Luke 1:44
For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 22
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὡς
as soon as
G5613
ὡς
as soon as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
3 of 22
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ἐγένετο
sounded
G1096
ἐγένετο
sounded
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
4 of 22
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φωνὴ
the voice
G5456
φωνὴ
the voice
Strong's:
G5456
Word #:
6 of 22
a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
in
G1519
εἰς
in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
10 of 22
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐσκίρτησεν
leaped
G4640
ἐσκίρτησεν
leaped
Strong's:
G4640
Word #:
14 of 22
to jump, i.e., sympathetically move (as the quickening of a fetus)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βρέφος
the babe
G1025
βρέφος
the babe
Strong's:
G1025
Word #:
18 of 22
an infant (properly, unborn) literally or figuratively
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
At six months gestation, John's movement would be strong and recognizable. Elisabeth interprets this specific movement at Mary's greeting as joyful recognition, not mere physical response. This prenatal encounter prefigures John's later testimony: 'He must increase, but I must decrease' (John 3:30).
Questions for Reflection
- What does John's prenatal response teach about the personhood of the unborn?
- How does this encounter foreshadow John's future ministry pointing to Jesus?
- What does this teach about God's sovereign work before birth?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
John's leap in Elisabeth's womb 'for joy' at Mary's salutation demonstrates prenatal life and spiritual sensitivity. The Greek 'eskirtesen en agalliasei' indicates not random movement but joyful exultation—John's first prophetic act was recognizing and rejoicing at his Lord's presence. This affirms both the full humanity of the unborn and the unique role of John as forerunner who would prepare the way. From a Reformed perspective, this shows God's sovereign work in election and sanctification even before birth. The unborn John's response to the unborn Jesus foreshadows his future ministry pointing others to Christ.