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.

Luke 1:36 (KJV)

Context

The Gospel of Luke gives a careful account of the events surrounding the birth of Jesus. Just before this verse, the angel Gabriel tells Mary that she will conceive and bear a son named Jesus, who will be called the Son of the Most High (Luke 1:31-33). Mary, a virgin, is perplexed, yet she listens as Gabriel continues.

In Luke 1:36, Gabriel gives Mary a sign: her relative Elisabeth, who was known as barren and is now old, has conceived a son and is in her sixth month. The Greek word translated “cousin” means a female relative or kinswoman, not necessarily a first cousin. Elisabeth was from the daughters of Aaron (Luke 1:5), placing her in the priestly tribe of Levi; the family tie with Mary could have come through intermarriage between the tribes of Levi and Judah, which the law allowed.

Meaning

The phrase “who was called barren” points to Elisabeth’s publicly known infertility. Her pregnancy, in old age, was a clear act of God. The sign confirms the angel’s message: if God could open the womb of an elderly woman, then the conception of the Son of God by the Holy Spirit, as stated in Luke 1:35, is credible. The mention of the sixth month also links this announcement to the birth of John the Baptist later in the chapter.

This verse establishes the connection between John the Baptist and Jesus, showing that God was at work in both families. Elisabeth’s miraculous conception serves as a supporting sign for Mary’s faith, demonstrating that nothing is impossible with God, a truth made explicit in the following verse (Luke 1:37).

Application

Elisabeth’s pregnancy teaches us to trust God’s timing and power, even when circumstances seem impossible. God can bring about extraordinary things when we surrender to His will and believe His promises. The sign given to Mary encourages us to receive God’s word with faith, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill what He has spoken.