Elizabeth

The life of Elizabeth

Elizabeth, of the priestly family of Aaron, wife of Zechariah and mother of John the Baptist. Filled with the Holy Spirit, she was the first to greet Mary as the mother of the Lord.

Born

Not recorded. One of the daughters of Aaron ScriptureLuke 1:5

Family

• Husband: Zechariah ScriptureLuke 1:5
• Son: John the Baptist ScriptureLuke 1:57–60
• Relative: Mary ScriptureLuke 1:36

1. She is righteous before God, but barren and advanced in years.

   ScriptureLuke 1:6–7

2. She conceives and keeps herself hidden five months, saying the Lord has taken away her reproach.

   ScriptureLuke 1:24–25

3. When Mary greets her, the child leaps in her womb; she cries, “Blessed are you among women.”

   ScriptureLuke 1:39–45

4. Mary stays with her about three months.

   ScriptureLuke 1:56

5. She gives birth to a son and insists he be called John.

   ScriptureLuke 1:57–60

6. During the massacre in Bethlehem, tradition says she fled with the infant John into the hills.

   TraditionProtoevangelium of James 22

Sources: The Holy Bible (World English Bible); Protoevangelium of James (2nd century).

Drafted from the Bible and Church tradition. Each line says where it comes from; anything marked Tradition or History is not in Scripture itself. Waiting for review by a priest or editor.

Sundays with Elizabeth

1. 6 December 2026

   Birth of John the Baptist

   Gospel: Luke 1:57–80

   His mother, who insists on the name John.

   In the story

   • The neighbours rejoice Luke 1:57–58
   • What will he be called? Luke 1:59–61

2. 29 November 2026

   St. Mary’s Visit to Elizabeth

   Gospel: Luke 1:39–56

   In her sixth month, the first person to call Mary the mother of the Lord.

   In the story

   • Mary goes in a hurry Luke 1:39–40
   • The child leaps Luke 1:41–42
   • The mother of my Lord Luke 1:43–45

3. 15 November 2026This Sunday

   Annunciation to Zechariah

   Gospel: Luke 1:5–25

   His wife, from the family of Aaron. Related to Mary.

   In the story

   • Righteous, and still waiting Luke 1:5–7
   • A voice at the altar Luke 1:11–17
   • Silence, then a child Luke 1:21–25

Also in these readings

• Zechariahസെഖര്യാവ്2 Sundays
• Gabrielഗബ്രിയേൽ2 Sundays
• John the Baptistയോഹന്നാൻ3 Sundays
• Mary, Mother of Godദൈവമാതാവായ മറിയം6 Sundays

About the icon

The Meeting of Mary and Elizabeth, Greek icon. 15th century. Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.