Luke 1:57
Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son.
Original Language Analysis
Τῇ
G3588
Τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπλήσθη
came
G4130
ἐπλήσθη
came
Strong's:
G4130
Word #:
4 of 12
to "fill" (literally or figuratively (imbue, influence, supply)); specially, to fulfil (time)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χρόνος
time
G5550
χρόνος
time
Strong's:
G5550
Word #:
6 of 12
a space of time (in general, and thus properly distinguished from g2540, which designates a fixed or special occasion; and from g0165, which denotes a
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τεκεῖν
should be delivered
G5088
τεκεῖν
should be delivered
Strong's:
G5088
Word #:
8 of 12
to produce (from seed, as a mother, a plant, the earth, etc.), literally or figuratively
αὐτήν
that she
G846
αὐτήν
that she
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 12
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 #:
10 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
John's birth occurred approximately six months before Jesus's birth, maintaining the pattern Gabriel announced. After four centuries without prophetic voice, God's word was being fulfilled precisely, building expectation for the greater fulfillment in Messiah's coming.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's perfect timing in fulfilling promises build faith in promises yet unfulfilled?
- What does the precision of prophetic fulfillment teach about Scripture's reliability?
- How should God's faithfulness to past promises encourage trust in His future work?
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Analysis & Commentary
Elisabeth's 'full time' for delivery fulfilled Gabriel's prophecy precisely, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His word. The phrase emphasizes divine timing—not early, not late, but exactly as promised. The simple statement that 'she brought forth a son' marks the beginning of God's New Testament work after 400 years of prophetic silence. John's birth inaugurates the final chapter of Old Testament prophecy and introduces the New Covenant era. The certainty of this physical fulfillment confirms the reliability of spiritual promises yet to be fulfilled. God's timing in redemptive history is always perfect, neither delayed nor premature.