Luke 1:7
And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτῶν
they
G846
αὐτῶν
they
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 18
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
καθότι
because
G2530
καθότι
because
Strong's:
G2530
Word #:
6 of 18
and g3739 and g5100; according to which certain thing, i.e., as far (or inasmuch) as
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
προβεβηκότες
now well stricken
G4260
προβεβηκότες
now well stricken
Strong's:
G4260
Word #:
13 of 18
to walk forward, i.e., advance (literally, or in years)
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡμέραις
years
G2250
ἡμέραις
years
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
16 of 18
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
Cross References
Hebrews 11:11Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.Genesis 18:11Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age; and it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women.Genesis 25:21And Isaac intreated the LORD for his wife, because she was barren: and the LORD was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.1 Samuel 1:2And he had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.Genesis 17:17Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall a child be born unto him that is an hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear?2 Kings 4:14And he said, What then is to be done for her? And Gehazi answered, Verily she hath no child, and her husband is old.
Historical Context
In ancient Jewish culture, barrenness was considered a reproach, yet this couple remained faithful despite social stigma. Their advanced age made natural conception impossible, setting the stage for God's supernatural work in fulfilling His promise of Messiah's forerunner.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God use seasons of barrenness to prepare for greater blessing?
- What does this teach about trusting God when His timing doesn't align with ours?
- How can apparent impossibilities become opportunities to witness God's power?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Elisabeth's barrenness parallels Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, and Hannah—women through whom God demonstrated His sovereignty over human impossibility. The detail that 'they both were now well stricken in years' emphasizes the miraculous nature of God's coming intervention. This pattern of barrenness-to-birth foreshadows the greater miracle of virgin birth. God's delays and denials serve His redemptive purposes, preparing both parents and the world for extraordinary demonstrations of His power.