Elizabeth Ἐλισάβετ
The wife of Zechariah and mother of John the Baptist.
Who is Elizabeth in the Bible?
Elizabeth was the wife of Zechariah, a priest of the division of Abijah, and the mother of John the Baptist (Luke 1:5, 1:13). A descendant of Aaron and therefore a Levite, Elizabeth was described as righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all His commandments and statutes, though she had remained barren throughout her life despite her advanced age (Luke 1:5-7). An angel announced to Zechariah that Elizabeth would conceive and bear a son to be named John (Luke 1:13), and when she became pregnant, she praised God for removing her disgrace (Luke 1:24-25). During her sixth month of pregnancy, her relative Mary, the mother of Jesus, visited her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and recognized Mary's blessing (Luke 1:36, 1:41-42). Elizabeth's significance lies in her role as the mother of John the Baptist, the forerunner who prepared the way for Jesus, and her witness to Mary's divine calling demonstrates the connection between the birth of John and the coming of Christ.
Biography
Elizabeth was the wife of Zechariah, a priest from the division of Abijah, and the mother of John the Baptist (Luk.1.5,13). She was a descendant of Aaron, making her a Levite (Luk.1.5). Elizabeth and her husband were described as righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord (Luk.1.6). Despite their righteousness, Elizabeth was barren, and both she and Zechariah were advanced in years (Luk.1.7). An angel appeared to Zechariah and announced that Elizabeth would bear a son, who was to be named John (Luk.1.13). When Elizabeth conceived, she remained in seclusion for five months, praising God for His favor (Luk.1.24-25). During her sixth month of pregnancy, her relative Mary, who was carrying Jesus, visited her (Luk.1.36,39-40). Upon hearing Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in Elizabeth's womb, and she was filled with the Holy Spirit, blessing Mary and her child (Luk.1.41-45). After the birth of John, Elizabeth and Zechariah had him circumcised and named on the eighth day, according to the angel's instructions (Luk.1.59-63). The Bible does not provide further details about Elizabeth's life after these events.
Family
In Scripture
1 biblical book ; 1 with study contentLuke 5 verses
- Luke 1:5
"In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah, and whose wife Elizabeth was a descendant of Aaron."
Study Luke → - Luke 1:7
"But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well along in years."
Study Luke → - Luke 1:13
"But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John."
Study Luke → - Luke 1:24
"After these days, his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. She declared,"
Study Luke → - Luke 1:36
"Look, even Elizabeth your relative has conceived a son in her old age, and she who was called barren is in her sixth month."
Study Luke →
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Greek | Ἐλισάβετ |