Elizabeth
John the Baptist’s mother
Who was Elizabeth?
- She was the wife of Zechariah and a relative of Mary. Luke 1:5; Luke 1:36
- She was already old when she had her son, John the Baptist. Luke 1:7; Luke 1:36; Luke 1:57
- When Mary came to visit, the baby leaped in Elizabeth’s womb. Luke 1:41
- The name
- It comes from the Hebrew name Elisheba and means “God is an oath.” Catholic Encyclopedia (1913), “Elizabeth”
- Feast day
- September 23: Saints Zechariah and Elizabeth, parents of Saint John the Baptist
What the Bible says
Luke 1:5; Luke 1:36
There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zachary, of the course of Abia; and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name Elizabeth.
Luke 1:7; Luke 1:36; Luke 1:57
And they had no son, for that Elizabeth was barren, and they both were well advanced in years.
Luke 1:41
And it came to pass, that when Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the infant leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:
Douay-Rheims Bible (Challoner revision), public domain.
The path of Elizabeth
- Before Jesus. She was the wife of Zechariah, a priest, and she was descended from Aaron. Luke 1:5
- Before Jesus. Both were righteous before God, but they had no children, and they were already old. Luke 1:6-7
- Before Jesus. When she was already old, she conceived a child and stayed in seclusion for five months. Luke 1:24, 36
- With Jesus. When Mary visited her, the baby leaped in Elizabeth’s womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Luke 1:40-41
- With Jesus. She called Mary “the mother of my Lord.” Luke 1:43
- With Jesus. She gave birth to John, and her neighbors and relatives rejoiced with her. Luke 1:57-58
- With Jesus. The neighbors and relatives wanted to name the baby Zechariah, after his father. But Elizabeth said he would be called John. Luke 1:59-60
Words of Elizabeth
“Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he hath had regard to take away my reproach among men.” Luke 1:25
When she conceived a child in her old age.
“Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.” Luke 1:42
When Mary came to her home and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
“And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” Luke 1:43
In that same greeting to Mary.
“And blessed art thou that hast believed, because those things shall be accomplished that were spoken to thee by the Lord.” Luke 1:45
As she finished her greeting to Mary.
“Not so; but he shall be called John.” Luke 1:60
When the neighbors and relatives wanted to name the baby Zechariah, after his father.
What they were like
- She was righteous before God, like her husband: she kept all the Lord’s commandments. Luke 1:6
- Firm: when everyone wanted to name the baby after his father, she said he would be called John. Luke 1:59-60
The greatest thing they did
- Filled with the Holy Spirit, she called Mary “the mother of my Lord.” Luke 1:41-43
- She gave birth to John the Baptist. Luke 1:57, 60
Not to be confused with
- She is another saint: a Hungarian princess of the 13th century. The Church celebrates her on November 17. Catholic Encyclopedia (1913), “St. Elizabeth of Hungary”; General Roman Calendar
In the Church today
Feast day: September 23, Saints Zechariah and Elizabeth, parents of Saint John the Baptist (commemoration (not on the General Roman Calendar or the U.S. calendar)). Roman Martyrology (2004)
Elizabeth in art
What people ask
Was Elizabeth Mary’s cousin?
The Bible says they were relatives, but not how they were related. Luke 1:36; Catholic Encyclopedia (1913), “Elizabeth”
How old was Elizabeth when she had John?
The Bible doesn’t say. It says only that she was advanced in years. Luke 1:7; Luke 1:36
Where does “blessed art thou among women” come from?
From what Elizabeth said to Mary. When the Church prays the Hail Mary, it makes that greeting its own. Luke 1:42; Catechism 2676
Why did the baby leap in Elizabeth’s womb?
Elizabeth said the baby leaped for joy as soon as she heard Mary’s greeting. Luke 1:44
How long did Mary stay with Elizabeth?
About three months. Then Mary went back home. Luke 1:56
Daily life She lived with Zechariah in a town in the hill country of Judea. Luke 1:39-40 She came from a family of priests: she was descended from Aaron, the…
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See the mapWho Elizabeth is connected to
- Zechariah · husband and wife
- John the Baptist · mother and son
- Mary · relatives
- Aaron · his descendant
More people
All the people of the Bible · The Twelve Apostles · Women of the Bible