Elizabeth
The Barren Woman Blessed by God's Mercy
Name Information
- Meaning: "My God is an oath" or "God’s promise" (Hebrew: Elisheva)
- Language of Origin: Hebrew
- Gender Usage: Feminine
Elizabeth was a righteous and faithful woman from the priestly line of Aaron, married to Zechariah. Though she was barren and advanced in years, God miraculously allowed her to conceive John the Baptist — the forerunner of Christ. Her story is marked by patience, humility, and joyful recognition of the Messiah when she encountered Mary, the mother of Jesus.
⏰ 1st century BC
Roles
- Mother
- Prophetic Witness
- Faithful Woman
Relationships
- Son: John the baptist
- Husband: Zechariah
- Cousin: Mary
Story
Lived righteously before God but endured the sorrow of barrenness.
After years of prayer, God opened her womb and she conceived in old age.
When Mary visited her, Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and declared a blessing over her.
Called Mary 'the mother of my Lord' before Jesus was even born.
Gave birth to John, and affirmed God's faithfulness publicly.
Spiritual Significance
- From the priestly lineage of Aaron, and righteous before God with her husband Zechariah.
- Barren for most of her life but conceived John the Baptist in old age.
- Recognized Mary as the mother of her Lord through the Holy Spirit.
- Her child leaped in the womb at the sound of Mary’s greeting — confirming the presence of the Messiah.
- Gave birth to John, the prophesied forerunner of Jesus.
Christ Connection
Elizabeth recognized Jesus as the Lord even while He was still in Mary’s womb.
Her son John would prepare the way for Jesus, fulfilling the role of prophetic forerunner.
Her life reflects the joy and fulfillment that comes when God's promises are fulfilled through Christ.
What We Can Learn
- God remembers and honors the faithful, even after long waiting.
- Barrenness and brokenness are not beyond God’s redemptive plan.
- True joy comes from recognizing the presence and promises of Christ.
- The Holy Spirit gives insight into God's work — even in the womb.
Memory Verses
Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.
— Luke 1:45
Key Passages
- Luke 1:5–7
- Luke 1:24–25
- Luke 1:39–45
- Luke 1:57–66
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