Elisabeth, whose name is the New Testament Greek form of Elisheba (“God is my oath”), was the wife of the priest Zacharias and the mother of John the Baptist. She stands as one of the most revered women in the New Testament, characterized by her lifelong faithfulness and her role in the dawn of the Messianic age.
Her Priestly Heritage
Elisabeth possessed a dual priestly pedigree. Not only was she married to a priest, but she was herself a descendant of the line of Aaron. This gave her a high standing within the religious community of Israel.
“There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.” (Luke 1:5, KJV)
A Life of Blamelessness
The Scriptures provide a rare and profound commendation of Elisabeth and her husband. Despite living in a time of great spiritual corruption and personal sorrow (as she was barren and well advanced in years), she remained steadfast in her devotion.
- Her Character: She and Zacharias were “both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless” (Luke 1:6).
- Her Disgrace: In her culture, barrenness was often viewed with social “reproach.” For decades, Elisabeth carried this burden without losing her faith.
The Miraculous Visitation
While Zacharias was serving in the Temple, the angel Gabriel appeared to him, announcing that Elisabeth would conceive a son who would be the forerunner of the Messiah. In her old age, Elisabeth conceived, and she hid herself for five months, marveling at God’s mercy.
“Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.” (Luke 1:25, KJV)
The Meeting with Mary
Elisabeth was a “kinswoman” (often translated as cousin) to Mary, the mother of Jesus. When the pregnant Mary traveled to the hill country of Judah to visit her, a remarkable prophetic event occurred:
- The Leap of Joy: As soon as Elisabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the babe (John) leaped in her womb for joy.
- The Filling of the Spirit: Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost and became the first person in the New Testament to recognize and confess Jesus as “Lord” while He was still in the womb.
- The Blessing: She cried out, “Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb” (Luke 1:42).
Her Obedience in Naming
When the child was born, Elisabeth’s neighbors and relatives expected him to be named after his father, Zacharias. Elisabeth, however, stood firm in her obedience to the angelic instruction given to her husband:
“And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.” (Luke 1:60, KJV)
Theological Significance
Elisabeth serves as the bridge between the Old Covenant (represented by the Aaronic priesthood) and the New Covenant (represented by her son, John, and the Messiah). Her life demonstrates that God’s promises are not limited by age or physical impossibility. She is a model of “costly grace”—sustaining a life of “blameless” obedience even when God seemed silent for many years.