Luke 1:36
And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The angel doesn't just state Elizabeth is pregnant; he highlights it's the sixth month—a detail that would be evident to anyone around her. This precise timing makes Elizabeth's pregnancy undeniable and serves as a tangible, visible "proof" for Mary, reassuring her that God's extraordinary promises are already in motion and are not hidden secrets.
Mary has just received an astonishing message from the angel Gabriel: she will conceive a son through the Holy Spirit. After her initial shock and question about how this can be, the angel reassures her by pointing to a recent miracle within her own family. He reveals that her relative Elizabeth, long considered barren and now elderly, is already six months pregnant, demonstrating that nothing is impossible with God.
Mary, a young virgin engaged to be married, receives an announcement that seems utterly impossible. How does the angel reassure her?
When the angel Gabriel tells Mary she will conceive a son, her immediate question is, 'How shall this be?' (Luke 1:34). It’s a natural question rooted in the ordinary way of life: conception requires a man.
But Gabriel doesn't just explain the divine method; he offers a proof from her own family. He points to Elizabeth, her older relative, who was known to be barren and is now six months pregnant.
The Improbability of Elizabeth's Pregnancy
Both Elizabeth's and Mary's situations defy natural explanation. Gabriel uses Elizabeth's miracle to underscore God's boundless power. For God, nothing is impossible. This wasn't just to convince Mary, but to show that divine promises, even when they seem utterly outlandish, are grounded in God's capable, miraculous power.
The angel doesn't just mention Elizabeth; he specifies her condition. Why is that detail important for Mary?
The angel Gabriel doesn't simply say, 'Elizabeth is pregnant.' He states, '...and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren.' This detail is crucial for Mary's understanding and faith.
Why the Sixth Month Matters:
Understand the original words
idou · Greek Interjection/Particle
A term often used in Scripture to introduce a marvelous or significant event, serving to command attention and focus on divine action.
steira · Greek Adjective
A woman unable to bear children, often carrying a social stigma in the ancient Near East, though in Scripture, the removal of barrenness frequently signals a special act of divine intervention.
The angel Gabriel uses Elizabeth's pregnancy, a seemingly private miracle, as a sign to Mary. This highlights God's tender way of strengthening faith through the visible blessings of others, especially family, and shows how His power operates even in the most unexpected circumstances.
c. 20-15 BC
Mary and Joseph's Marriage
Mary, a young virgin, is betrothed to Joseph, a descendant of King David. This marriage marks the beginning of Mary's journey towards fulfilling prophecy.
c. 15-10 BC
Elizabeth's Barrenness Continues
Elizabeth, a relative of Mary, has long been considered barren in her old age, a deeply personal and social trial in that culture.
c. 5 BC
Zechariah's Vision in the Temple
The priest Zechariah, Elizabeth's husband, receives a divine announcement that they will have a son. He struggles with doubt and is struck mute until the birth.
c. 5 BC— this verse
Gabriel's Announcement to Mary
The angel Gabriel visits Mary to announce she will conceive a son, Jesus, by the Holy Spirit, who will be the Son of God. Mary expresses astonishment and asks how this can be.
This passage describes Hannah, who was also considered barren and longed for a child. Her prayers were eventually answered by God, paralleling Elizabeth's situation and God's miraculous intervention in her life.
Genesis 18:10-14God promises Abraham and Sarah a son despite their old age and Sarah's barrenness. This demonstrates God's power to bring about the impossible, just as He did with Elizabeth.
Hebrews 11:11This verse highlights Sarah's faith and God's faithfulness in enabling her to conceive in old age, echoing the miraculous nature of Elizabeth's conception.
Isaiah 7:14This prophecy of a virgin conceiving points to a miraculous birth as a sign from God. Elizabeth's conception, though not by a virgin, also serves as a miraculous sign to Mary and confirms God's ability to act beyond natural means.
barnesLuke 1:36: "And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren."
Thy cousin Elizabeth ... - The case of Elizabeth is mentioned to inspire Mary with confidence, and to assure her that what was now promised would be fulfilled. It was almost as improbable that Elizabeth should have a child at her time of life, as it was that Mary should under the circumstances promised.
calvinLuke 1:34-38: "Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?"
- And Mary said to the angel, How shall this be, since I know not a man? 35. And the angel answering said to her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: wherefore also the holy thing which shall be born shall be called the Son of God. 36. And, behold, Elisabeth thy cousin, even she hath conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month to her w…
The angel doesn't just state Elizabeth is pregnant; he highlights it's the sixth month—a detail that would be evident to anyone around her. This precise timing makes Elizabeth's pregnancy undeniable and serves as a tangible, visible "proof" for Mary, reassuring her that God's extraordinary promises are already in motion and are not hidden secrets.
Mary has just received an astonishing message from the angel Gabriel: she will conceive a son through the Holy Spirit. After her initial shock and question about how this can be, the angel reassures her by pointing to a recent miracle within her own family. He reveals that her relative Elizabeth, long considered barren and now elderly, is already six months pregnant, demonstrating that nothing is impossible with God.
Mary has just received an astonishing message from the angel Gabriel: she will conceive a son through the Holy Spirit. After her initial shock and question about how this can be, the angel reassures her by pointing to a recent miracle within her own family. He reveals that her relative Elizabeth, long considered barren and now elderly, is already six months pregnant, demonstrating that nothing is impossible with God.
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This wasn't a coincidence; it was a divinely orchestrated sign to bolster Mary's confidence. God was at work in the most remarkable ways, both in Elizabeth's life and soon to be in hers.
c. 5 BC
Gabriel Reveals Elizabeth's Pregnancy
To reassure Mary and confirm the miraculous nature of God's power, Gabriel reveals that her relative Elizabeth, long considered barren, is six months pregnant.
c. 5 BC
Mary Visits Elizabeth
Mary travels to visit Elizabeth, and upon her arrival, the unborn John the Baptist leaps in Elizabeth's womb, and Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit. This confirms the angelic message to Mary.
c. 4 BC
Birth of John the Baptist
Elizabeth gives birth to a son. Zechariah's speech is restored, and he prophesies John's role as the forerunner of the Messiah.
"And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren." — The angel doesn't just state Elizabeth is pregnant; he highlights it's the sixth month—a detail that would be evident to anyone around her. This precise timing makes Elizabeth's pregnancy undeniabl…
