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. For nothing will be impossible with God.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The angel doesn't just say Elizabeth is pregnant; he specifies "this is the sixth month." This detail is crucial, as it implies the pregnancy is far enough along to be undeniable, removing any ambiguity and serving as concrete proof of God's power at work in an otherwise impossible situation. It's a clear, tangible sign offered to bolster Mary's faith beyond mere words.
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. For nothing will be impossible with God.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Mary has just been told by the angel Gabriel that she will miraculously conceive a son, the Son of God. Understandably bewildered and questioning how this can happen since she is a virgin, she receives this news about her relative Elizabeth. Elizabeth, previously considered barren and now advanced in years, is already six months pregnant, serving as a divine sign and confirmation that nothing is impossible with God.
When God's promises seem impossible, He often gives us echoes of His faithfulness already at work.
Mary’s journey is met with immediate reassurance. The angel doesn't just speak of the future; he points to a present miracle happening right now, to someone Mary knows: her relative Elizabeth.
A Miracle in Their Midst
Elizabeth, who was considered barren and was well past childbearing age, is now six months pregnant. This isn't just a distant possibility; it's a tangible sign of God's power at work in their community. It’s as if God is saying, 'Look! What I am about to do for you is already happening through my power for someone you know. Trust me.'
This demonstrates a pattern in God's dealings: He often confirms His word with signs and examples that resonate with our own lives, especially when faith is tested by the seemingly impossible.
Why did the angel specifically mention Elizabeth's relationship and her barrenness? It’s all about strengthening Mary’s faith.
The angel Gabriel brings up Elizabeth for a very specific reason: to anchor Mary's faith in the reality of God's power.
A Sign of God's Power
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This is a tender, strategic move by God. He doesn't leave Mary to grapple with her seemingly impossible situation alone. He provides a relatable, extraordinary sign from someone within her own circle.
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.
theos · Greek Noun
The supreme Being, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, who acts according to His sovereign will and is limited by nothing but His own holy nature.
The angel Gabriel uses Elizabeth's miraculous pregnancy in old age as a sign to Mary. This event, occurring shortly before Mary's own miraculous conception, demonstrates that nothing is impossible with God and provides a tangible example of divine intervention, encouraging Mary's faith amidst her own astonishing news.
c. 4 BC
Birth of John the Baptist
John the Baptist is born to Elizabeth and Zechariah, fulfilling God's promise to them despite their old age and Elizabeth's barrenness.
c. 4 BC— this verse
Annunciation to Mary
The Angel Gabriel visits Mary to announce she will conceive and bear the Son of God through the Holy Spirit.
c. 4 BC
Mary visits Elizabeth
Mary travels to visit Elizabeth, likely seeking comfort and understanding after the angel's visitation, and her child leaps in Elizabeth's womb.
c. 1 BC
Birth of Jesus
Jesus is born in Bethlehem, the promised Messiah, fulfilling prophecies of his miraculous conception and lineage.
This passage shows God's miraculous intervention in granting a child to Abraham and Sarah in their old age, similar to Elizabeth's situation, highlighting God's ability to do the impossible.
1 Samuel 1:1-20Hannah's longing for a child and her eventual conception through prayer mirrors Elizabeth's barrenness and the miraculous nature of her pregnancy, emphasizing faith in the face of difficult circumstances.
Isaiah 7:14The prophecy of a virgin conceiving a son is a direct parallel to Mary's situation, with Elizabeth's pregnancy serving as a sign and confirmation that God's word, no matter how improbable, will be fulfilled.
John 3:30John the Baptist, Elizabeth's son, is presented as one who must increase while Jesus decreases, underscoring the divine purpose behind both their births and the significance of their interconnected roles.
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 say Elizabeth is pregnant; he specifies "this is the sixth month." This detail is crucial, as it implies the pregnancy is far enough along to be undeniable, removing any ambiguity and serving as concrete proof of God's power at work in an otherwise impossible situation. It's a clear, tangible sign offered to bolster Mary's faith beyond mere words.
Mary has just been told by the angel Gabriel that she will miraculously conceive a son, the Son of God. Understandably bewildered and questioning how this can happen since she is a virgin, she receives this news about her relative Elizabeth. Elizabeth, previously considered barren and now advanced in years, is already six months pregnant, serving as a divine sign and confirmation that nothing is impossible with God.
Mary has just been told by the angel Gabriel that she will miraculously conceive a son, the Son of God. Understandably bewildered and questioning how this can happen since she is a virgin, she receives this news about her relative Elizabeth. Elizabeth, previously considered barren and now advanced in years, is already six months pregnant, serving as a divine sign and confirmation that nothing is impossible with God.
"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. For nothing will be impossible with God.”" — The angel doesn't just say Elizabeth is pregnant; he specifies "this is the sixth month." This detail is crucial, as it implies the pregnancy is far enough along to be undeniable, removing any ambigu…
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Last reviewed October 2026