And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.
And {G1161} Mary {G3137} abode {G3306} with {G4862} her {G846} about {G5616} three {G5140} months {G3376}, and {G2532} returned {G5290} to {G1519} her own {G846} house {G3624}.
Miryam stayed with Elisheva for about three months and then returned home.
Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.
And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned unto her house.
No cross-references found for this verse.
Luke 1:56 concisely concludes a pivotal period in the lives of Mary and Elizabeth, marking the end of Mary's special visit to her kinswoman.
Context
This verse follows the miraculous announcement of Jesus' conception to Mary (Luke 1:26-38) and her subsequent journey to visit Elizabeth in the hill country of Judah. During this period, Mary received Elizabeth's Spirit-filled greeting, where the baby John leaped in her womb (Luke 1:39-45), and Mary offered her profound song of praise, often called the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55). Mary's three-month stay likely covered the final months of Elizabeth's pregnancy, culminating just before or around the time of John the Baptist's birth. Her return to her own house in Nazareth would precede the birth of Jesus himself (Luke 2:1-7).
Key Themes and Messages
Practical Application
Luke 1:56 reminds us of the value of intentional, supportive relationships in our spiritual journey. Like Mary, we can benefit immensely from the wisdom and encouragement of fellow believers, especially those who have walked similar paths or are experiencing God's work in unique ways. It also underscores the importance of trusting God's timing and being prepared to return to our daily routines after profound spiritual experiences, allowing those experiences to ground and guide us rather than detach us from our responsibilities. Our everyday lives are often the very places where God continues to work out His divine purposes.