King James Version

What Does Luke 1:36 Mean?

Luke 1:36 in the King James Version says “And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, w... — study this verse from Luke chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

34

Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?

35

And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

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.

37

For with God nothing shall be impossible.

38

And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.


Commentary

KJV Study 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God graciously provide confirmation of His promises even when we don't demand it?
  2. What role does Christian community play in confirming and strengthening faith?
  3. How did God's timing of both conceptions serve His redemptive purposes?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
καὶ1 of 22

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἰδού,2 of 22

behold

G2400

used as imperative lo!

Ἐλισάβετ3 of 22

Elisabeth

G1665

elisabet, an israelitess

τῇ4 of 22

who

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

συγγενής5 of 22

cousin

G4773

a relative (by blood); by extension, a fellow countryman

σου6 of 22

thy

G4675

of thee, thy

καὶ7 of 22

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

αὐτῇ8 of 22

with her

G846

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

συνείληφυῖα9 of 22

conceived

G4815

to clasp, i.e., seize (arrest, capture); specially, to conceive (literally or figuratively); by implication, to aid

υἱὸν10 of 22

a son

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

ἐν11 of 22

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

γήρᾳ12 of 22

old age

G1094

senility

αὐτῇ13 of 22

with her

G846

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

καὶ14 of 22

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οὗτος15 of 22

this

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

μὴν16 of 22

month

G3376

a month

ἕκτος17 of 22

the sixth

G1623

sixth

ἐστὶν18 of 22

is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

αὐτῇ19 of 22

with her

G846

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

τῇ20 of 22

who

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

καλουμένῃ21 of 22

was called

G2564

to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)

στείρᾳ·22 of 22

barren

G4723

"sterile"


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 1:36 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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