And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.

LUKE 1:56KJV
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Luke 1:56 (KJV)

What does Luke 1:56 mean?

Luke 1:56 says that Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months before returning to her own home. This verse simply notes the length of Mary’s visit with Elizabeth during the time both women were expecting children.

Mary, the mother of Jesus, had traveled to visit her relative Elizabeth, who was pregnant with John the Baptist. Luke 1:56 marks the end of Mary’s stay, showing she remained for a significant period—likely until John’s birth or shortly before. This detail helps set the timeline for the events surrounding the births of both John and Jesus.

The Greek behind Luke 1:56

  • The word "abode" (ἔμεινεν, emeinen) is often used for staying or remaining somewhere, suggesting Mary was not just visiting briefly but settled in for a season.
  • The phrase "about three months" (ὡς τρεῖς μῆνας, hōs treis mēnas) uses "about" (ὡς, hōs), indicating the time is approximate, not exact.
  • "Returned" (ὑπέστρεψεν, hypestrepsen) carries the sense of going back to where one belongs, emphasizing Mary’s return to her own household after this important visit.

Why Luke 1:56 matters

  • Luke 1:56 helps clarify the timeline of Mary’s visit, showing she was present for much of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, possibly witnessing John’s birth.
  • The verse highlights the close relationship between Mary and Elizabeth, connecting the stories of Jesus and John the Baptist from the very beginning.
  • This detail grounds the narrative in everyday life, showing the practical movements and relationships of the people involved in the Gospel story.

Where else these words appear

“months” Greek G3376 · used in 18 verses

  • Luke 1:24 And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying,
  • Acts 18:11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
  • Revelation 9:5 And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man.

“about” Greek G5616 · used in 34 verses

  • Matthew 3:16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
  • Luke 9:28 And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray.
  • Acts 2:3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.

“returned” Greek G5290 · used in 35 verses

  • Mark 14:40 And when he returned, he found them asleep again,(for their eyes were heavy,) neither wist they what to answer him.
  • Luke 10:17 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.
  • Acts 8:25 And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.

“Mary” Greek G3137 · used in 46 verses

  • Matthew 1:16 And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
  • Luke 1:34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
  • John 11:19 And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.