Chapter 1. —In the first seventeen verses of this chapter we need observe only, that the Revisors have given us, as far as possible, the Hebrew forms of proper names instead of the Greek forms, which we find in the Authorized Version. This is an unquestionable improvement, for the imperfections of the Greek Alphabet often render Hebrew names unrecognizable, and many persons would no doubt fail to identify “Abia” and “Ozias” with the Abijah and Uzziah of the Old Testament.
1:21. — “It is he that shall save his people from their sins.” This alteration makes the passage far clearer and more forcible. It is evident these words of the angel were equivalent to saying that Jesus was to be the Savior of Israel, so often promised in the Prophets and in the Psalms.
1:22. — “Through the Prophet.” This translation is here substituted for “by the prophet.” It shows more distinctly that the Prophets were merely instruments employed by God to utter His words. (2 Peter 1:2121For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (2 Peter 1:21).)
1:23. — “The virgin;” as the definite article is present both in the Greek Text, and in the Hebrew, (Isaiah 7:1414Therefore 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)), it is somewhat strange that it should be omitted in the Authorized Version.
1:25. —In this verse the Revisers substitute “a son” for “her first-born son,” following the Vatican manuscript, and the Codex Dublinensis. Both the Codex Ephraemi and Beza have “her first-born son.”