For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.

LUKE 1:44KJV
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Luke 1:44 (KJV)

What does Luke 1:44 mean?

Luke 1:44 describes how, when Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby in Elizabeth’s womb jumped for joy. This moment shows a special, joyful reaction even before birth, highlighting the significance of Mary’s arrival and the child she carries.

Elizabeth is speaking to Mary, her relative, after Mary visits her. Elizabeth is pregnant with John the Baptist, and Mary is pregnant with Jesus. Elizabeth explains that as soon as she heard Mary’s voice, her unborn child responded with a leap of joy, emphasizing the deep connection and excitement surrounding these two promised births.

The Greek behind Luke 1:44

  • “βρέφος” (brephos, “babe”): This word refers to an unborn or newborn child. Its use here underlines that even an unborn child can respond in a meaningful way.
  • “ἐσκίρτησεν” (eskirtēsen, “leaped”): This verb means to jump or leap, often with excitement. The Greek carries the sense of a sudden, joyful movement, not just a routine kick.
  • “ἀγαλλιάσει” (agalliasei, “for joy”): This word means great gladness or exultation. The phrase shows that the baby’s movement was not random but a joyful response.

Why Luke 1:44 matters

  • Luke 1:44 highlights the significance of both pregnancies, showing that John the Baptist, even before birth, recognizes and responds to Jesus.
  • The verse emphasizes the joy and spiritual awareness present in this meeting, adding depth to the relationship between John and Jesus.
  • This moment connects to the wider passage by showing how God’s plan is unfolding in both women’s lives, and how even unborn children are part of this story.

Where else these words appear

“leaped” Greek G4640 · used in 3 verses

  • Luke 1:41 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 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.

“joy” Greek G20 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 1:14 And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.
  • Acts 2:46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
  • Hebrews 1:9 Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

“babe” Greek G1025 · used in 8 verses

  • Luke 1:41 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 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 1:41 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:
  • 1 Corinthians 16:21 The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.