Ἐλισάβετ

Elisabeth

Definition

Ἐλισάβετ (Elizabeth) is the name of the mother of John the Baptist, a righteous and blameless woman from the priestly line of Aaron (Luke 1:5). She is primarily known for her miraculous conception of John in her old age, after being barren, which serves as a divine sign paralleling the earlier story of Sarah (Luke 1:7, 1:13). Her role extends to confirming Mary's blessed status, as she is the one who recognizes Mary as 'the mother of my Lord' when the baby John leaps in her womb (Luke 1:41, 1:43). The name refers exclusively to this significant biblical figure in the New Testament.

Biblical Usage

The name Ἐλισάβετ is used exclusively in the Gospel of Luke, appearing eight times within the first chapter (Luke 1:5-57). It is used in narrative descriptions of her identity and lineage (Luke 1:5), her condition of barrenness (Luke 1:7), in angelic announcements (Luke 1:13), and in accounts of her pregnancy, visitation from Mary, and the birth of her son (Luke 1:24, 1:36, 1:40, 1:41, 1:57). The usage consistently establishes her piety, her role in salvation history, and her connection to Mary.

Etymology

The Greek name Ἐλισάβετ (Elisabet) is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew name אֱלִישֶׁבַע (Elišévaʿ), meaning 'My God is an oath' or 'God is my abundance.' It is composed of 'El' (God) and 'sheva' (oath or seven, a number of fullness). This is the same name as the Old Testament's Elisheba, the wife of Aaron (Exodus 6:23), creating a priestly connection for the New Testament Elizabeth.

Semantic Range

Elizabeth is a key theological figure representing the fulfillment of God's promises and the transition from the old covenant to the new. Her miraculous conception echoes God's power shown to the patriarchs (like Sarah and Hannah), affirming that John the Baptist's birth is divinely ordained. Her prophetic recognition of Jesus while he is still in the womb (Luke 1:41-45) highlights the work of the Holy Spirit and confirms Jesus's messianic identity from the very beginning of the Gospel narrative. Understanding her name's meaning ('God is my oath') underscores the faithfulness of God in keeping His covenant promises.

In first-century Jewish culture, barrenness was often seen as a sign of disfavor or shame (Luke 1:25). Elizabeth's advanced age and previous barrenness make her conception a dramatic public sign of God's intervention, reversing her social status. Her lineage from the daughters of Aaron (Luke 1:5) gave her and her son, John, a respected priestly heritage, which lent authority to John's later prophetic ministry of preparation.

There are no direct synonyms for this proper name. Theologically, her story parallels other women blessed with miraculous births: Σάρρα (Sarrah, G4564) — Sarah, mother of Isaac; and Ἄννα (Anna, G451) — Hannah, mother of Samuel.

Word Details

Scripture References