1:6 1:6

Luke 1:7

1:8 1:8

Bible Versions

And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were [now] well stricken in years.
And {G2532} they {G846} had {G2258} no {G3756} child {G5043}, because {G2530} that Elisabeth {G1665} was {G2258} barren {G4723}, and {G2532} they {G846} both {G297} were {G2258} now well stricken {G4260} in {G1722} years {G2250}.
But they had no children, because Elisheva was barren; and they were both well along in years.
But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well along in years.
And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.

Luke 1:7 (KJV) introduces us to the challenging circumstances of Zechariah and Elisabeth, the devout parents of John the Baptist. This verse succinctly states their primary sorrow: they had no child, not only because Elisabeth was infertile (barren), but also because both were far beyond their childbearing years, emphasizing the human impossibility of their situation.

Historical and Cultural Context

In ancient Israel, having children, especially sons, was considered a profound blessing from God and a sign of divine favor. Conversely, barrenness was often perceived as a misfortune or even a curse, bringing social stigma and personal grief. Zechariah, a priest, and Elisabeth, a descendant of Aaron, were righteous before God (Luke 1:6), yet they bore the heavy burden of childlessness. Their advanced age, described as "well stricken in years," further solidified the natural impossibility of conception, setting the stage for a truly miraculous intervention. This echoes the stories of other significant biblical figures born to previously barren or elderly women, such as Isaac born to Sarah and Samuel born to Hannah, highlighting a pattern of God working through human limitations.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Sovereignty: This verse immediately establishes God's ultimate control over life and birth. Despite human limitations and biological realities, God's plan unfolds according to His will and timing.
  • Miraculous Intervention: The emphasis on Elisabeth's barrenness and their advanced age underscores that John's birth would not be a natural event, but a direct act of God. This miraculous birth prepares the reader for the even greater miracle of Jesus's birth.
  • Preparation for Significance: The seemingly insurmountable obstacle of childlessness serves to magnify the importance of the child to be born. John the Baptist was destined to be the forerunner of the Messiah, and his unusual birth affirmed his divine calling.
  • God's Faithfulness: Despite years of waiting and likely disappointment, God remembered Zechariah and Elisabeth, fulfilling His promise in His perfect time.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "well stricken in years" (Greek: probebēkotes en tais hēmerais autōn) literally means "advanced in their days." This idiom strongly conveys that both Zechariah and Elisabeth were beyond the natural age of childbearing, emphasizing that any conception would be humanly impossible. It highlights the finality of their biological state and thus the extraordinary nature of God's subsequent action.

Practical Application

Luke 1:7 offers profound encouragement for those facing seemingly impossible situations. It reminds us that:

  • God works in His own timing: What seems delayed or impossible to us may be precisely when God intends to act, often to bring Him greater glory.
  • Human limitations are not God's limitations: Our natural barriers or perceived dead ends are opportunities for God to demonstrate His power and faithfulness.
  • Hope in the face of despair: Even when all natural hope is gone, faith in God's ability to do the extraordinary can sustain us. This story is a testament to God's declaration that nothing is too hard for Him.
This verse sets the stage for a powerful narrative of divine grace, showing that God often chooses to work through the weak and the unlikely to accomplish His mighty purposes.

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.

  • Genesis 18:11

    Now Abraham and Sarah [were] old [and] well stricken in age; [and] it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women.

  • 1 Samuel 1:2

    And he had two wives; the name of the one [was] Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.

  • Hebrews 11:11

    Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.

  • Genesis 25:21

    And Isaac intreated the LORD for his wife, because she [was] barren: and the LORD was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.

  • Genesis 16:1

    ¶ Now Sarai Abram's wife bare him no children: and she had an handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name [was] Hagar.

  • Genesis 16:2

    And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the LORD hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai.

  • Genesis 17:17

    Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall [a child] be born unto him that is an hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear?
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