What does Luke 1:57 mean?

Now Elisabeth’s full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. Luke 1:57

Explanation

This verse from the Gospel of Luke refers to the birth of John the Baptist, who is an important figure in Christianity as the forerunner of Jesus Christ. The name ‘Elisabeth’ refers to the mother of John the Baptist, who, according to the preceding narrative, had been barren until she was granted a child through divine intervention. The phrase “full time came” signifies the completion of her pregnancy term. The birth of a son was often seen as an occasion of great joy in ancient Jewish culture, as male offspring were culturally and legally significant. The verse briefly notes the fulfillment of God’s promise and the joyous occasion of childbirth without elaboration on the details of the delivery.

Historical Context

The Gospel of Luke was written in the 1st century A.D., in a Hellenistic-Roman cultural backdrop, but it is deeply rooted in Jewish traditions and the narrative is set in Judea. During this period, many Jews were expectant of a messiah and figures like prophets and religious leaders had great significance. Elisabeth, along with her husband Zechariah, were descendants of Aaron, the High Priest, and thus belonged to a priestly line, which added to the significance of her son’s birth. Their story is part of the gospel’s thematic interest in God’s intervention and the working of salvation history through seemingly miraculous births.

Theological Insights

This verse bears witness to the idea of divine providence and the fulfillment of God’s plan. In Christian theology, John the Baptist plays a crucial role as the one who announces and prepares the way for Jesus. From a theological perspective, the conception and birth of John to an elderly couple who had been childless is a sign of God’s direct intervention in history. It parallels the Old Testament accounts where God provides children to previously barren women, such as Sarah (mother of Isaac) and Hannah (mother of Samuel).

Practical Applications

The birth of John the Baptist to Elisabeth can serve as an encouragement to those facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles. It can be interpreted as a reminder that situations may change unexpectedly, and that hope and faith have a place even in the midst of disappointment or long periods of waiting. Moreover, it can inspire people to be open to the unforeseen ways that joy and purpose might enter their lives.

Cross-References

• Luke 1:13: “But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zechariah: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.”
• Genesis 21:1-2: “And the LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken. For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.”
• 1 Samuel 1:20: “Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the LORD.”

Language Study

The key phrase here in the original Greek is “ἐπλήσθη ὁ χρόνος” (eplēsthē ho chronos), meaning “the time was fulfilled/completed.” This has eschatological overtones, suggesting not only the completion of pregnancy but also the divine timing in salvation history. The word “ἐγέννησεν” (egennēsen), translated as “brought forth,” specifically indicates giving birth, further emphasizing the realization of God’s promise.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The motif of miraculous births is found in various ancient cultures and religions. For example, in Greco-Roman mythology, heroes and significant figures often had divine or extraordinary births. Within the religious context of Judaism, the births of significant individuals by divine influence or intervention are recurring themes, as seen in the stories of Isaac, Samuel, and Samson. These stories often communicate the idea that the individual has a divinely-appointed destiny.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the birth of a child to an older woman, as implied in the text about Elisabeth, is less common but not impossible. Advances in modern medicine allow for greater understanding and increased possibility of childbirth at an advanced age compared to ancient times. However, the narrative emphasizes the miraculous nature of this birth, which goes beyond scientific explanation.

Commentaries

Commentaries on this verse highlight the miraculous nature of John’s birth and the joy it brought to his parents and those around them. They may draw parallels between John’s birth and that of other significant figures in the Bible who were born to women who had been unable to conceive, such as Isaac and Samuel. Commentators also reflect on the fulfillment of God’s promises and timing, noting that Elisabeth’s age amplifies the divine intervention aspect of this event. Some may also touch on the historical and cultural context of John’s birth, considering the role and status of women, the significance of lineage, and the implications of male offspring in Jewish society at the time.