Topical Encyclopedia Elisabeth, also spelled Elizabeth, is a significant figure in the New Testament, known for her role as the mother of John the Baptist and her connection to Mary, the mother of Jesus. Her account is primarily found in the Gospel of Luke, where she is depicted as a righteous and devout woman.Family and Background Elisabeth was of the daughters of Aaron, indicating her priestly lineage (Luke 1:5). She was married to Zechariah, a priest of the division of Abijah. The couple is described as "righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and decrees of the Lord" (Luke 1:6). Despite their faithfulness, they were childless, and both were advanced in years, which was a source of personal sorrow and social reproach at the time. Divine Intervention and the Birth of John the Baptist The narrative of Elisabeth takes a miraculous turn when the angel Gabriel appears to Zechariah while he is serving in the temple. Gabriel announces that Elisabeth will bear a son, who is to be named John. This child is foretold to be great in the sight of the Lord and filled with the Holy Spirit from the womb, destined to prepare the way for the Lord (Luke 1:13-17). Elisabeth's conception is a testament to God's power and faithfulness, as she conceives despite her old age. Her response to this blessing is one of gratitude and recognition of God's favor: "The Lord has done this for me. In these days He has shown me favor and taken away my disgrace among the people" (Luke 1:25). Encounter with Mary Elisabeth's account is further enriched by her encounter with Mary, the mother of Jesus. When Mary visits her, Elisabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit, and the baby in her womb leaps for joy. She exclaims with a loud voice, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" (Luke 1:42-43). This encounter highlights Elisabeth's prophetic insight and her recognition of the significance of Mary's child. Role in the Naming of John Elisabeth plays a crucial role in the naming of her son. When the time comes to name the child, relatives and neighbors expect him to be named after his father, Zechariah. However, Elisabeth insists, "No, he shall be called John" (Luke 1:60). Her firm stance is confirmed by Zechariah, who writes, "His name is John" (Luke 1:63), leading to the restoration of his speech. Legacy Elisabeth's life is a testament to faith, obedience, and the fulfillment of God's promises. Her account underscores the themes of divine intervention and the breaking of societal norms through God's miraculous works. As the mother of John the Baptist, she is intricately linked to the unfolding of the salvation narrative, serving as a bridge between the Old and New Testaments. Her faith and recognition of God's work in her life continue to inspire believers to trust in God's timing and purposes. Library D. The Birth of John, and the "Benedictus. " Ch. 1:57-80 The Magnificat The Nativity Christ as a Servant, as the Lamb of God, and as the Man whom John ... The Birth and Early Life of John the Baptist. The Birth of John the Baptist. Annunciation of the Birth of Jesus. The Annunciation of Jesus the Messiah, and the Birth of his ... A Statement of the Manner in which Luke's Procedure is Proved to ... Thesaurus Elisabeth's (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Elisabeth's (1 Occurrence). Luke 1:57 Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. ... /e/elisabeth's.htm - 6k Elisabeth (8 Occurrences) Zacharias (11 Occurrences) Eliseus (1 Occurrence) Delivered (427 Occurrences) Full (1047 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Elisabeth's (1 Occurrence)Luke 1:57 Subtopics Related Terms |
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