Elizabeth
Mother of John the Baptist
Righteous priestly wife who bore John the Baptist in old age and welcomed Mary at the Visitation.
Luke 1 introduces Elizabeth and Zacharias as 'both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless' (1:6 KJV). Barren and 'well stricken in years,' Elizabeth conceived John the Baptist after Gabriel's announcement to Zacharias in the temple.
Her Story
Elizabeth hid herself for five months, magnifying the LORD. When Mary arrived, the babe leaped in Elizabeth's womb and she — filled with the Holy Ghost — cried, 'Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb' (1:42). She bore John, and the neighbours marvelled. Eight days later Zacharias confirmed the name 'John,' and his tongue was loosed.
What Scripture Teaches
- 1Of the daughters of Aaron (Luke 1:5)
- 2Righteous and blameless with her husband Zacharias (1:6)
- 3Barren and elderly when God answered prayer (1:7,13)
- 4Filled with the Holy Ghost to prophesy at Mary's visit (1:41-45)
- 5Mother of John the Baptist, forerunner of Christ
Key KJV Scriptures
"But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John."
"And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb."
Why It Matters
Elizabeth is the first to confess Mary's blessed status and to prophesy of the unborn Christ. The Spirit gave her words still echoed wherever Luke 1 is read.
Application for Today
Pray for the impossible. Welcome the younger and lift them with Spirit-filled words. God hears prayers prayed for decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
How was Elizabeth related to Mary?
Luke 1:36 calls Elizabeth Mary's 'cousin' (Greek syngenis — kinswoman). The exact family link is not specified, but the two were related and shared the joy of miraculous pregnancies.
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