Luke 1:57

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Context of Luke 1:57

Luke 1:57 marks a pivotal moment in the Gospel of Luke, signaling the culmination of a miraculous pregnancy foretold by the angel Gabriel to Zacharias, the priest, in the temple (Luke 1:13). Elisabeth, Zacharias's wife, had been barren and was advanced in years, making this birth a clear demonstration of God's power and faithfulness. The preceding verses detail Gabriel's announcement, Zacharias's doubt which led to his temporary muteness (Luke 1:20), and the visit of Mary, who was also miraculously pregnant with Jesus, to Elisabeth (Luke 1:39-45). This verse simply but powerfully states the fulfillment of God's promise regarding the birth of John the Baptist.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Timing and Fulfillment: The phrase "Now Elisabeth's full time came" highlights God's perfect timing. Her pregnancy, lasting the expected nine months, was a direct fulfillment of the angelic prophecy, demonstrating that God's promises are always kept in His appointed season. This birth was not random but part of a divine plan.
  • Miraculous Birth: Like many significant figures in biblical history (e.g., Isaac, Samuel), John's birth was miraculous, emphasizing his unique role in God's redemptive plan. It underscored the supernatural nature of the events surrounding the advent of Jesus Christ.
  • Joy and Expectation: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the subsequent verses (Luke 1:58) reveal the great joy of Elisabeth's neighbors and cousins. This birth brought an end to her barrenness and shame, ushering in a season of celebration and expectation for what God would do through this child.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase for "full time came" is anaplērousthai chronos, meaning "the time was fulfilled" or "completed." This emphasizes that the duration of the pregnancy reached its proper, appointed end, not just that nine months passed, but that God's set time had arrived. It speaks to the precision and certainty of God's plan unfolding exactly as prophesied, reinforcing the theme of divine fulfillment concerning Elisabeth's delivery.

Significance and Practical Application

Luke 1:57 offers several enduring lessons for believers:

  • God's Faithfulness: This verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises, even when human circumstances seem impossible. Elisabeth and Zacharias had waited for decades, yet God remembered them.
  • Patience and Trust: The story encourages patience and trust in God's timing. Just as Elisabeth's "full time came," so too will God's purposes for our lives unfold at the appointed moment.
  • Preparation for Christ: The birth of John the Baptist was a crucial step in preparing the way for the Messiah. His life and ministry, prophesied in Malachi 3:1, would directly precede Jesus' public ministry. This verse marks the beginning of the fulfillment of those ancient prophecies concerning the forerunner of Christ.

In essence, Luke 1:57 is more than just a birth announcement; it is a declaration of God's active involvement in human history, meticulously orchestrating events to bring about His divine will and fulfill His sacred word.

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Cross-References

  • Luke 1:13 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • Luke 2:6 (2 votes)

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

  • Luke 2:7 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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?