of the Sanhedrin.

Old Testament (Psalm 35:19, WEB):
“Don’t let those who are my enemies wrongfully rejoice over me; neither let those who hate me without a cause wink their eyes.”

Fulfillment (John 15:24–25, WEB):
“But now they have seen and also hated both me and my Father. But this happened so that the word may be fulfilled... ‘They hated me without a cause.’”

Explanation:
Jesus quotes this psalm to show that the unjust hatred He received was part of the prophetic record.

Old Testament (Isaiah 53:12, WEB):
“...He was counted with transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.”

Fulfillment (Mark 15:27–28, WEB):
“With him they crucified two robbers... The Scripture was fulfilled, which says, ‘He was counted with transgressors.’”

Explanation:
Jesus was executed between two criminals, fulfilling Isaiah’s vision of the suffering servant who bore guilt not His own.

Old Testament (Psalm 22:16, WEB):
“For dogs have surrounded me. A company of evildoers have enclosed me. They have pierced my hands and feet.”

Fulfillment (John 20:25–27, WEB):
“...Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails... Then he said to Thomas, ‘Reach here your finger, and see my hands.’”

Explanation:
Centuries before crucifixion was invented, David described the piercing of the Messiah—fulfilled literally in Jesus’ death and resurrection appearance.

Old Testament (Psalm 22:7–8, WEB):
“All those who see me mock me. They insult me with their lips. They shake their heads, saying, ‘He trusts in Yahweh. Let him deliver him. Let him rescue him, since he delights in him.’”

Fulfillment (Matthew 27:39–43, WEB):
“Those who passed by blasphemed him... wagging their heads... ‘He trusts in God. Let God deliver him now, if he wants him...’”

Explanation:
The mockery Jesus endured on the cross echoes David’s words in Psalm 22, vividly fulfilled by His accusers.

Old Testament (Psalm 22:18, WEB):
“They divide my garments among them. They cast lots for my clothing.”

Fulfillment (John 19:23–24, WEB):
“Then the soldiers... took his outer garments and made four parts... but the tunic was without seam... They said, ‘Let’s not tear it, but cast lots for it.’”

Explanation:
Roman soldiers fulfilled this prophecy literally, unknowingly dividing and gambling for Jesus’ garments at the foot of the cross.

Old Testament (Psalm 69:21, WEB):
“They also gave me poison for my food. In my thirst, they gave me vinegar to drink.”

Fulfillment (Matthew 27:34, WEB):
“They gave him sour wine to drink mixed with gall. When he had tasted it, he would not drink.”

Explanation:
Jesus was offered vinegar (sour wine) as He hung on the cross, fulfilling David’s prophetic imagery.

Old Testament (Exodus 12:46 & Psalm 34:20, WEB):
“...you shall not break any of its bones.” (Exodus)
“He protects all of his bones. Not one of them is broken.” (Psalm)

Fulfillment (John 19:33–36, WEB):
“When they came to Jesus, and saw that he was already dead, they didn’t break his legs... For these things happened that the Scripture might be fulfilled...”

Explanation:
Though breaking legs was a common part of crucifixion, Jesus’ bones remained unbroken, in accordance with both Passover law and prophecy.

Old Testament (Zechariah 12:10, WEB):
“They will look to me whom they have pierced; and they shall mourn for him...”

Fulfillment (John 19:34–37, WEB):
“One of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear... ‘They will look on him whom they pierced.’”

Explanation:
John links Jesus’ side being pierced with Zechariah’s vision of mourning over the pierced one—fulfilled literally and spiritually.

Old Testament (Isaiah 53:9, WEB):
“They made his grave with the wicked, and with a rich man in his death...”

Fulfillment (Matthew 27:57–60, WEB):
“...there came a rich man from Arimathaea, named Joseph... and laid [Jesus] in his own new tomb.”

Explanation:
Though executed like a criminal, Jesus was buried in a wealthy man’s tomb, just as Isaiah foretold.

Old Testament (Psalm 16:10, WEB):
“For you will not leave my soul in Sheol, neither will you allow your holy one to see corruption.”

Fulfillment (Acts 2:29–31, WEB):
“David... looked ahead and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that his soul wasn’t left in Hades, and his flesh didn’t see decay.”

Explanation:
Peter explains that David’s psalm is a prophecy of Jesus’ resurrection—a promise God fulfilled on the third day.

Old Testament (Psalm 68:18, WEB):
“You have ascended on high. You have led away captives. You have received gifts among people...”

Fulfillment (Acts 1:9, WEB):
“When he had said these things... he was taken up, and a cloud received him out of their sight.”

Explanation:
Jesus’ bodily ascension fulfilled David’s prophecy of the victorious king ascending to heaven after accomplishing His mission.

Old Testament (Psalm 110:1, WEB):
“Yahweh says to my Lord, ‘Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool for your feet.’”

Fulfillment (Hebrews 1:3, WEB):
“...when he had by himself purified us of our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high...”

Explanation:
The exaltation of Christ to the right hand of God confirms this royal enthronement described by David in Psalm 110.

Old Testament (Isaiah 49:6, WEB):
“...I will also give you as a light to the nations, that you may be my salvation to the end of the earth.”

Fulfillment (Acts 13:46–47, WEB):
“Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly... ‘For so has the Lord commanded us, saying, “I have set you as a light for the Gentiles...”’”

Explanation:
Jesus is the fulfillment of Israel’s mission—a light to all peoples. His message reaches far beyond Jewish borders.

Old Testament (Jeremiah 31:31–34, WEB):
“Behold, the days come... that I will make a new covenant... I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their heart...”

Fulfillment (Luke 22:20, WEB):
“He took the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.’”

Explanation:
Jesus instituted the New Covenant at the Last Supper, fulfilling Jeremiah’s prophecy of a law written on hearts through His sacrifice.

Old Testament (Malachi 3:1, WEB):
“Behold, I send my messenger... and the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to his temple...”

Fulfillment (Luke 2:27–32, WEB):
“...the parents brought in the child, Jesus, that they might do concerning him according to the custom of the law... [Simeon said,] ‘My eyes have seen your salvation...’”

Explanation:
Jesus, even as an infant, entered the temple in fulfillment of Malachi’s word. Simeon recognized Him as the awaited Messiah.

Old Testament (Isaiah 61:1–2, WEB):
“The Lord Yahweh’s Spirit is on me... to preach good news to the humble, to bind up the brokenhearted...”

Fulfillment (Luke 4:17–21, WEB):
“He opened the book and found the place... ‘Today, this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.’”

Explanation:
Jesus read this passage aloud in the synagogue and declared it fulfilled in Him, showing His mission to heal and restore.

Old Testament (Isaiah 8:14, WEB):
“He will be a sanctuary, but for both houses of Israel, a stumbling stone...”

Fulfillment (Romans 9:32–33, WEB):
“They stumbled at the stumbling stone; even as it is written, ‘Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone...’”

Explanation:
Jesus became the dividing line between belief and unbelief. Paul confirms this prophecy’s fulfillment among Israel’s rejection.

Old Testament (Isaiah 9:2, WEB):
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Those who lived in the land of the shadow of death, on them the light has shined.”

Fulfillment (Matthew 4:16, WEB):
“...The people who sat in darkness saw a great light; to those who sat in the region and shadow of death, light has dawned.”

Explanation:
Jesus’ arrival and ministry brought hope to spiritually dark places, especially in Galilee, fulfilling Isaiah’s promise.

Old Testament (Psalm 118:22, WEB):
“The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.”

Fulfillment (Acts 4:10–11, WEB):
“Jesus Christ of Nazareth... is the stone which was regarded as worthless by you builders, which has become the head of the corner.”

Explanation:
Though rejected by Israel’s leaders, Jesus became the foundation of God’s redemptive plan.

Old Testament (Psalm 118:26, WEB):
“Blessed is he who comes in Yahweh’s name! We have blessed you out of Yahweh’s house.”

Fulfillment (Matthew 21:9, WEB):
“The multitudes... shouted, ‘Hosanna to the son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’”

Explanation:
The crowds’ praises on Palm Sunday echoed Psalm 118 as Jesus was welcomed into Jerusalem as the coming King.

Old Testament (Psalm 109:8, WEB):
“Let his days be few. Let another take his office.”

Fulfillment (Acts 1:20, WEB):
“For it is written in the book of Psalms, ‘Let his habitation be made desolate... and let another take his office.’”

Explanation:
After Judas’ betrayal and death, Peter applies this psalm in the selection of a new apostle, fulfilling Scripture.

Old Testament (Joel 2:28–29, WEB):
“I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh... your sons and your daughters will prophesy...”

Fulfillment (Acts 2:17–18, WEB):
“Peter stood up... ‘This is what has been spoken through the prophet Joel...’”

Explanation:
At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came upon believers, fulfilling Joel’s promise of a Spirit-empowered people.

Old Testament (Daniel 7:13–14, WEB):
“I saw in the night visions... one like a son of man came with the clouds of the sky... and dominion was given him...”

Fulfillment (Acts 1:9 & Revelation 5:6–13, WEB):
“He was taken up, and a cloud received him... Then I saw in the middle of the throne... a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain...”

Explanation:
Daniel’s vision of the exalted “Son of Man” coming to heaven was fulfilled in Jesus’ ascension and heavenly enthronement.

Old Testament (Isaiah 2:4, WEB):
“He will judge between the nations, and will decide concerning many peoples...”

Fulfillment (John 5:22–23, WEB):
“For the Father judges no one, but he has given all judgment to the Son...”

Explanation:
Jesus is appointed as the judge of all humanity, fulfilling Isaiah’s vision of divine judgment through the Messiah.

Old Testament (Ezekiel 34:23, WEB):
“I will set up one shepherd over them, and he will feed them: my servant David...”

Fulfillment (John 10:11, WEB):
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

Explanation:
Jesus identifies Himself as the shepherd foretold by Ezekiel—a ruler who protects and sacrifices for His flock.

Old Testament (Psalm 69:9, WEB):
“For the zeal of your house consumes me...”

Fulfillment (John 2:17, WEB):
“His disciples remembered that it was written, ‘Zeal for your house will eat me up.’”

Explanation:
When Jesus cleared the temple courts, His passion for God’s house fulfilled this psalm.

Old Testament (Deuteronomy 18:15, WEB):
“Yahweh your God will raise up to you a prophet from among you, like me...”

Fulfillment (Acts 3:20–22, WEB):
“...that he may send Jesus Christ... Moses indeed said to the fathers, ‘The Lord God will raise up a prophet for you from among your brothers, like me.’”

Explanation:
Jesus is the ultimate prophet Moses foresaw—one who speaks God’s truth and leads His people.

Old Testament (Psalm 78:2 & Isaiah 6:9–10, WEB):
“I will open my mouth in a parable...” (Psalm 78:2)
“Hear indeed, but don’t understand...” (Isaiah 6:9)

Fulfillment (Matthew 13:10–15, 34, WEB):
“Jesus spoke all these things in parables to the multitudes... ‘To you it is given to know the mysteries... but to them it is not given.’”

Explanation:
Jesus taught in parables, both to reveal and conceal truth—just as foretold in Psalms and Isaiah.

Old Testament (Isaiah 49:7, WEB):
“Yahweh... to him whom man despises, to him whom the nation abhors...”

Fulfillment (Luke 23:18–21, WEB):
“But they all cried out together, saying, ‘Away with this man! Release to us Barabbas!’”

Explanation:
Though the righteous One, Jesus was despised and rejected by His own people—just as Isaiah described.

Old Testament (Isaiah 53:5–6, WEB):
“He was pierced for our transgressions... Yahweh has laid on him the iniquity of us all.”

Fulfillment (1 Peter 2:24–25, WEB):
“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree... by his wounds you were healed.”

Explanation:
Isaiah’s powerful prophecy of substitutionary suffering is fully realized in Christ’s crucifixion.

Old Testament (Isaiah 53:12, WEB):
“...He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.”

Fulfillment (Luke 23:34, WEB):
“Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.’”

Explanation:
Jesus interceded even while on the cross, fulfilling Isaiah’s vision of the Messiah praying for sinners.

Old Testament (Hosea 6:2, WEB):
“After two days he will revive us. On the third day he will raise us up...”

Fulfillment (Luke 24:6–7, WEB):
“He isn’t here, but is risen. Remember what he told you... the third day rise again.”

Explanation:
Jesus rose from the dead on the third day, just as Hosea symbolically foretold.

Old Testament (Isaiah 52:13, WEB):
“Behold, my servant will deal wisely. He will be exalted and lifted up...”

Fulfillment (Philippians 2:9–11, WEB):
“Therefore God also highly exalted him... that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow...”

Explanation:
Jesus’ resurrection and glorification fulfill the exaltation of the Servant in Isaiah.

Old Testament (Leviticus 23:10–11, WEB):
“...you shall bring the sheaf of the first fruits of your harvest to the priest.”

Fulfillment (1 Corinthians 15:20, WEB):
“But now Christ has been raised from the dead. He became the first fruits of those who are asleep.”

Explanation:
Jesus rose on the Feast of Firstfruits, symbolizing the beginning of resurrection for all who believe.

Old Testament (Isaiah 44:3, WEB):
“I will pour water on him who is thirsty... I will pour my Spirit on your descendants...”

Fulfillment (Matthew 3:11, WEB):
“He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit and with fire.”

Explanation:
Jesus would give the Holy Spirit to believers, fulfilling God’s promise through Isaiah.

Old Testament (Isaiah 8:14, WEB):
“He will be a sanctuary, but for both houses of Israel, a stumbling stone...”

Fulfillment (1 Peter 2:7–8, WEB):
“The stone which the builders rejected... a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.”

Explanation:
Jesus would divide opinion—welcomed by some, rejected by others, as foretold by Isaiah and affirmed by Peter.

Old Testament (Daniel 7:13–14, WEB):
“...one like a son of man came with the clouds... and dominion was given him...”

Fulfillment (Matthew 24:30, WEB):
“They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory.”

Explanation:
Jesus spoke of His second coming in the same terms as Daniel’s vision—on clouds, with dominion and glory.

Old Testament (Daniel 2:44, WEB):
“...the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which will never be destroyed...”

Fulfillment (Luke 1:33, WEB):
“He will reign over the house of Jacob forever. There will be no end to his Kingdom.”

Explanation:
Jesus’ eternal reign fulfills Daniel’s prophecy of an indestructible, divine kingdom.