Luke 1:36-37
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)
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This verse highlights that Elizabeth's pregnancy isn't just old news; it's specifically mentioned as being in its "sixth month." This detail removes any doubt about the miraculous timing, confirming the pregnancy is well underway and unmistakable, serving as a tangible sign for Mary.
After the angel Gabriel reveals that Mary will miraculously conceive the Son of God, Mary expresses her astonishment and confusion, questioning how this can be since she is a virgin. To reassure her and strengthen her faith, the angel points to the incredible pregnancy of her relative Elizabeth, who was considered barren and is now in her sixth month, proving that nothing is impossible with God.
Elizabeth's pregnancy at her age seemed as impossible as Mary's. Yet, God's timing often involves the unexpected.
The angel Gabriel doesn't just announce a future miracle for Mary; he points to a present one! Elizabeth, long considered barren and now elderly, is six months pregnant. This isn't just a friendly update; it's a divine signpost.
The Power of 'Already'
Elizabeth's situation serves as tangible proof that God's power transcends natural limitations. For years, she and Zechariah had likely prayed for a child, only to face disappointment. Now, in their old age, the impossible is happening. This echoes the bigger promise to Mary: what seems impossible to us is precisely where God loves to show His power.
A Pledge of Certainty
Gabriel uses Elizabeth's miraculous pregnancy as a 'pledge' or 'guarantee' for Mary. It's like saying, 'See? God is already doing this extraordinary thing for your relative. Trust that He will do the extraordinary thing He promised you, too.' This helps Mary, and us, move from astonishment to assurance.
Mary and Elizabeth weren't just relatives by blood; they became companions in a divine, unfolding story.
The angel's mention of Elizabeth as Mary's 'kinswoman' (or 'relative') is significant. This wasn't just about biological ties; it highlights a spiritual connection.
A Shared Journey
Elizabeth, a woman of faith who had experienced God's faithfulness despite her barrenness, becomes a vital support for Mary. When Mary visits Elizabeth (as detailed in Luke 1:39-45), Elizabeth's recognition of Mary's blessedness and the baby leaping in her womb further confirms the angel's message. They share a unique experience of carrying God's promised children under miraculous circumstances.
Two Miracles, One Purpose
Both pregnancies are divine interventions. Elizabeth's son, John the Baptist, would prepare the way for Jesus, Mary's son. Their shared journey underscores that God's plan often involves a network of faithful individuals working together, each playing a crucial role in His grand design.
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.
c. 1st century BC
Roman influence grows in Judea
The Hasmonean kingdom, though Jewish, experienced increasing internal strife and reliance on Roman power, setting the stage for direct Roman rule and the rise of figures like Herod the Great.
c. 4 BC
Herod the Great dies
The death of Herod the Great led to the division of his kingdom among his sons, further destabilizing the region and increasing Roman involvement in Judean affairs.
c. 6 AD
Judea becomes a Roman province
Following the deposition of Herod Archelaus, Judea was placed under direct Roman governance, marking a significant shift in political and religious life for the Jewish people.
c. 1st century AD
First Century Jewish Society
Judea was a province of the Roman Empire, with a complex social and religious landscape. Religious expectations for a Messiah were high, though interpretations varied widely.
c. 19-17 BC
Birth of John the Baptist
This passage shows God's power to bring about the impossible, as Sarah conceives in her old age, mirroring Elizabeth's miraculous pregnancy.
1 Samuel 1:1-20Hannah's prayer for a child, despite her barrenness, highlights the theme of God intervening for women considered unable to conceive, just as He did for Elizabeth.
Isaiah 7:14The prophecy of a virgin conceiving speaks to the miraculous nature of God's intervention in human reproduction, a concept Mary is grappling with and Elizabeth's situation underscores.
Romans 4:19-21This passage on Abraham's faith in God's promise, even when seemingly impossible due to age, parallels the faith required to believe in Elizabeth's and Mary's miraculous conceptions.
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…
This verse highlights that Elizabeth's pregnancy isn't just old news; it's specifically mentioned as being in its "sixth month." This detail removes any doubt about the miraculous timing, confirming the pregnancy is well underway and unmistakable, serving as a tangible sign for Mary.
After the angel Gabriel reveals that Mary will miraculously conceive the Son of God, Mary expresses her astonishment and confusion, questioning how this can be since she is a virgin. To reassure her and strengthen her faith, the angel points to the incredible pregnancy of her relative Elizabeth, who was considered barren and is now in her sixth month, proving 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.”" — This verse highlights that Elizabeth's pregnancy isn't just old news; it's specifically mentioned as being in its "sixth month." This detail removes any doubt about the miraculous timing, confirming…
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Elizabeth, wife of the priest Zechariah, conceives John the Baptist during a period of intense anticipation for God's intervention in Israel. Their son would become the forerunner of the Messiah.
c. 6 months before Mary's conception
Angel Gabriel visits Zechariah
The angel Gabriel appears to Zechariah in the Temple, announcing the birth of John the Baptist. Zechariah's doubt leads to his temporary muteness, a sign of God's power and a testament to the miraculous nature of the coming births.
c. 6 months after Zechariah's visit— this verse
Angel Gabriel visits Mary
The angel Gabriel appears to Mary, announcing she will conceive Jesus by the Holy Spirit. He uses Elizabeth's miraculous pregnancy as a sign and encouragement of God's power to fulfill His promises.
