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Portrait of ElizabethPortrait · Elizabeth

Gospels · New Testament

Elizabeth

Faithful Mother of John the Baptist

Name meaning
My God is abundance or oath
Name origin
Hebrew: אֱלִישֶׁבַע (Elisheva), meaning "my God is abundance" or "oath"

Quick facts

Occupation
  • Wife of a priest
  • Mother
Birthplace
Hill country of Judah (traditionally)
Modern-day location
The Judean hill country, broadly around the Hebron area of the present-day West Bank; no town is specified.
Family
  • Wife of Zechariah the priest
  • Mother of John the Baptist
  • Kinswoman of Mary, mother of Jesus
First mention
Luke 1:5-7
Last mention
Luke 1:57-66
Key artifacts
  • Priestly household
  • Barrenness turned to joy
  • Benedictus setting

Key verses

  • “And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.”

    Luke 1:6

  • “Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.”

    Luke 1:42

  • “And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.”

    Luke 1:45

Biography

Early Life

Elizabeth was a daughter of Aaron, married to Zechariah the priest. Both were righteous and blameless, though childless and advanced in years.

Defining Biblical Moments

An angel promised Zechariah a son; Elizabeth conceived John, greeted Mary with prophetic blessing when Mary visited, and at John's birth insisted on the name John, with Zechariah confirming it and regaining speech.

Strengths

Elizabeth is portrayed as righteous, hospitable, and filled with the Holy Spirit to recognize God's work in Mary and her own child.

Weaknesses & Lessons

Her long barrenness shows that faithfulness does not guarantee immediate fulfillment; joy came after years of waiting.

Life Lessons for Today

God remembers those who wait faithfully; hospitality and prophetic encouragement strengthen others' callings.

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Elizabeth appears in Women of the Bible: Profiles in Courage & Faith, alongside more profiles like this one.

Page #47 in Women of the Bible: Profiles in Courage & Faith

Women of the Bible: Profiles in Courage & Faith front cover

Women whose courage shaped Scripture

Vivid profiles of the women of the Bible whose faith, wisdom, and quiet courage carried them through extraordinary moments.

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