Matthew 1:22

was done Rather, has come to pass. The Evangelist speaks as a contemporary.

that it might be fulfilled By this formula the Evangelist recognises in the event described a fulfilment of a type or prophecy. It matters little whether we regard "that" (ἵνα) as (1) final, "in order that," or (2) by a late use consecutive, "so that," in other words (1) as marking the conscious intention of the prophet or of God speaking through the prophet, or (2) a reflection of the Evangelist viewing the historical fact in connection with the prophecy and finding in the prophecy an analogy, if not a definite prediction. For in regard to divine action the intention and result are identical, that is, we cannot conceive of any result being unintentional with God.