Who was Esaias?
Esaias is the Greek form of the name Isaiah, the great Old Testament prophet. The name “Esaias” (Ἠσαΐας in Greek) appears frequently in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospel of Matthew, as part of citations and fulfillments of Old Testament prophecy. The Hebrew form of the name is Yeshayahu (יְשַׁעְיָהוּ), meaning “Yahweh is salvation” or “The LORD saves.”
Esaias (Isaiah) is referenced in Matthew 4:14, where Matthew records the fulfillment of prophecy concerning Jesus’ ministry in Galilee:
“to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah [Esaias]:
‘Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—
the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.’”
(Matthew 4:14-16, quoting Isaiah 9:1-2)
This direct quotation of Isaiah‘s words testifies to the enduring relevance and authority of the prophetic Scriptures. Esaias was not a separate figure from Isaiah, but rather the same prophet, recognized in Greek-speaking Jewish and Christian communities and cited by Jesus and the apostles.
Esaias in the Bible
The prophet Isaiah, or Esaias, lived in the 8th century B.C. and ministered primarily in Judah during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (Isaiah 1:1). He is considered one of the greatest writing prophets, contributing the 66-chapter book of Isaiah, rich in theology, history, and prophecy.
In the New Testament, Esaias is mentioned 21 times, more than any other Old Testament prophet. His words are cited to affirm key truths about Jesus Christ—His virgin birth (Matthew 1:22-23; Isaiah 7:14), His forerunner John the Baptist (Matthew 3:3; Isaiah 40:3), His healing ministry (Matthew 8:17; Isaiah 53:4), and His rejection and suffering (John 12:38-41; Isaiah 53:1-3).
The Prophecy in Matthew 4
Matthew 4:14-16 references Isaiah 9:1-2, a prophecy given during a time of national distress in Israel. The northern tribes—Zebulun and Naphtali—were among the first to suffer under the Assyrian invasion. Yet Isaiah prophesied that a great light would dawn in that very region. When Jesus began His ministry in Galilee of the Gentiles, preaching repentance and healing the sick, this prophecy was fulfilled in a profound and literal way.
For Matthew, citing Esaias is not merely literary. It is a declaration that Jesus is the promised Messiah, and that His arrival brings light to a people walking in darkness—a direct fulfillment of ancient prophecy.
What It Means for Today’s Christians
The frequent citation of Esaias in the New Testament underscores the unity and continuity of Scripture. The Old Testament is not a closed book; rather, it is the foundation upon which the New Testament rests. Christians today are reminded through the words of Esaias that God’s promises never fail. The God who declared His salvation centuries before Christ is the same God who sent His Son at the right time.
The prophecy quoted in Matthew 4 also speaks to the universal scope of the gospel. Galilee, a place of mixed populations and cultures, was not a prestigious region, but it was where the Savior chose to begin His public ministry. This highlights God‘s mercy in reaching the outcast and marginalized—an encouraging truth for all believers.
Connection to Jesus and the Gospel
Esaias’ prophecies are Christ-centered, pointing repeatedly to the coming Servant of the Lord, who would be born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14), be called Wonderful Counselor (Isaiah 9:6), suffer for our sins (Isaiah 53), and reign forever (Isaiah 11).
When Matthew quotes Esaias in chapter 4, he shows Jesus fulfilling Isaiah 9:1-2. Jesus is the Light of the World (John 8:12) who has come to dispel the darkness of sin, ignorance, and death. The fulfillment of Isaiah’s words in the person and work of Jesus is a direct testimony to God’s redemptive plan.
Broader Biblical Themes
1. Fulfillment of Prophecy
The use of Esaias highlights the New Testament’s theme of fulfillment. Jesus did not come to abolish the Law and the Prophets but to fulfill them (Matthew 5:17).
2. Light vs. Darkness
Esaias’ prophecy about a great light dawning in darkness reflects a common biblical theme. Jesus’ ministry shines divine truth into a world darkened by sin (John 1:4-5).
3. God’s Sovereign Plan
The sovereign orchestration of history to bring about the fulfillment of prophecy demonstrates God’s control over time and nations (Isaiah 46:9-10).
4. Hope for the Nations
Galilee of the Gentiles symbolizes the inclusion of all peoples. Esaias often speaks of salvation for all nations, not just Israel (Isaiah 49:6; 56:6-8).
Reflection Questions
- How does the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy in Matthew 4 strengthen your confidence in the reliability of Scripture?
- What does it mean for you personally that Jesus began His ministry in a region of “darkness” and brought light?
- In what ways are you reflecting the “great light” of Jesus in a dark world?
- How does Esaias’ message encourage you to trust God’s plans, even when His promises seem delayed?
- Are you actively sharing the hope of salvation, knowing it was foretold centuries before and fulfilled perfectly in Christ?
Esaias stands as a witness to the unity of God‘s Word and the faithfulness of His redemptive plan through Christ. His prophecies are not distant echoes from the past but living words that find their yes and amen in Jesus (2 Corinthians 1:20).