Luke 1:58

KJV

And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} her neighbours {G4040} and {G2532} her {G846} cousins {G4773} heard {G191} how {G3754} the Lord {G2962} had shewed great {G3170} mercy {G1656}{G846} upon {G3326} her {G846}; and {G2532} they rejoiced {G4796} with her {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Her neighbors and relatives heard how good ADONAI had been to her, and they rejoiced with her.

Berean Standard Bible

Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they rejoiced with her.

American Standard Version

And her neighbors and her kinsfolk heard that the Lord had magnified his mercy towards her; and they rejoiced with her.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 1:58 vividly portrays the communal joy and recognition of God's miraculous intervention in the life of Elizabeth. Following the extraordinary birth of John the Baptist, her neighbors and relatives, having witnessed the Lord's profound and active compassion, responded with heartfelt celebration, underscoring the public acknowledgement of divine favor and the shared nature of blessing within the community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the birth of John the Baptist to Elizabeth and Zacharias, an elderly and previously barren couple, as described in [Luke 1:57](/luke/1-57 "Luke 1:57 - The Birth of John the Baptist"). The narrative in Luke's Gospel meticulously details the miraculous circumstances surrounding John's conception and birth, setting the stage for the even more profound birth of Jesus. The preceding verses emphasize the long-awaited fulfillment of God's promise, not only to Zacharias and Elizabeth but also as a prelude to the coming Messiah. The communal reaction in [Luke 1:58](/luke/1-58 "Luke 1:58 - Communal Joy at John's Birth") serves as the immediate social validation and celebration of this divine act, leading directly into the events of John's circumcision and naming in [Luke 1:59-66](/luke/1-59-66 "Luke 1:59-66 - John's Circumcision and Zacharias's Prophecy"), where Zacharias's voice is restored, and he prophesies about his son's prophetic role.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, barrenness was often viewed as a source of shame and a sign of divine disfavor (though this was not necessarily God's perspective, as seen in many biblical narratives). Conversely, the birth of a child, especially after a long period of barrenness, was a cause for immense celebration and was universally recognized as a direct blessing from God. Family and community ties were exceptionally strong, and significant life events like births were communal affairs. Neighbors and extended family ("cousins" or "relatives") played an integral role in social life, sharing in both sorrows and joys. The news of Elizabeth's pregnancy and subsequent birth would have spread quickly, particularly given her advanced age and the long-standing knowledge of her barrenness. This public rejoicing was not merely social custom but a profound theological affirmation of God's active presence and faithfulness within their midst.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 1:58 powerfully contributes to several key themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **God's great mercy and faithfulness** ([Luke 1:50](/luke/1-50 "Luke 1:50 - God's Mercy on Those Who Fear Him")). The miraculous birth of John to an elderly, barren couple is a clear demonstration of God's compassion and His ability to intervene in human impossibilities, fulfilling His promises. Secondly, the verse emphasizes **communal joy and witness**. The shared rejoicing of the community signifies the public acknowledgment of God's work and serves as an early witness to the extraordinary nature of John's birth, preparing the way for his future ministry. This communal response echoes the joy seen in other miraculous births in the Old Testament, such as the birth of Isaac to Sarah ([Genesis 21:6](/genesis/21-6 "Genesis 21:6 - Sarah's Laughter and Joy")). Finally, it underscores the theme of **overcoming barrenness as a sign of divine power**. Elizabeth's story is part of a biblical pattern where God opens the womb of previously barren women (e.g., Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, Hannah), demonstrating His sovereign power over life and His ability to bring forth life where it seems impossible, often for a specific redemptive purpose.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **heard (Greek, _akoúō'_):** This verb signifies not merely the physical act of hearing, but often implies understanding, heeding, or perceiving. In this context, it suggests that Elizabeth's neighbors and cousins not only received the information about the birth but also grasped its significance—that it was a direct manifestation of divine intervention and mercy, not just a natural occurrence. Their hearing led to a specific, appropriate response: rejoicing.
* **mercy (Greek, _éleos'_):** This term denotes compassion, particularly active compassion that results in practical help or deliverance. It refers to God's benevolent kindness and pity, especially as it is shown in His saving acts. Here, it highlights that God's action in granting Elizabeth a child was not an obligation but a gracious, compassionate, and unmerited favor, demonstrating His character as a God who is rich in compassion towards His people.
* **rejoiced (Greek, _synchaírō'_):** This compound verb literally means "to rejoice with" or "to sympathize in gladness." It conveys a deep, shared joy, indicating that the community genuinely celebrated Elizabeth's blessing as if it were their own. This is more than mere congratulation; it is an empathetic participation in her joy, affirming the communal bond and the collective recognition of God's goodness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And her neighbours and her cousins heard":** This opening clause establishes the immediate audience and their reception of the news. "Neighbours" (G4040, _períoikos_) refers to those living nearby, while "cousins" (G4773, _syngenḗs_) indicates extended family, highlighting the close-knit nature of the community. Their hearing is crucial, as it sets the stage for their understanding and response.
* **"how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her":** This is the content of what was heard and understood. The phrase "shewed great mercy" (G3170 _megalýnō_ and G1656 _éleos_) emphasizes the extraordinary nature of God's compassion. It wasn't just mercy, but mercy "magnified" or made "great" and evident for all to see. The recognition that "the Lord" (G2962, _kýrios_) was the agent behind this act transforms it from a personal event into a divine revelation.
* **"and they rejoiced with her":** This final clause describes the communal response. Their "rejoicing with her" (G4796, _synchaírō_) signifies a shared, empathetic joy, demonstrating that Elizabeth's blessing was not isolated but celebrated by her community. This collective celebration validates the divine nature of the event and underscores the theme of shared blessing and solidarity.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 1:58 employs several literary devices to convey its message effectively. The most prominent is **Communal Response**, where the actions of "her neighbours and her cousins" are central to the verse's meaning. Their collective "hearing" and "rejoicing" emphasize the public and widely acknowledged nature of God's intervention, validating the miracle beyond Elizabeth and Zacharias themselves. There is also an element of **Emphasis** through the phrase "shewed great mercy." The use of "great" (G3170, _megalýnō_, "magnified") highlights the extraordinary and abundant nature of God's compassion, indicating that this was no ordinary blessing but a profound act of divine grace. Furthermore, the verse functions as **Narrative Progression**, moving the story from the private miracle of birth to its public reception, setting the stage for the subsequent events of John's naming and Zacharias's prophecy, which further unfold the divine plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 1:58 beautifully illustrates the profound theological truth that God's redemptive acts are often met with communal recognition and joy. The "great mercy" shown to Elizabeth is a specific manifestation of God's covenant faithfulness, echoing His character as revealed throughout the Old Testament. This mercy is not merely passive pity but an active, benevolent intervention that transforms barrenness into fruitfulness, sorrow into joy. The community's response of shared rejoicing underscores the biblical principle that blessings from God are often meant to be witnessed and celebrated collectively, serving as a testimony to His power and goodness. This communal affirmation also foreshadows the broader, universal joy that would accompany the advent of the Messiah, whose coming would be the ultimate expression of God's mercy to all humanity.

* [Psalm 126:2-3](/psalms/126-2-3 "Psalm 126:2-3 - Laughter and Joy at God's Restoration")
* [Romans 12:15](/romans/12-15 "Romans 12:15 - Rejoice with Those Who Rejoice")
* [Isaiah 66:10](/isaiah/66-10 "Isaiah 66:10 - Rejoice with Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 1:58 offers a timeless lesson on the power of shared joy and the importance of recognizing God's hand in the lives of others. In a world often marked by self-centeredness or even envy, this verse calls believers to cultivate a spirit of genuine empathy and celebration. When we witness God's goodness, His "great mercy," manifested in the lives of our brothers and sisters—whether it's a long-awaited answer to prayer, a miraculous healing, or simply a season of abundant blessing—our natural, Christ-like response should be to "rejoice with them." This communal celebration not only strengthens the bonds of fellowship within the body of Christ but also serves as a powerful collective witness to the world of God's active presence and ongoing work. It reminds us that God's blessings are not just for the individual but often for the community, fostering a culture of gratitude and mutual encouragement, where God receives the glory for His magnificent deeds.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How often do I genuinely rejoice with others when God shows "great mercy" in their lives, rather than feeling indifferent or envious?**
* **What specific instances of God's "great mercy" have I witnessed in my community or church recently, and how have I celebrated them?**
* **How can I cultivate a more empathetic and celebratory spirit in my interactions with others, especially when they experience God's blessings?**
* **In what ways does my personal response to God's goodness in others' lives reflect or hinder the communal witness of His power?**

### FAQ
**Why was it significant that Elizabeth's neighbors and cousins heard and rejoiced?**

Answer: The significance lies in the communal validation and witness of God's miraculous work. In ancient society, family and community were central, and events like births were public affairs. Elizabeth and Zacharias had been barren for many years, a fact known to their community. Therefore, the birth of John was not just a private joy but a public demonstration of God's power and faithfulness. Their hearing and rejoicing signified that the community recognized this event as divine intervention, not merely a natural occurrence. This shared joy served to confirm the miracle and pave the way for understanding John's unique, divinely appointed role, as it was a testimony to God's "great mercy" extended to them all.

**What does "shewed great mercy" specifically imply in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "shewed great mercy" (Greek: _emegalynen eleos_) goes beyond simple compassion. The verb _megalýnō_ means "to magnify" or "to make great." So, it implies that the Lord's mercy was not just present, but it was made abundantly clear, evident, and extraordinary for all to see. It speaks to the magnitude of God's compassionate action in overcoming Elizabeth's long-standing barrenness and granting her a child in her old age. This was a powerful, undeniable display of God's active benevolence, demonstrating His faithfulness to His promises and His ability to do the impossible, as He had done for Sarah and Hannah before her (see [Genesis 21:1-7](/genesis/21-1-7 "Genesis 21:1-7 - The Birth of Isaac") and [1 Samuel 1:19-20](/1_samuel/1-19-20 "1 Samuel 1:19-20 - Hannah Conceives Samuel")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Luke 1:58 celebrates the "great mercy" shown to Elizabeth in the birth of John the Baptist, its ultimate fulfillment and deeper significance are found in the coming of Jesus Christ. John's birth was a miraculous prelude, preparing the way for the true Lamb of God, who would take away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). The mercy shown to Elizabeth, though profound, pales in comparison to the boundless mercy God extends to all humanity through His Son. In Christ, God "shewed great mercy" not just by overcoming barrenness, but by overcoming the spiritual barrenness of sin and death, offering eternal life to all who believe ([Ephesians 2:4-5](/ephesians/2-4-5 "Ephesians 2:4-5 - God's Mercy and Grace")). The communal rejoicing at John's birth foreshadows the universal joy that accompanies the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ, where angels proclaim "good news of great joy that will be for all the people" ([Luke 2:10](/luke/2-10 "Luke 2:10 - Good News of Great Joy")). Through Christ, the ultimate display of God's compassion and faithfulness is revealed, inviting not just neighbors and cousins, but all nations to "rejoice with" Him in the new life and hope found in His redemptive work ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - The Multitude Before the Throne")).

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 1:14

And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.

Luke 1:25

Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on [me], to take away my reproach among men.

Romans 12:15

Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

Ruth 4:14

And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed [be] the LORD, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel.

Ruth 4:17

And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he [is] the father of Jesse, the father of David.

1 Corinthians 12:26

And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.

Psalms 113:9

He maketh the barren woman to keep house, [and to be] a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD.