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QUESTION

How many prophecies did Jesus

fulfill?

ANSWER

The Bible is the story of human history and God’s work in it. The most significant event in human history
is the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The story of this event permeates the text of Scripture. The
creation account shows us God’s sovereignty over His creation. The fall shows us why we need a savior.
The history of Israel shows two significant things: 1) the historical context of the coming of the Son of
God incarnate, and 2) humanity’s inability to save itself through works, thus, its need for a savior.

The gospels tell the story of Jesus the Savior on earth, and much of the rest of the New Testament
teaches how to live in this age in light of Jesus’ work on our behalf. The prophecies of the Bible,
particularly in Daniel and Revelation but also elsewhere, show what Jesus as Savior is saving us to

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(eternal paradise) and from (eternal damnation in hell).

The story of Jesus saturates the metanarrative of the Bible, and prophecies of His first advent are found
throughout the Old Testament. Allusions to Him also come up in micro ways, as many people and
events hint at the work He would accomplish. One scholar, J. Barton Payne, has found as many as 574
verses in the Old Testament that somehow point to or describe or reference the coming Messiah. Alfred
Edersheim found 456 Old Testament verses referring to the Messiah or His times. Conservatively, Jesus
fulfilled at least 300 prophecies in His earthly ministry.

So, the question of how many prophecies Jesus fulfilled is difficult to answer with precision. Should we
count only direct messianic prophecies? Do we count repeated prophecies twice? How about allusions
and indirect references to the ministry of Christ? And what about types? A type is a prophetic symbol: a
person or thing in the Old Testament that foreshadows a person or thing in the New Testament. So,
while Isaiah prophesies the Lord will offer good news for the brokenhearted (Isaiah 61:1), Boaz lives this
out, acting as a type of Christ (Ruth 4:1–11).

Below is an attempt to list the types and prophecies given in the Old and New Testaments that Jesus has
fulfilled. Undoubtedly, it is not complete. But that’s one of the great things about the Bible—the more
you read it, the more you see.

Given
Type
Fulfilled

Type: Adam is a type of Christ because both their actions affected a great Genesis 3:17-19
many people. Romans 5:14
Exodus 12:1-11
Type: Jesus is the fulfillment of the Passover Lamb.
John 1:29-36
Exodus 17:6
Type: The rock that produced water for Israel points toward Jesus and the
John 4:10;
living water.
1 Corinthians 10:3-4
Exodus 25:8; Isaiah 7:14;
Type: The tabernacle where God dwelt among the Israelites is a type of 8:8, 10
Jesus, God with us. Matthew 1:21-23; John 1:14;
14:8-11

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Type: The feast of unleavened bread represents the purity of Jesus; Jesus’ Leviticus 23:6
burial is like a kernel in the ground, waiting to burst forth in life. 1 Peter 2:22
Leviticus 23:10
Type: The feast of first fruits represents Jesus as the first fruit from the dead.
1 Corinthians 15:20

Type: Those who looked up at the snake on a pole were saved. Those who Numbers 21:8-9
"look up" at Jesus on the cross are saved. John 3:14-15
Ruth 4:1-11; Ezekiel 16:8
Type: Boaz is a type of Christ the redeemer. Galatians 3:13; 4:5;
Colossians 1:14

Type: Jonah was in the fish for three days. Jesus’ body was in the grave for Jonah 1:17
three days. Matthew 12:40

Given
Prophecy
Fulfilled
The serpent and the "seed" of Eve will have conflict; the Genesis 3:14-15
offspring of the woman will crush the serpent. Jesus is this
seed, and He crushed Satan at the cross. Galatians 4:4; Hebrews 2:14

God promised Abraham the whole world would be blessed Genesis 12:3
through him. Jesus, descended from Abraham, is that
blessing. Acts 3:25-26; Matthew 1:1; Galatians 3:16

God promised Abraham He would establish an everlasting Genesis 17:19

covenant with Isaac’s offspring. Jesus is that offspring. Matthew 1:1-2

God promised Isaac the whole world would be blessed by his Genesis 28:13-14
descendent. That descendent is Jesus. Matthew 1:1-2; Luke 1:33; 3:23-34

Jacob prophesied Judah would rule over his brothers. Jesus Genesis 49:10
the king is from the tribe of Judah. Matthew 1:1-2; Luke 1:32-33

The Jews were not to keep the Passover lamb overnight. Jesus Exodus 12:10; Numbers 9:12
was buried the day He died. John 19:38-42
The Jews were not to break the bones of the Passover lamb. Exodus 12:46; Numbers 9:12
Jesus’ bones were not broken on the cross. John 19:31-36

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The Jews were to devote the firstborn males to God. Jesus is Exodus 13:2; Numbers 3:13; 8:17
Mary’s firstborn male; He is also the "firstborn" over creation
and the "firstborn" of the dead. Luke 2:7, 23; Colossians 1:15-18

Deuteronomy 18:15, 18-19

Moses promised another prophet like him would come. Jesus
Matthew 21:11; Luke 7:16; 24:19;
is that prophet.
John 6:14; 7:40
God told the Jews to never leave the body of someone who Deuteronomy 21:23
had been hanged overnight. Jesus was buried the day He
died. John 19:31-36; Galatians 3:13

The word of God will be in hearts and mouths. Jesus is the Deuteronomy 30:14
Word who is in the hearts of His followers. John 1:1; Matthew 26:26

Moses promised God would atone for His people. Jesus’ Deuteronomy 32:43
sacrifice is that atonement. Romans 3:25; Hebrews 2:17
2 Samuel 7:12-13, 16, 25-26;
God promised David his offspring would rule forever. Jesus is 1 Chronicles 17:11-14, 23-27;
descended from David, although His literal reign has yet to Psalm 89:3-4, 35-37; 132:11; Isaiah 9:7
begin. Matthew 1:6; 19:28; 21:4; 25:31;
Mark 12:37; Luke 1:32; 3:31
The nations, people, and rulers plot against the Lord and His Psalm 2:1-2
anointed. The Sanhedrin, the crowd, Herod Antipas, and Pilate
plotted against Jesus. Matthew 12:14; 26:3, 4, 47; Luke 23:1, 7

Psalm 2:7
God will tell someone He is their Father. God told the crowd at
Matthew 3:17; 17:5; Mark 1:11; 9:7;
Jesus’ baptism that He is Jesus’ Father.
Luke 3:22; 9:35

David believes God will not abandon him to the grave. Jesus Psalm 16:9-10; 30:3; 86:13; Isaiah 26:19
rose from the grave. Luke 24:6-8; John 20

David cries out that God has forsaken him. Jesus uses the Psalm 22:1
same words on the cross. Matthew 27:46

David says his enemies mock and insult him. Jesus endured Psalm 22:7
the same on the cross. Matthew 27:38-44

David’s tormentors tease him, telling him to have God rescue Psalm 22:7
him. The people said the same to Jesus. Luke 23:35, 39

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David describes his physical torment. The description matches Psalm 22:14-15
the condition of someone who is being crucified. John 19:28

David says that "dogs" surround him and pierce his hands and Psalm 22:16
feet. Gentile soldiers put nails through Jesus’ hands and feet. John 19:16; 20:20; Acts 2:23

David says that others divide his clothing. The Roman soldiers Psalm 22:18
took Jesus’ clothes. John 19:23-24
David says false witnesses will testify against him. False Psalm 27:12; 35:11; 109:6
witnesses did testify against Jesus, although they didn’t have
matching stories. Matthew 26:60; Mark 14:55-59

David says he commits his spirit to God. Jesus used the same Psalm 31:5
words on the cross. Luke 23:46

God will protect the bones of the righteous. Jesus’ bones were Psalm 34:20
not broken on the cross. John 19:31-36

David talks of being hated without reason. Jesus was hated Psalm 35:19; 69:4
without reason. John 15:24-25

The psalmist says his friends will abandon him. The disciples Psalm 38:11; 88:18
abandoned Jesus. Matthew 26:56-58; Mark 14:50
Psalm 40:6-8
David says he has come to do God’s will. Jesus came to do
Matthew 26:39, 42; John 6:38;
God’s will.
Hebrews 10:5-9

David talks about being betrayed by a friend. Jesus was Psalm 41:9; 55:12-14
betrayed by Judas. Matthew 26:14-16, 23; Mark 14:10-11, 43

The psalmists say God will rescue them from the land of the Psalm 49:15; 86:13
dead. God resurrected Jesus. Mark 16:6; Luke 24:6-8; John 20

The Lord ascends on high, bringing captives with Him. Jesus Psalm 68:18
ascended to heaven, and believers go to heaven. Luke 23:43; 24:51; Acts 1:9

David says he will be rejected by his siblings. Jesus’ brothers Psalm 69:8
refused to believe who He was until after the resurrection. Mark 3:20-21, 31; John 7:3-5

David has "zeal" for God’s house and His honor but will be Psalm 69:9
reproached. Jesus showed that zeal by cleaning out the Mark 11:15-17, 27-28; John 2:13-18;
temple and was questioned by the Sanhedrin members. Romans 15:3

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Psalm 69:21
David talks of being fed gall and vinegar. Jesus was offered
Matthew 27:34, 48; Mark 15:23;
gall and vinegar on the cross.
Luke 23:36; John 19:29

Solomon asks God for foreign kings to bring him gifts and Psalm 72:10-11
honor. The magi did so for Jesus. Matthew 2:1-11

Solomon tells God that as king he will deliver the needy and Psalm 72:12-14
weak. Jesus did this. Luke 7:22

The psalmist says he will speak in parables. Jesus spoke in Psalm 78:2
parables. Matthew 13:3, 35

God says He will make David His firstborn. Jesus, David’s Psalm 89:27
descendent, is God’s firstborn. Romans 8:29; Colossians 1:15

David’s enemies attacked him, but he refrained from Psalm 109:3-5

responding. Jesus forgave His enemies. Matthew 5:44; Luke 23:34
David asks that his betrayer’s life be short and his position be Psalm 69:25; 109:7-8
taken. Jesus’ betrayer, Judas, died, and Matthias took his
place. Acts 1:16-20

David says his Lord will be made a priest of Melchizedek. Psalm 110:4
Jesus is a priest of Melchizedek. Hebrews 5:1-6; 6:20; 7:15-17

The psalmist says the stone the builders reject will become the Psalm 118:22-23
cornerstone. Jesus was rejected by the Jewish leaders, but He Matthew 21:42; Mark 12:10-11;
is the basis of God’s salvation. Luke 20:17; John 1:11

The Lord will redeem Israel from her sins. Jesus redeemed Psalm 130:7-8
Israel. Matthew 1:21; Luke 1:68
God told Isaiah the people would not understand what He Isaiah 6:9-10
was doing. Jesus used parables to keep casual observers from
understanding His teaching. Matthew 13:14-15

God promised that a virgin would conceive. Mary was a virgin Isaiah 7:14
when Jesus was conceived. Luke 1:26-35

God promised to send a Son who would be "God with us" Isaiah 7:14; 8:8, 10
("Emmanuel"). Jesus is that Son. Matthew 1:21-23; John 1:14; 14:8-11

God promised a "stone" that people would trip over. Jesus is Isaiah 8:14-15
that stone. Matthew 21:42-44; Romans 9:32-33

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God promised the land of Zebulun and Naphtali and "Galilee Isaiah 9:1-2
of the nations" a light for their darkness. Jesus is that light; at
the time of Jesus, Galilee was a mix of Jews and Gentiles. Matthew 4:12-16

God promised David His Spirit would rest on his offspring. Isaiah 11:1-2
Jesus is that offspring. Matthew 1:1, 6; 3:16; Mark 1:10

Gentiles will come to God. A centurion and a Syrophoenician Isaiah 11:10; 42:1; 55:4-5; Hosea 2:23
woman came to Jesus; the Gentiles in Pisidian Antioch Matthew 8:5-13; Mark 7:24-26;
responded to Paul’s gospel message. Acts 13:48
Isaiah 29:18; 35:5
God promised a time when the blind would see. Jesus healed
Matthew 9:30; 11:5; 12:22; 20:34; 21:14;
the blind.
Mark 10:52

God promised a time when the deaf hear. Jesus healed the Isaiah 35:5
deaf. Matthew 11:5; Mark 7:31-37; 9:25

God promised a time when the lame would be healed. Jesus Isaiah 35:6
healed the lame. Matthew 15:30-31; 21:14

God promised a time when the mute would speak. Jesus Isaiah 35:6
healed the mute. Matthew 9:33; 12:22; 15:30; Luke 11:14

God promised a messenger who would announce the Lord’s Isaiah 40:3-5; Malachi 3:1
coming. John the Baptist is that messenger. Matthew 3:3; 11:10; Mark 1:3; Luke 3:4-6

God is the shepherd who tends His sheep. Jesus is the good Isaiah 40:10-11
shepherd. John 10:11
God promised to put His Spirit on His servant. Jesus is that Isaiah 42:1
servant. Matthew 3:16; 12:18; Mark 1:10

God’s servant will not cry out. Jesus told those He healed to Isaiah 42:2
remain quiet. Matthew 12:19
Isaiah 42:3
God’s servant will be gentle. Jesus treated people gently.
Matthew 11:29; 12:20

The nations will put their hope in God’s servant’s teaching. Isaiah 42:4
Nations put their hope in Jesus’ teachings. Matthew 12:21

God will send His servant as a light to the Gentiles. Jesus is a Isaiah 42:6; 49:6
light to the Gentiles. Luke 2:25-32

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The writer says he will not be rebellious or turn away. Jesus Isaiah 50:5
obeyed God all the way to the cross. Matthew 26:39

Isaiah speaks of one who will be beaten and spit upon. Jesus Isaiah 50:6
was beaten and spit upon. Matthew 26:67; 27:26-30
The Suffering Servant
Search will be so abused He will not look Isaiah 52:14
human. Jesus was beaten, whipped, crucified, and pierced by
a spear. Matthew 26:67; 27:26-30; 35

The Suffering Servant will be despised and rejected by His Isaiah 53:3
own people. Jesus’ tormentors rejected Him and spit in His
face. Luke 23:18; Matthew 26:67; John 1:11

Isaiah 53:4-5
The Suffering Servant will bear the abuse we deserve for our
Matthew 8:17; Romans 5:6-8;
physical and spiritual healing. Jesus did this.
1 Corinthians 15:3
Isaiah 53:6, 8, 12
The Suffering Servant will bear our sins. Jesus bore our sins.
Romans 4:25; 1 Peter 2:24-25
The Suffering Servant is like a lamb that does not defend Isaiah 53:7
itself. Although Jesus spoke during His trials, He never offered
a defense. Matthew 27:12; Luke 23:9; John 1:29-36

The Suffering Servant’s people did not protest His death. Only Isaiah 53:8
Pilate protested Jesus’ death. Matthew 27:23-25

The Suffering Servant will die with the wicked. Jesus died with Isaiah 53:9, 12
the two thieves. Matthew 27:38; Mark 15:27

The Suffering Servant will be buried in the grave of a rich Isaiah 53:9
man. Jesus was buried in the grave of Joseph of Arimathea. Matthew 27:57-60
Isaiah 53:10
God ordained that the Suffering Servant would suffer and die.
John 3:16; 19:11; Acts 2:23;
God sent Jesus to die.
Philippians 2:8

The Suffering Servant’s sacrifice offers forgiveness of sins. Isaiah 53:11

Jesus’ sacrifice offers forgiveness of our sins. Acts 10:43; 13:38-39
The Suffering Servant will intercede for His abusers. Jesus Isaiah 53:12
asked God to forgive those who crucified Him. Luke 23:34
God promises a great light to pierce the darkness of Israel and Isaiah 60:1-3
the nations. Jesus is that light.
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Matthew 4:16; Luke 2:32; John 12:46

God promises someone to declare good news for the Isaiah 61:1
brokenhearted, captives, and prisoners. Jesus is that someone. Matthew 3:16; Luke 4:18

God promises a "righteous Branch" from the line of Jesse who Jeremiah 23:5-6; 33:15-16
will do what is just. Jesus is that Branch. Romans 3:22; 1 Corinthians 1:30

A woman will weep for her dead children. Herod killed the Jeremiah 31:15
baby boys in Bethlehem. Matthew 2:16-18

God makes a woman "encircle" or protect a man. The Holy Jeremiah 31:22
Spirit conceived Jesus in Mary. Matthew 1:20; Luke 1:35
Jeremiah 31:31-34 ; 32:37-40; 50:5
God promises a new covenant. Jesus provides the work for
Matthew 26:27-29; Mark 14:22-24;
that new covenant.
Luke 22:15-20

"David" will return as his people’s shepherd. Jesus is that Ezekiel 34:23-24; 37:24
shepherd. John 10:11

Gabriel tells Daniel when the "Anointed One" will be "cut off." Daniel 9:24-26
This is the exact time Jesus is crucified. Matthew 27:50

God will call His "child" from Egypt. Jesus returned from Egypt Hosea 11:1
when He was young. Matthew 2:13-15

Israel’s ruler will be struck on the cheek with a rod. Jesus was Micah 5:1
struck on the head with a staff. Matthew 27:30

The ruler of Israel will come from Bethlehem. Jesus was born Micah 5:2
in Bethlehem. Luke 2:4-7
Zechariah 2:10
God will live among His people. Jesus lived among the Jews.
John 1:14

The Branch will be a priest in the temple. Jesus is a priest in Zechariah 6:12-13
the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 7:11-28; 8:1-2

Israel’s king will ride a donkey. Jesus came into Jerusalem Zechariah 9:9
riding a donkey. Mark 11:1-10
God told Zechariah to take the thirty pieces of silver he
Zechariah 11:12-13
earned and throw it to the potter. Judas took thirty pieces of
silver and returned it to the priests who used it to buy the
Matthew 26:14-15; 27:3, 6-10
potter’s field.

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If someone strikes the shepherd, the sheep will scatter. When Zechariah 13:6-7
Jesus was arrested, His disciples fled. Matthew 26:56; Mark 14:50

The Lord will come to the temple and refine the silver and the Malachi 3:1-3
priests. Jesus came to the temple and threw out the money Matthew 21:12; Mark 11:15-19;
changers. John 2:13-16
Malachi 4:2
The sun of righteousness will come. Jesus is that sun.
Luke 1:78
Malachi 4:5
Elijah will return. John the Baptist fulfills the role of Elijah. Matthew 11:13-14; Mark 9:11-13;
Luke 1:17; 7:27-28
Matthew 16:21; Mark 8:31
Jesus said He will suffer and die. Before the crucifixion, both
Luke 22:63-65; Mark 14:53, 65; 15:33-37;
the priests' guards and the Roman soldiers beat Jesus.
John 19:1
Jesus said He will be handed over on the Passover. He was Matthew 26:2
handed over at night, after Galileans celebrated the Passover
but before Judeans do. John 19:14-16

Jesus said one of His disciples will betray Him. Judas betrayed Matthew 26:21-22
Him. Luke 22:47-48
Matthew 26:31; Mark 14:27
Jesus said the disciples will scatter. They did at His arrest.
Matthew 26:56; Mark 14:50

Jesus said Peter will deny Him. Peter did so at the trial before Matthew 26:33-34
Caiaphas. Matthew 26:69-75

Jesus said He will be handed over, killed, and rise again on the Mark 9:30-31; 10:32-34
third day. John 18-20

Jesus said He will be delivered to the chief priests and scribes, Mark 10:32-34
killed, and rise again three days later. John 18-20

Simeon said Jesus will cause many hearts to be revealed. The Luke 2:35
Sanhedrin was revealed to be jealous. Matthew 27:18

Simeon told Mary her soul will be pierced because of Jesus. Luke 2:35
She witnessed the crucifixion. John 19:25-27

Jesus said He will rebuild the "temple" (His body) after three John 2:18-22
days. He rose from the dead after three days. Acts 10:40; 1 Corinthians 15:4

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FOR FURTHER STUDY

God the Son Incarnate: The Doctrine of Christ by Stephen Wellum

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R E L AT E D A R T I C L E S

Where do the Hebrew Scriptures prophesy the death and resurrection of the Messiah?

Is Isaiah 53 "The Suffering Servant" a prophecy about Jesus?

What is prophecy? What does it mean to prophesy?

Does the Old Testament truly predict a second advent of the Messiah?

Who is the Servant of the Lord in the Bible?

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