Chapter

Luke 1:57

ESV Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son.
NIV When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son.
NASB Now the time had come for Elizabeth to give birth, and she gave birth to a son.
CSB Now the time had come for Elizabeth to give birth, and she had a son.
NLT When it was time for Elizabeth’s baby to be born, she gave birth to a son.
KJV Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son.
NKJV Now Elizabeth’s full time came for her to be delivered, and she brought forth a son.

What does Luke 1:57 mean?

Elizabeth is the wife of Zechariah, a priest, and both are well beyond "normal" childbearing years (Luke 1:5–7). That they would finally have a son was a miraculous announcement, delivered by an angel (Luke 1:11–13). The child would be an important herald of the Messiah (Luke 1:14–17) known as John the Baptist (Luke 3:2–3). This would also be an answer to prayer (Luke 1:24–25). Others would celebrate along with the new parents (Luke 1:58).

Unfortunately, Zechariah's first instinct was to doubt the angel's message (Luke 1:18), so he was temporarily rendered unable to speak (Luke 1:19–20). Details from later in this passage suggest he was unable to hear, as well (Luke 1:62). Now that the child has been born, that time of rebuke will soon be coming to an end. This will not happen until after the child is circumcised and formally named, eight days after he is born (Leviticus 12:3; Luke 1:59).
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