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Luke 1:7 But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well along in years.
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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad7.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/luke/1-6.htm" title="Luke 1:6">◄</a> Luke 1:7 <a href="/luke/1-8.htm" title="Luke 1:8">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/luke/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter"> (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/luke/1.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/luke/1.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />They had no children because Elizabeth was unable to conceive, and they were both very old.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/luke/1.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/luke/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well along in years.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/luke/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And to them there was no child, inasmuch as Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in their years.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/luke/1.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were <i>now</i> well stricken in years.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/luke/1.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/luke/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And <i>yet</i> they had no child, because Elizabeth was infertile, and they were both advanced in years.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/luke/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both advanced in years.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/luke/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both advanced in years.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/luke/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both advanced in years.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/luke/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />But they were childless, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both far advanced in years.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/luke/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But they had no children because Elizabeth could not conceive, and both of them were well along in years.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/luke/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But they had no children because Elizabeth could not conceive, and both of them were well along in years. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/luke/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/luke/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />But they did not have children. Elizabeth could not have any, and both Zechariah and Elizabeth were already old. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/luke/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/luke/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Yet, they never had any children because Elizabeth couldn't become pregnant. Both of them were too old to have children.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/luke/1.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />They had no children because Elizabeth could not have any, and she and Zechariah were both very old. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/luke/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />They had no children because Elizabeth was barren and because both of them were getting old. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/luke/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well along in years.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/luke/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />But they did not have a child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both very old. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/luke/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they both were well advanced in years.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/luke/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And they had no child, because Elisabeth was barren, and they both were far advanced in years.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/luke/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren; and both of them were far advanced in life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/luke/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they both were well advanced in years. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/luke/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and they had no child, because that Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in their days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/luke/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And to them there was no child, inasmuch as Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in their years.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/luke/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and both were advanced in their days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/luke/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And no child was to them, as Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in their days.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/luke/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And they had no son, for that Elizabeth was barren, and they both were well advanced in years. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/luke/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they both had become advanced in years.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/luke/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren and both were advanced in years.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/luke/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were getting on in years.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/luke/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />But they had no son, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well on in years.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/luke/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />But they did not have a son, because Elizabeth was infertile, and both of them were advanced in their days.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/luke/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />And they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both advanced in years.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/luke/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />And there was no child to them, as Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in their days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/luke/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />And they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were far advanced in years.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/luke/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />they had no children, because Elizabeth was steril, and they were both advanced in years.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/luke/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren; and both of them were far advanced in life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/luke/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />And they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were far advanced in their days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/luke/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />And they had no child, for Elisabeth was barren; and they were both far advanced in years.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/luke/1-7.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3-5_0Jtd9Lc?start=51" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/luke/1.htm">Gabriel Foretells John's Birth</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">6</span>Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and decrees of the Lord. <span class="reftext">7</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">But</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autois (PPro-DM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">they</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ēn (V-IIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">had</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">no</a> <a href="/greek/5043.htm" title="5043: teknon (N-NNS) -- A child, descendent, inhabitant. From the base of timoria; a child.">children,</a> <a href="/greek/2530.htm" title="2530: kathoti (Adv) -- From kata; and hos and tis; according to which certain thing, i.e. As far as.">because</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hē (Art-NFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1665.htm" title="1665: Elisabet (N-NFS) -- Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptizer. Of Hebrew origin; Elisabet, an Israelitess.">Elizabeth</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ēn (V-IIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">was</a> <a href="/greek/4723.htm" title="4723: steira (Adj-NFS) -- Barren. A contraction from stereos; sterile.">barren,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ēsan (V-IIA-3P) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">they were</a> <a href="/greek/297.htm" title="297: amphoteroi (Adj-NMP) -- Both (of two). Comparative of amphi; both.">both</a> <a href="/greek/4260.htm" title="4260: probebēkotes (V-RPA-NMP) -- To go forward, advance. From pro and the base of basis; to walk forward, i.e. Advance.">well along</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autōn (PPro-GM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tais (Art-DFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2250.htm" title="2250: hēmerais (N-DFP) -- A day, the period from sunrise to sunset. ">years.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">8</span>One day while Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/18-11.htm">Genesis 18:11</a></span><br />And Abraham and Sarah were already old and well along in years; Sarah had passed the age of childbearing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/13-2.htm">Judges 13:2</a></span><br />Now there was a man from Zorah named Manoah, from the clan of the Danites, whose wife was barren and had no children.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/1-5.htm">1 Samuel 1:5</a></span><br />But to Hannah he would give a double portion, for he loved her even though the LORD had closed her womb.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/15-2.htm">Genesis 15:2-3</a></span><br />But Abram replied, “O Lord GOD, what can You give me, since I remain childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” / Abram continued, “Behold, You have given me no offspring, so a servant in my household will be my heir.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/30-1.htm">Genesis 30:1</a></span><br />When Rachel saw that she was not bearing any children for Jacob, she envied her sister. “Give me children, or I will die!” she said to Jacob.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/4-14.htm">2 Kings 4:14</a></span><br />So he asked, “Then what should be done for her?” “Well, she has no son,” Gehazi replied, “and her husband is old.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/54-1.htm">Isaiah 54:1</a></span><br />“Shout for joy, O barren woman, who bears no children; break forth in song and cry aloud, you who have never travailed; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband,” says the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/113-9.htm">Psalm 113:9</a></span><br />He settles the barren woman in her home as a joyful mother to her children. Hallelujah!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/25-21.htm">Genesis 25:21</a></span><br />Later, Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife, because she was barren. And the LORD heard his prayer, and his wife Rebekah conceived.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/29-31.htm">Genesis 29:31</a></span><br />When the LORD saw that Leah was unloved, He opened her womb; but Rachel was barren.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/4-19.htm">Romans 4:19</a></span><br />Without weakening in his faith, he acknowledged the decrepitness of his body (since he was about a hundred years old) and the lifelessness of Sarah’s womb.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/11-11.htm">Hebrews 11:11</a></span><br />By faith Sarah, even though she was barren and beyond the proper age, was enabled to conceive a child, because she considered Him faithful who had promised.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/9-10.htm">Romans 9:10</a></span><br />Not only that, but Rebecca’s children were conceived by one man, our father Isaac.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/4-27.htm">Galatians 4:27</a></span><br />For it is written: “Rejoice, O barren woman, who bears no children; break forth and cry aloud, you who have never travailed; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/1-11.htm">1 Samuel 1:11</a></span><br />And she made a vow, saying, “O LORD of Hosts, if only You will look upon the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, not forgetting Your maidservant but giving her a son, then I will dedicate him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall ever touch his head.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.</p><p class="hdg">they had.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/15-2.htm">Genesis 15:2,3</a></b></br> And Abram said, Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house <i>is</i> this Eliezer of Damascus? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/16-1.htm">Genesis 16:1,2</a></b></br> Now Sarai Abram's wife bare him no children: and she had an handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name <i>was</i> Hagar… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/25-21.htm">Genesis 25:21</a></b></br> And Isaac intreated the LORD for his wife, because she <i>was</i> barren: and the LORD was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.</p><p class="hdg">well.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/17-17.htm">Genesis 17:17</a></b></br> Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall <i>a child</i> be born unto him that is an hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/18-11.htm">Genesis 18:11</a></b></br> Now Abraham and Sarah <i>were</i> old <i>and</i> well stricken in age; <i>and</i> it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/1-1.htm">1 Kings 1:1</a></b></br> Now king David was old <i>and</i> stricken in years; and they covered him with clothes, but he gat no heat.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/mark/6-35.htm">Advanced</a> <a href="/joel/2-20.htm">Barren</a> <a href="/mark/14-21.htm">Birth</a> <a href="/mark/13-17.htm">Child</a> <a href="/mark/13-12.htm">Children</a> <a href="/luke/1-5.htm">Elisabeth</a> <a href="/luke/1-5.htm">Elizabeth</a> <a href="/mark/14-54.htm">Far</a> <a href="/mark/16-9.htm">Life</a> <a href="/zechariah/14-13.htm">Stricken</a> <a href="/luke/1-5.htm">Time</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/luke/1-18.htm">Advanced</a> <a href="/luke/1-36.htm">Barren</a> <a href="/luke/1-14.htm">Birth</a> <a href="/luke/1-31.htm">Child</a> <a href="/luke/1-16.htm">Children</a> <a href="/luke/1-13.htm">Elisabeth</a> <a href="/luke/1-13.htm">Elizabeth</a> <a href="/luke/1-18.htm">Far</a> <a href="/luke/1-75.htm">Life</a> <a href="/luke/1-18.htm">Stricken</a> <a href="/luke/1-10.htm">Time</a><div class="vheading2">Luke 1</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/1-1.htm">The preface of Luke to his whole gospel.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/1-5.htm">The conception of John the Baptist;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">26. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/1-26.htm">and of Jesus.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">39. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/1-39.htm">The prophecy of Elisabeth and of Mary, concerning Jesus.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">57. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/1-57.htm">The nativity and circumcision of John.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">67. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/1-67.htm">The prophecy of Zachariah, both of Jesus,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">76. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/1-76.htm">and of John.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/luke/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/luke/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/luke/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>But they had no children</b><br>In the cultural context of ancient Israel, having children was considered a blessing from God and a sign of His favor. Childlessness, therefore, was often viewed as a source of shame and social stigma. This situation would have been particularly difficult for Elizabeth and Zechariah, as they were both from priestly lines, and the expectation to continue their lineage would have been significant. The absence of children in their lives sets the stage for the miraculous birth of John the Baptist, highlighting God's intervention and the fulfillment of His divine plan.<p><b>because Elizabeth was barren</b><br>Barrenness is a recurring theme in the Bible, often preceding a miraculous birth that plays a crucial role in God's redemptive history. Notable examples include Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, and Hannah, all of whom were initially barren but later bore children who were significant in Israel's history. Elizabeth's barrenness emphasizes the miraculous nature of John's birth and aligns with the pattern of God using unexpected means to fulfill His purposes. It also underscores the theme of God's sovereignty and His ability to bring life where there is none.<p><b>and they were both well along in years</b><br>This phrase indicates that Elizabeth and Zechariah were beyond the typical childbearing age, making the prospect of having children naturally improbable. This detail highlights the miraculous nature of John's conception, drawing a parallel to the story of Abraham and Sarah, who also had a child in their old age. The advanced age of Elizabeth and Zechariah serves to magnify God's power and faithfulness, demonstrating that nothing is impossible for Him. It also foreshadows the miraculous birth of Jesus, who would be born to a virgin, further emphasizing the divine nature of these events.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/z/zechariah.htm">Zechariah</a></b><br>A priest from the division of Abijah, serving in the temple. He is described as righteous and blameless, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/e/elizabeth.htm">Elizabeth</a></b><br>The wife of Zechariah, also described as righteous before God. She is a descendant of Aaron, which highlights her priestly lineage.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/b/barren.htm">Barren</a></b><br>The condition of Elizabeth, which in the cultural context of the time, was often seen as a source of shame or divine disfavor. However, the account later reveals God's plan and purpose.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/a/advanced_in_years.htm">Advanced in Years</a></b><br>Both Zechariah and Elizabeth are described as being well along in years, emphasizing the miraculous nature of the events that follow.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/temple_in_jerusalem.htm">Temple in Jerusalem</a></b><br>The setting where Zechariah receives the angelic announcement of the birth of John the Baptist, which is a pivotal event in the account.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_timing_and_sovereignty.htm">God's Timing and Sovereignty</a></b><br>God's plans often unfold in ways that defy human expectations. Trusting in His timing is crucial, even when circumstances seem impossible.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_in_the_face_of_barrenness.htm">Faith in the Face of Barrenness</a></b><br>Barrenness, whether physical, spiritual, or emotional, can be a profound trial. Yet, it is often in these barren places that God works His greatest miracles.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/righteousness_and_obedience.htm">Righteousness and Obedience</a></b><br>Zechariah and Elizabeth's righteousness did not exempt them from trials, but it positioned them to be part of God's redemptive plan. Our obedience and faithfulness matter, even when we don't see immediate results.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/hope_for_the_hopeless.htm">Hope for the Hopeless</a></b><br>The account of Zechariah and Elizabeth offers hope to those who feel forgotten or overlooked. God's plans are often beyond our understanding, but they are always for our good and His glory.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_luke_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Luke 1</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_elizabeth_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Elizabeth in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/christianity's_view_on_menopause.htm">How does Christianity view menopause spiritually and emotionally?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_abraham_father_a_child_at_100.htm">How could Abraham, at nearly 100 years old, realistically father a child (Genesis 17:1, 17:17)? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_hannah_conceive_after_infertility.htm">How can Hannah’s sudden pregnancy in 1 Samuel 1:5, 20 be explained given her long-term infertility? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/luke/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(7) <span class= "bld">Well stricken in years.</span>--Literally, <span class= "ital">far advanced in their days.</span><p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/luke/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 7.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And they had no child</span>. This, as is well known, was a heavy calamity in a Hebrew home. In the childless house there was no hope of the long looked-for Messiah being born in it. It was not unfrequently looked on as a mark of the Divine displeasure, possibly as the punishment of some grave sin. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/luke/1-7.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">But</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">they</span><br /><span class="grk">αὐτοῖς</span> <span class="translit">(autois)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">had</span><br /><span class="grk">ἦν</span> <span class="translit">(ēn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> </span><span class="str2">I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">no</span><br /><span class="grk">οὐκ</span> <span class="translit">(ouk)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> </span><span class="str2">No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">children,</span><br /><span class="grk">τέκνον</span> <span class="translit">(teknon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5043.htm">Strong's 5043: </a> </span><span class="str2">A child, descendent, inhabitant. From the base of timoria; a child.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">because</span><br /><span class="grk">καθότι</span> <span class="translit">(kathoti)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2530.htm">Strong's 2530: </a> </span><span class="str2">From kata; and hos and tis; according to which certain thing, i.e. As far as.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Elizabeth</span><br /><span class="grk">Ἐλισάβετ</span> <span class="translit">(Elisabet)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1665.htm">Strong's 1665: </a> </span><span class="str2">Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptizer. Of Hebrew origin; Elisabet, an Israelitess.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">was</span><br /><span class="grk">ἦν</span> <span class="translit">(ēn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> </span><span class="str2">I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">barren,</span><br /><span class="grk">στεῖρα</span> <span class="translit">(steira)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4723.htm">Strong's 4723: </a> </span><span class="str2">Barren. A contraction from stereos; 'sterile'.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">both {of them}</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀμφότεροι</span> <span class="translit">(amphoteroi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_297.htm">Strong's 297: </a> </span><span class="str2">Both (of two). Comparative of amphi; both.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">were</span><br /><span class="grk">ἦσαν</span> <span class="translit">(ēsan)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> </span><span class="str2">I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">well along</span><br /><span class="grk">προβεβηκότες</span> <span class="translit">(probebēkotes)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Perfect Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4260.htm">Strong's 4260: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go forward, advance. From pro and the base of basis; to walk forward, i.e. Advance.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐν</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">years.</span><br /><span class="grk">ἡμέραις</span> <span class="translit">(hēmerais)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2250.htm">Strong's 2250: </a> </span><span class="str2">A day, the period from sunrise to sunset. </span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/luke/1-7.htm">Luke 1:7 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/luke/1-7.htm">Luke 1:7 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/luke/1-7.htm">Luke 1:7 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/luke/1-7.htm">Luke 1:7 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/luke/1-7.htm">Luke 1:7 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/luke/1-7.htm">Luke 1:7 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/luke/1-7.htm">Luke 1:7 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/luke/1-7.htm">Luke 1:7 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/luke/1-7.htm">Luke 1:7 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/luke/1-7.htm">Luke 1:7 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/luke/1-7.htm">NT Gospels: Luke 1:7 But they had no child because Elizabeth (Luke Lu Lk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/luke/1-6.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Luke 1:6"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Luke 1:6" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/luke/1-8.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Luke 1:8"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Luke 1:8" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>