Classic: Virgin or “Young Woman”? Did Matthew Misquote Isaiah?

Every Christmas we hear the familiar words read in church. Matthew chapter 1, quoting the prophet Isaiah: “The virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel.” But critics argue there’s a serious problem. They say Isaiah wasn’t talking about a virgin at all—and that Matthew misused the prophecy. If that’s true, does it undermine the virgin birth? And does it put the credibility of the first Christmas at risk? In this classic Unbelievable? discussion, theology lecturer Alistair McKitterick of Moorlands College explains why Matthew’s use of Isaiah is deliberate and theologically grounded, not a mistake. Challenging him is atheist sceptic Robert Stovold, who argues that the nativity story is a later invention by the gospel writers rather than a historical event. Is Christmas built on a mistranslation—or a deeper reading of Scripture? SOCIAL LINKS Twitter: https://twitter.com/unbelievablefe Facebook: / https://facebook.com/premierunbelievable Instagram: / https://instagram.com/premierunbelievable Tik Tok: / https://tiktok.com/@premier.unbelievable 👉 Get bonus content, updates, fascinating articles, and early access to new episodes—absolutely free! Join now at www.premierunbelievable.com 🎉📢 • Subscribe to the Unbelievable? podcast: https://pod.link/267142101 • More shows, free eBook & newsletter: https://premierunbelievable.com • For live events: http://www.unbelievable.live • For online learning: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training • Support us in the USA: http://www.premierinsight.org/unbelievableshow • Support us in the rest of the world: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/donate