Luke 1:57

KJV

¶ Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now {G1161} Elisabeth's {G1665} full {G4130} time {G5550} came {G4130} that she {G846} should be delivered {G5088}; and {G2532} she brought forth {G1080} a son {G5207}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The time arrived for Elisheva to have her baby, and she gave birth to a son.

Berean Standard Bible

When the time came for Elizabeth to have her child, she gave birth to a son.

American Standard Version

Now Elisabeth’s time was fulfilled that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 1:57 records the pivotal moment of John the Baptist's birth, marking the miraculous culmination of Elisabeth's long-awaited pregnancy. This simple yet profound statement signifies the faithful fulfillment of God's prophetic word delivered by the angel Gabriel to Zacharias, underscoring divine timing and the commencement of God's redemptive plan to prepare the way for the Messiah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 1:57 serves as the climax of the opening narrative in Luke's Gospel, which meticulously details the miraculous circumstances surrounding the births of both John the Baptist and Jesus. Preceding this verse, the reader encounters the angelic announcement to Zacharias in the temple, promising a son despite his and Elisabeth's advanced age and barrenness ([Luke 1:13](/luke/1-13 "Luke 1:13 - Gabriel's Prophecy to Zacharias")). Zacharias's subsequent doubt leads to his temporary muteness ([Luke 1:20](/luke/1-20 "Luke 1:20 - Zacharias's Muteness")). The narrative then shifts to the annunciation of Jesus' birth to Mary, followed by Mary's visit to Elisabeth, during which Elisabeth's baby (John) leaps in her womb, recognizing the presence of the Messiah ([Luke 1:39-45](/luke/1-39-45 "Luke 1:39-45 - Mary's Visit to Elisabeth")). Thus, verse 57 is not an isolated event but the anticipated outcome of a divinely orchestrated sequence, setting the stage for the public revelation of John's identity and ministry.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish society, barrenness was often perceived as a curse or a source of great shame, particularly for women, as it threatened the continuation of the family line and the fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant's promise of descendants. For a priestly family like Zacharias and Elisabeth's, the absence of an heir would have been a profound sorrow. The birth of a child, especially in old age and after a long period of barrenness, was consistently interpreted as a special act of divine favor and intervention, as seen in the births of Isaac to Sarah ([Genesis 18:10-14](/genesis/18-10-14 "Genesis 18:10-14 - Sarah's Laughter and God's Promise")) and Samuel to Hannah ([1 Samuel 1:19-20](/1_samuel/1-19-20 "1 Samuel 1:19-20 - The Birth of Samuel")). This cultural backdrop amplifies the miracle of John's birth, highlighting God's power to transcend human limitations and fulfill His purposes in unexpected ways, thereby validating the divine origin of John's mission.

* **Key Themes:** Luke 1:57 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Central among these is the theme of **Divine Timing and Fulfillment**, emphasizing that God's promises are not only certain but unfold precisely at His appointed time. Elisabeth's "full time came" signifies the completion of a divinely determined period, not merely a biological process. This verse also highlights **God's Faithfulness**, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, even when human hope has faded. Furthermore, it introduces the theme of **Preparation for the Messiah**, as John's birth is the initial, crucial step in God's plan to prepare the way for Jesus. His miraculous arrival underscores his unique prophetic role, as prophesied in [Malachi 3:1](/malachi/3-1 "Malachi 3:1 - The Messenger of the Covenant") and later affirmed in [Luke 1:76](/luke/1-76 "Luke 1:76 - John's Prophetic Role"). The narrative of John's birth, therefore, is integral to understanding the unfolding of God's redemptive history.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **full (Greek, _plḗthō'_):** From G4130, meaning "to fill" (literally or figuratively), "to fulfil (time)." In this context, it specifically denotes the completion or fulfillment of a designated period. It's not merely that nine months passed, but that the divinely appointed duration for Elisabeth's pregnancy had reached its intended and perfect culmination, signifying the certainty and precision of God's plan.
* **delivered (Greek, _tíktō'_):** From G5088, meaning "to produce (from seed, as a mother, a plant, the earth, etc.), literally or figuratively:--bear, be born, bring forth, be delivered, be in travail." This verb emphasizes the act of giving birth, the physical process of bringing a child into the world. Its use here highlights the natural, yet divinely enabled, conclusion of Elisabeth's pregnancy.
* **brought forth (Greek, _gennáō'_):** From G1080, meaning "to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate:--bear, beget, be born, bring forth, conceive, be delivered of, gender, make, spring." While `tíktō` focuses on the act of delivery, `gennáō` emphasizes the result of procreation – the successful production of offspring. Its inclusion reinforces the reality and completion of the birth, establishing the new life that has entered the world.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now Elisabeth's full time came":** This opening clause immediately draws attention to the divine orchestration of events. The phrase "full time came" (G4130 _plḗthō_ G5550 _chrónos_) indicates that the divinely appointed period of her pregnancy had reached its complete and perfect conclusion. It signifies not merely the passage of nine months, but the fulfillment of God's specific timing for this miraculous birth, a testament to His sovereignty and faithfulness to His promise.
* **"that she should be delivered":** This phrase specifies the purpose for which her "full time" had arrived – the act of childbirth. It underscores the natural biological process, yet within the context of a supernatural intervention. The verb "delivered" (G5088 _tíktō_) highlights the physical reality of the birth, emphasizing that the long wait was finally over, and the promised child was about to enter the world.
* **"and she brought forth a son":** This final, concise statement declares the successful outcome of the delivery. The verb "brought forth" (G1080 _gennáō_) confirms the birth of a male child, fulfilling the specific prophecy given to Zacharias in [Luke 1:13](/luke/1-13 "Luke 1:13 - Gabriel's Prophecy"). The simplicity of the declaration belies the profound theological significance of the event, marking the arrival of the one destined to prepare the way for the Messiah.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 1:57, though brief, employs several significant literary devices. The primary device is **Fulfillment Narrative**, as the verse explicitly states the culmination of a prophecy previously announced by the angel Gabriel. This narrative technique emphasizes God's faithfulness and the certainty of His word. There is also an element of **Understatement** in the simple declaration "and she brought forth a son," which belies the extraordinary, miraculous nature of the birth given Elisabeth's advanced age and barrenness. This understated tone allows the subsequent narrative (the naming and Zacharias's prophecy) to carry the full weight of the miracle. Finally, the verse functions as a **Climax** within the immediate narrative arc concerning Elisabeth's pregnancy, resolving the tension and anticipation built up in the preceding verses and setting the stage for the next phase of God's redemptive plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 1:57 is a profound declaration of God's active involvement in human history, demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness to His promises and His meticulous orchestration of events to bring about His divine will. The birth of John the Baptist, occurring at "full time," underscores the theme of divine sovereignty and perfect timing, revealing that God's plans unfold precisely when and how He intends, regardless of human limitations or expectations. This miraculous birth, following years of barrenness, serves as a powerful testament to God's ability to do the impossible, preparing the way for an even greater miracle: the incarnation of Jesus Christ. It is a foundational moment in the unfolding of salvation history, marking the end of a long period of prophetic silence and the dawn of a new era of God's redemptive activity.

* [Genesis 21:1-2](/genesis/21-1-2 "Genesis 21:1-2 - The Birth of Isaac"): Parallels the miraculous birth of Isaac to Abraham and Sarah in their old age, highlighting God's faithfulness to His covenant promises despite human impossibility.
* [Psalm 105:8](/psalm/105-8 "Psalm 105:8 - God Remembers His Covenant"): Reinforces the theme of God remembering His covenant and promises, which is vividly demonstrated in Elisabeth's pregnancy and delivery.
* [Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - God Sent His Son at the Proper Time"): Echoes the concept of "full time" or "the fullness of time," indicating God's perfect timing for the most significant events in salvation history, including the sending of His Son.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 1:57 offers profound encouragement for believers today, reminding us that God is a God of perfect timing and unwavering faithfulness. Just as Elisabeth's "full time came," so too will God's purposes for our lives and for the world unfold precisely when He ordains. This verse challenges us to cultivate patience and trust, especially when circumstances seem impossible or when our prayers appear unanswered for extended periods. It invites us to believe that God is actively working behind the scenes, orchestrating events to bring about His good and perfect will. Furthermore, recognizing John's birth as a crucial step in preparing the way for Christ encourages us to consider our own roles in God's redemptive plan, whether in preparing our own hearts for deeper communion with Him or in participating in His mission to prepare others for His return.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life am I currently waiting for God's "full time" to come, and how can I cultivate greater patience and trust in His timing?**
* **How does the miraculous nature of John's birth encourage me to believe in God's power to do the impossible in my own circumstances?**
* **In what ways can I, like John, prepare the way for Christ in my sphere of influence, whether through my words, actions, or prayer?**

### FAQ

**Why is the birth of John the Baptist so significant, given that he is not Jesus?**

Answer: The birth of John the Baptist is profoundly significant because he is the divinely appointed forerunner, prophesied throughout the Old Testament, whose mission was to prepare the way for the Messiah, Jesus Christ. His miraculous birth to elderly, barren parents underscored the supernatural nature of his calling. John's ministry of preaching repentance and baptizing in the wilderness directly fulfilled prophecies from [Isaiah 40:3](/isaiah/40-3 "Isaiah 40:3 - A Voice Crying in the Wilderness") and [Malachi 3:1](/malachi/3-1 "Malachi 3:1 - The Messenger of the Covenant"), making him the bridge between the Old Covenant and the New. His arrival signaled that God's long-awaited plan of salvation was finally unfolding, setting the stage for Jesus' public ministry and the inauguration of God's kingdom.

**What does "full time came" imply about God's plan?**

Answer: The phrase "full time came" (KJV) or "the time came for her to give birth" (NIV) implies God's precise and sovereign timing. It is not merely a biological statement about the completion of a pregnancy but a theological declaration that God's appointed season had arrived. This signifies that God's plans are meticulously orchestrated, unfolding according to His perfect schedule, rather than human expectations or limitations. It underscores His faithfulness to His promises, demonstrating that what He declares, He will certainly bring to pass at the most opportune moment in salvation history, as also seen in [Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - God Sent His Son at the Proper Time") regarding the birth of Jesus.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 1:57, detailing the birth of John the Baptist, is fundamentally Christ-centered in its fulfillment. John's miraculous arrival, at the "full time" appointed by God, serves as the initial, tangible step in God's grand redemptive plan, which culminates in Jesus Christ. John was born to be the one who would "go before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared" ([Luke 1:17](/luke/1-17 "Luke 1:17 - John's Prophetic Mission")). His entire purpose was to point away from himself and towards the coming Messiah. John's ministry, culminating in his identification of Jesus as "the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), perfectly sets the stage for Jesus' public ministry. Thus, John's birth in Luke 1:57 is not merely a family event but the divinely orchestrated prelude to the advent of the Savior, underscoring that all of God's promises and preparations find their ultimate fulfillment and meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the one for whom John was born to prepare the way.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 1:13

But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.

Genesis 21:2

For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.

Genesis 21:3

And Abraham called the name of his son that was born unto him, whom Sarah bare to him, Isaac.

Luke 2:6

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

Luke 2:7

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

Numbers 23:19

God [is] not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do [it]? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?