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:

LUKE 1:41KJV
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Luke 1:41 (KJV)

What does Luke 1:41 mean?

Luke 1:41 describes how, when Elisabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby inside Elisabeth’s womb moved suddenly, and Elisabeth herself was filled with the Holy Spirit. This moment marks a special, Spirit-filled reaction to Mary’s arrival and greeting.

In this scene, Mary has just arrived at Elisabeth’s house. Elisabeth is pregnant with John the Baptist, and Mary is pregnant with Jesus. As soon as Elisabeth hears Mary’s voice, John moves inside her, and Elisabeth experiences a powerful moment where she is filled with God’s Spirit, setting the stage for her prophetic words in the next verses.

The Greek behind Luke 1:41

  • "ἐσκίρτησεν" (eskirtēsen, leaped): This word is often used for a joyful or lively movement, not just a simple kick. It suggests that the baby’s movement was unusual and significant, not just a normal part of pregnancy.
  • "ἐπλήσθη" (eplēsthē, was filled): This word for "filled" carries the sense of being completely overtaken or influenced, highlighting that Elisabeth’s response is not just emotional but divinely inspired.
  • "πνεύματος ἁγίου" (pneumatos hagiou, Holy Spirit): The phrase points to God’s direct involvement in this moment, showing that what happens next comes from God’s prompting, not just Elisabeth’s own thoughts.

Why Luke 1:41 matters

  • Luke 1:41 shows that even before birth, John the Baptist responds to Jesus’ presence, underlining John’s unique role in preparing the way for Jesus.
  • The verse emphasizes the work of the Holy Spirit, which is a major theme in Luke’s writing, showing God’s active role in these events.
  • This moment sets up Elisabeth’s inspired blessing of Mary in the following verses, highlighting the special relationship between their children and the significance of Mary’s pregnancy.

Where else these words appear

“leaped” Greek G4640 · used in 3 verses

  • Luke 1:44 For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
  • Luke 6:23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.

“Elisabeth” Greek G1665 · used in 8 verses

  • Luke 1:5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.
  • Luke 1:13 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.
  • Luke 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.

“babe” Greek G1025 · used in 8 verses

  • Luke 1:44 For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
  • Luke 2:16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
  • Acts 7:19 The same dealt subtilly with our kindred, and evil entreated our fathers, so that they cast out their young children, to the end they might not live.

“salutation” Greek G783 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 23:7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.
  • Luke 1:44 For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
  • 1 Corinthians 16:21 The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.