Elizabeth was the wife of Zechariah, a priest, and the mother of John the Baptist.
Elizabeth was the wife of Zechariah, a priest from the division of Abijah, and the mother of John the Baptist (Luk.1.5,13). She was a descendant of Aaron, making her a Levite (Luk.1.5). Elizabeth and her husband were described as righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord (Luk.1.6). Despite their righteousness, Elizabeth was barren, and both she and Zechariah were advanced in years (Luk.1.7). An angel appeared to Zechariah and announced that Elizabeth would bear a son, who was to be named John (Luk.1.13). When Elizabeth conceived, she remained in seclusion for five months, praising God for His favor (Luk.1.24-25). During her sixth month of pregnancy, her relative Mary, who was carrying Jesus, visited her (Luk.1.36,39-40). Upon hearing Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in Elizabeth's womb, and she was filled with the Holy Spirit, blessing Mary and her child (Luk.1.41-45). After the birth of John, Elizabeth and Zechariah had him circumcised and named on the eighth day, according to the angel's instructions (Luk.1.59-63). The Bible does not provide further details about Elizabeth's life after these events.
Two births in the days of Herod
RoleStated in the textLuke opens with Zechariah serving in the days of Herod, king of Judea. Matthew places Jesus' birth in the same reign. So John the Baptist and Jesus are born under the same king whose family would later kill John and try Jesus.
Where the text shows it: Luke 1:5 — In the days of Herod king of JudeaMatthew 2:1 — Jesus born in the days of Herod the king Sources: Scripture
A priestly couple
FamilyStated in the textZechariah served in the priestly division of Abijah and his wife Elizabeth was herself a daughter of Aaron. Both were righteous but childless until old age. John was thus a priest by birth.
Where the text shows it: Luke 1:5-7 — Both of priestly descent, childlessLuke 1:13 — Promise of a son Sources: Scripture
Mary and Elizabeth are relatives
FamilyStated in the textThe angel tells Mary that Elizabeth is her relative (syngenis). Mary visited her for about three months, and the child in Elizabeth's womb leapt. The exact relationship is not stated.
Sources: Scripture
Mary and Elizabeth are relatives
FamilyStated in the textThe angel tells Mary that her relative Elizabeth has conceived in old age, and Mary goes to visit her. Luke does not specify the degree of kinship.
Sources: Luke 1:36
Jesus and John the Baptist as cousins
FamilyWidely acceptedLuke makes their mothers relatives. Tradition calls the two "cousins", though the word in Luke is general, and Elizabeth is a descendant of Aaron while Mary is associated with David's line.
Where the text shows it: Luke 1:36 — Elizabeth is Mary's relative.Luke 1:5 — Elizabeth is of the daughters of Aaron.John 1:31 — John says he did not know Jesus. Ways people read this (2)
- "Cousins" is the traditional term; Luke says only "relative".
- John 1:31 may refer to John not knowing Jesus' role, not his identity.
Sources: Luke 1:36
Zechariah and Elizabeth, parents of John the Baptist
FamilyStated in the textLuke names Zechariah, a priest, and Elizabeth as the parents of John the Baptist, born after years of childlessness.
Sources: Luke 1:5-25 · Luke 1:57-63
8 verses in 1 book · English text: BSB (change it from the menu at the top) · Strong’s G1665