And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.

LUKE 1:7KJV
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Luke 1:7 (KJV)

What does Luke 1:7 mean?

Luke 1:7 explains that Zechariah and Elisabeth had no children because Elisabeth could not have children, and both of them were already old. This sets up their situation as one of disappointment and impossibility from a human perspective.

The verse is part of the introduction to the story of John the Baptist’s birth. Luke, the writer, is describing Zechariah and Elisabeth’s family situation to show that they had long hoped for a child but were now past the normal age for having children. This detail prepares the reader for the miraculous nature of what is about to happen in their lives.

The Greek behind Luke 1:7

  • The word for "barren" is στεῖρα (steira), meaning unable to have children. This highlights that Elisabeth’s inability to conceive was not just due to age but a recognized condition.
  • The phrase "well stricken in years" uses the Greek word προβεβηκότες (probebēkotes), which carries the sense of having advanced far along in age. This emphasizes that both Zechariah and Elisabeth were considered too old for childbearing by normal standards.

Why Luke 1:7 matters

  • Luke 1:7 makes clear that the birth of John the Baptist will be a miracle, not something that could happen naturally, which sets the stage for God’s intervention.
  • The verse connects Zechariah and Elisabeth’s story to other biblical accounts of God giving children to couples who could not have them, such as Abraham and Sarah, making the reader recall God’s faithfulness in the past.
  • By stating their situation so plainly, Luke invites the reader to see the contrast between human limitation and what God is about to do, highlighting the theme of hope and divine possibility.

Where else these words appear

“barren” Greek G4723 · used in 4 verses

  • 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.
  • Luke 23:29 For, behold, the days are coming, in the which they shall say, Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which never gave suck.
  • Galatians 4:27 For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband.

“because” Greek G2530 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 19:9 And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.
  • Acts 2:24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.
  • Acts 2:45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

“stricken” Greek G4260 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 4:21 And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.
  • Mark 1:19 And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets.
  • Luke 1:18 And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.

“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 1:24 And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying,
  • Luke 1:40 And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.