Luke 1:24
And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying,
Original Language Analysis
Μετὰ
after
G3326
Μετὰ
after
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
1 of 16
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
ταύτας
G3778
ταύτας
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
3 of 16
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡμέρας
days
G2250
ἡμέρας
days
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
5 of 16
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
συνέλαβεν
conceived
G4815
συνέλαβεν
conceived
Strong's:
G4815
Word #:
6 of 16
to clasp, i.e., seize (arrest, capture); specially, to conceive (literally or figuratively); by implication, to aid
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 16
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
The five-month seclusion allowed Elisabeth to confirm her pregnancy before public announcement and protected her from potential mockery if the promise failed. Her hiding also created dramatic revelation when Mary visited in the sixth month (v36), confirming God's word to both women.
Questions for Reflection
- Why is private thanksgiving and reflection important before public testimony?
- How does Elisabeth's response demonstrate mature faith compared to Zacharias's doubt?
- What does God's removal of reproach teach about His care for our social suffering?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Elisabeth's conception 'after those days' fulfilled Gabriel's prophecy precisely. Her five-month seclusion demonstrates both thanksgiving and humility—hiding herself to process God's gracious work privately before public announcement. The phrase 'Thus hath the Lord dealt with me' recognizes God's sovereign agency in her conception. Elisabeth's response contrasts with Zacharias's doubt; she embraces God's work with faith and gratitude. Her recognition that God removed her reproach among men shows understanding that her value comes from God's merciful intervention, not social standing. This models appropriate response to God's gracious dealings.