What does Luke 1:43 mean?
Elizabeth has been in joyful seclusion for several months, awaiting the birth of her only child (Luke 1:24–25). This unborn son will be known as John the Baptist (Luke 3:2–3). Elizabeth has just been visited by her relative, Mary, an unmarried virgin (Luke 1:26–27). Mary is also pregnant, through the miraculous work of the Holy Spirit, with the very Son of God (Luke 1:31–33). When Mary announces herself, Elizabeth's unborn son moves dramatically, "leaping" in the womb. Elizabeth also responds to the presence of the unborn Jesus Christ, shouting out a blessing on Mary (Luke 1:39–42).Here, this unborn Child in Mary's womb is referred to as Elizabeth's "Lord." The literal Greek term kyrios can refer to a master or be used in place of the English word "sir." In context, Elizabeth is celebrating Jesus as her Messiah and Savior (Luke 2:11; John 20:28). She realizes that the Messiah her own son, John, will proclaim, is growing inside of Mary's body at that very moment.
Luke 1:39–56 contains Mary's visit with her relative, Elizabeth, and her resulting praise of God. Both women are miraculously pregnant. Despite her old age, Elizabeth is several months pregnant with a boy who will one day be known as John the Baptist (Luke 1:13). Mary, a virgin, has recently learned that God has conceived in her the Messiah, to be named Jesus (Luke 1:31). The unborn John reacts when he hears Mary's voice. Mary responds to this with extensive praise of God, calling Him her "Savior." After staying for a while—possibly until the birth of John—Mary returns home.
The angel Gabriel predicts two miraculous births. The first is a son born to Zechariah and Elizabeth: an older, childless priest and his wife. Because Zechariah initially doubts this message, he is temporarily made unable to speak. Their child will be known as John the Baptist, a powerful herald of the Messiah. The Promised One whom John will proclaim is the second birth predicted by Gabriel. He tells an engaged virgin, Mary, that God will miraculously conceive His Son in her. The two women meet and rejoice over their blessings. John's arrival sets the stage for Luke's familiar account of the birth of Jesus Christ.
