BIBLE VERSES IN OLD TESTAMENT ABOUT JESUS

Bible Verses in Old Testament About Jesus

The Old Testament and the New Testament are deeply connected in ways that many readers find fascinating. While the Old Testament was written centuries before Jesus was born, Christians believe it contains numerous prophecies, symbols, and foreshadowings pointing directly to Him.

From the very beginning in Genesis to the prophetic writings of Isaiah and Micah, the Old Testament lays the foundation for the coming of the Messiah. These passages not only strengthen faith but also reveal the consistency and unity of the Bible’s message.

In this post, we’ll explore key Old Testament Bible verses about Jesus, understand their meaning, and see how they connect to the life and mission of Christ.

1. The First Promise of a Savior (Genesis 3:15)

One of the earliest references to Jesus appears immediately after humanity’s fall into sin.

Genesis 3:15 – “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.”

Often called the Protoevangelium (the “first gospel”), this verse speaks of a future descendant of the woman who would defeat the serpent (Satan).

Why This Matters:

It predicts a coming Savior.
It points to Christ’s ultimate victory over sin and Satan.
It shows that God had a redemption plan from the beginning.

2. The Virgin Birth Foretold (Isaiah 7:14)

One of the clearest Old Testament prophecies about Jesus concerns His miraculous birth.

Isaiah 7:14 – “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.”

“Immanuel” means God with us, a name that perfectly describes Jesus.

Fulfillment in the New Testament:

Matthew 1:22–23 directly connects this prophecy to Jesus’ birth.

This verse underscores:

The divine nature of Christ
The miraculous virgin birth
God entering humanity in human form

3. The Messiah’s Birthplace (Micah 5:2)

The Old Testament even predicted where Jesus would be born.

Micah 5:2 – “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah… out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.”

Key Takeaways:

Jesus would be born in Bethlehem.
The prophecy hints at His eternal nature (“from everlasting”).
It reveals both His humanity (birthplace) and divinity (eternal origins).

Over 700 years later, Jesus was born in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:1), fulfilling this exact prophecy.

4. The Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53)

Isaiah 53 is often considered one of the most powerful Messianic prophecies in the Old Testament. It vividly describes the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus centuries before crucifixion was commonly practiced.

Isaiah 53:5 – “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.”

What This Chapter Reveals:

Jesus would suffer rejection.
He would bear the sins of many.
His suffering would bring healing and peace.
He would die and yet see the light of life (Isaiah 53:10–11).

This prophecy aligns remarkably with:

Jesus’ trial and crucifixion
His silence before His accusers
His sacrificial death

5. The Messiah as King (Jeremiah 23:5–6)

The Old Testament not only speaks of a suffering Savior but also of a reigning King.

Jeremiah 23:5 – “Behold, the days are coming… that I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness; A King shall reign and prosper.”

This prophecy promises:

A descendant from David’s line
A righteous ruler
A King who brings justice

Jesus fulfills this as:

The “Son of David” (Matthew 21:9)
The eternal King in the line of David

6. The Triumphal Entry (Zechariah 9:9)

Another fascinating prophecy describes how the Messiah would enter Jerusalem.

Zechariah 9:9 – “Behold, your King is coming to you… Lowly and riding on a donkey.”

Centuries later, Jesus entered Jerusalem exactly this way (Matthew 21:4–5).

Why It’s Significant:

It demonstrates Jesus as the promised King.
It shows the humility of Christ.
It reveals God’s precise fulfillment of prophecy.

7. The Betrayal for Thirty Pieces of Silver (Zechariah 11:12–13)

Even the details of Jesus’ betrayal were foretold.

Zechariah 11:12 – “So they weighed out for my wages thirty pieces of silver.”

This specific amount is mentioned again in:

Matthew 26:14–15 (Judas betraying Jesus)

The prophecy even describes the money being thrown into the house of the Lord, matching the Gospel account.

8. The Crucifixion Described (Psalm 22)

Psalm 22, written by King David, is another striking Messianic passage.

Psalm 22:16 – “They pierced my hands and my feet.”

Other verses describe:

Mocking crowds
Casting lots for garments (Psalm 22:18)
Feeling forsaken

Jesus quoted Psalm 22:1 on the cross:

“My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”

This psalm provides a vivid preview of the crucifixion centuries before it happened.

How the Old Testament Points to Jesus

Beyond direct prophecies, the Old Testament also contains symbols and types that foreshadow Christ:

The Passover Lamb (Exodus 12) – Jesus as the Lamb of God.
The Bronze Serpent (Numbers 21:9) – Lifted up for salvation.
The Sacrificial System – Pointing to the ultimate atoning sacrifice.
Jonah in the fish (Jonah 1:17) – A picture of resurrection after three days.

These themes reveal a unified story of redemption from Genesis to Revelation.

Why This Matters for Believers Today

Understanding Old Testament Bible verses about Jesus:

Strengthens confidence in Scripture
Reveals God’s long-term redemption plan
Shows the consistency of biblical prophecy
Deepens appreciation for Christ’s mission

The Old Testament isn’t separate from Jesus’ story — it prepares the world for Him.

Conclusion: One Story, One Savior

The Old Testament is far more than ancient history or law. It is the foundation of the gospel message. From Genesis to Malachi, the Scriptures consistently point forward to a coming Savior — Jesus Christ.

Whether through prophecy, symbolism, or promise, the message remains clear: God had a plan to redeem humanity, and Jesus is the fulfillment of that plan.

By exploring these Bible verses in the Old Testament about Jesus, we see a powerful truth — the Bible tells one unified story, centered on one Savior.

If you’re studying Scripture, take time to read these passages side by side with their New Testament fulfillments. You may discover a deeper appreciation for the incredible continuity and divine inspiration of the Word of God.

Share it :