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.
LUKE 1:36KJVWhat does Luke 1:36 mean?
Luke 1:36 says that Elizabeth, who was thought to be unable to have children because of her age, has now conceived a son and is six months pregnant. This is shared as a sign to show that what seems impossible to people is possible with God.
The angel Gabriel is speaking to Mary, telling her about Elizabeth’s pregnancy as proof that God’s promises are trustworthy. At this point, Mary has just been told she will give birth to Jesus, and the news about Elizabeth serves as encouragement and confirmation for her. This verse highlights both the miraculous nature of Elizabeth’s pregnancy and the faithfulness of God in keeping His word.
The Greek behind Luke 1:36
- The word for "cousin" is συγγενίς (syngenis), which means a relative or kinswoman, not necessarily a cousin in the modern sense. This shows that Elizabeth and Mary were family, but the exact relationship is not specified.
- The Greek word στείρα (steira), translated "barren," means unable to have children. The verse emphasizes that Elizabeth was known for being unable to conceive, making her pregnancy especially remarkable.
- The phrase "in her old age" uses the word γῆρας (gēras), which refers to advanced age. This detail underlines the human impossibility of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, reinforcing the miraculous nature of the event.
Why Luke 1:36 matters
- Luke 1:36 clears up any doubt about whether Elizabeth’s pregnancy was ordinary; it stresses that she was both elderly and previously unable to have children, highlighting the miracle.
- The verse connects Mary’s situation to Elizabeth’s, showing that God’s power is at work in both women’s lives and providing Mary with reassurance.
- This detail sets up the meeting between Mary and Elizabeth later in the chapter, which becomes an important moment of shared faith and joy.