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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῇ
who
G3588
τῇ
who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
συγγενής
cousin
G4773
συγγενής
cousin
Strong's:
G4773
Word #:
5 of 22
a relative (by blood); by extension, a fellow countryman
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτῇ
with her
G846
αὐτῇ
with her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 22
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
συνείληφυῖα
conceived
G4815
συνείληφυῖα
conceived
Strong's:
G4815
Word #:
9 of 22
to clasp, i.e., seize (arrest, capture); specially, to conceive (literally or figuratively); by implication, to aid
υἱὸν
a son
G5207
υἱὸν
a son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
10 of 22
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
αὐτῇ
with her
G846
αὐτῇ
with her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 of 22
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 #:
14 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οὗτος
this
G3778
οὗτος
this
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
15 of 22
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
αὐτῇ
with her
G846
αὐτῇ
with her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
19 of 22
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
τῇ
who
G3588
τῇ
who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
The six-month difference meant Elisabeth would give birth to John approximately three months before Mary bore Jesus, establishing John's role as forerunner even in their births. This also meant Mary could visit Elisabeth for confirmation and fellowship during her crucial first trimester.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God graciously provide confirmation of His promises even when we don't demand it?
- What role does Christian community play in confirming and strengthening faith?
- How did God's timing of both conceptions serve His redemptive purposes?
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Analysis & Commentary
Gabriel's revelation that Elisabeth has conceived 'in her old age' serves as confirming sign to Mary, though she didn't request it. The addition 'and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren' provides specific, verifiable evidence of God's power over natural impossibility. This gracious provision of confirmation demonstrates God's pastoral care for His servants—He strengthens faith through concrete evidence even when not demanded. Elisabeth's pregnancy would also provide Mary with a godly, understanding companion during early pregnancy. God's providence coordinates these miraculous conceptions for mutual encouragement and confirmation.