Luke 1:7 – “But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old.”
Extended Explanation
This verse tells us an important fact about Zechariah and Elizabeth: they had no children, and they were already advanced in age. This would have been a significant source of sorrow for them. In ancient Jewish culture, children were seen as a sign of God’s blessing, and being childless often brought shame or feelings of inadequacy. Luke explains that their inability to conceive wasn’t due to sin or failure, as he had already established their righteousness (Luke 1:6). Instead, their situation was part of God’s plan to reveal His power in their lives.
The phrase “very old” suggests that, from a human perspective, it was too late for them to have children. Their situation seemed hopeless, but this detail sets the stage for God to perform a miracle—the birth of John the Baptist, who would prepare the way for Jesus.
Historical Context
In Jewish society, having children was seen as essential for continuing the family line and preserving the inheritance of land. Couples who couldn’t conceive often faced social stigma, and others might assume that their childlessness was the result of God’s judgment. This mindset came from cultural interpretations of blessings and curses found in the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 28).
However, the Bible contains several stories of women who were barren until God intervened, including Sarah (Genesis 21:1-2), Hannah (1 Samuel 1:19-20), and the mother of Samson (Judges 13:2-3). These stories would have been familiar to Luke’s readers, so mentioning Elizabeth’s condition likely signaled to them that God was about to do something miraculous.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights a central theme in Scripture: God often works through human weakness and impossible situations to display His power. Just as He enabled Sarah, Hannah, and others to conceive when it seemed unlikely, God would act in Elizabeth’s life to fulfill His promise. This reminds us that God’s plans are not limited by human limitations.
It also reveals that God’s timing is perfect. Elizabeth and Zechariah’s years of waiting were not wasted. God had a specific purpose for their child, John the Baptist, who would play a key role in preparing people for the coming of the Messiah. Their story teaches us to trust in God, even when we face long periods of waiting or hardship.
Literary Analysis
Luke presents Zechariah and Elizabeth’s childlessness as both a personal struggle and a theological setup. The detail about their advanced age serves to highlight God’s intervention. Throughout the Bible, barren women who give birth by God’s miraculous intervention symbolize God’s ability to bring life where there is none. The tension created by their hopeless situation draws readers into the story, anticipating the miraculous event to come.
This verse also fits into Luke’s larger narrative of reversal. Luke often highlights how God turns human expectations upside down, blessing the lowly, the barren, and the forgotten. By introducing this “impossible” situation, Luke demonstrates that God’s purposes are not hindered by human obstacles.
Biblical Cross-References
- Genesis 21:1-2 – God enabled Sarah, who was barren and advanced in years, to give birth to Isaac, the child of promise.
- 1 Samuel 1:19-20 – God heard Hannah’s prayer and gave her a son, Samuel, who became a great prophet.
- Judges 13:2-3 – Samson’s mother was barren until an angel announced she would give birth to a child who would deliver Israel.
- Matthew 19:26 – “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” This applies to Elizabeth’s situation and many others.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For believers today, this verse is a reminder that God is not bound by human limitations. No matter how hopeless a situation seems, God has the power to intervene and bring about His purposes. If you’re waiting for God to act in a difficult area of your life, Zechariah and Elizabeth’s story encourages you to keep trusting Him.
This verse also speaks to those who may feel forgotten or overlooked. Elizabeth’s years of waiting and disappointment did not go unnoticed by God. In the same way, God knows our struggles and has a plan that is greater than what we can see in the moment.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in His awareness of and care for Elizabeth’s pain. He did not ignore her struggles but had a greater plan for her life. His timing wasn’t meant to punish her; it was designed to accomplish something much bigger than she could have imagined. Through her waiting and eventual blessing, God displayed His love by turning her sorrow into joy.
This verse also reminds us that God’s love often involves waiting and trusting, even when we don’t understand why. His love doesn’t always prevent difficulties, but it promises that those difficulties have a purpose. God’s plan is always for our good, even when it includes seasons of waiting.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Elizabeth’s miraculous pregnancy connects directly to Jesus because her son, John the Baptist, would prepare the way for the Messiah. John’s birth wasn’t just a personal blessing for Zechariah and Elizabeth—it was part of God’s plan to announce the coming of Jesus.
John’s role is described in Luke 1:16-17, where the angel tells Zechariah that John will turn many people back to God and prepare them for the Lord. Without John’s ministry, people’s hearts may not have been ready to receive Jesus as the Savior. The miraculous nature of John’s birth points to the even greater miracle of Jesus’ birth—God coming to earth as a human to save His people.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does this verse teach you about how God’s timing may be different from our own desires or expectations?
- Have you ever experienced a season of waiting or disappointment that later revealed God’s purpose? How did that affect your faith?
- How does this verse encourage you when you face situations that seem hopeless or beyond your control?
- What does Elizabeth’s story teach you about how God works through people’s weaknesses or limitations?
- How can the story of John the Baptist’s birth inspire you to trust in God’s greater plan for your life?
Luke 1:7 reminds us that God is faithful, even when life feels uncertain or difficult. It challenges us to trust Him through seasons of waiting and reminds us that His plans often exceed what we could hope for or imagine.