Reign of Herod, king of Judea · around 6 BC
Zechariah and Elizabeth in the Bible
The righteous couple, parents of the forerunner. Name meaning: Zechariah means “the LORD remembers”; Elizabeth means “my God is an oath.” They are the parents of John (John the Baptist)
Zechariah, a priest of the division of Abijah, and Elizabeth, a daughter of Aaron, are “righteous before God,” but childless and well along in years. In the temple, the angel Gabriel announces John’s birth to Zechariah; his doubt leaves him unable to speak until the promise is fulfilled. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth greets Mary as “the mother of my Lord” (Luke 1:43), and Zechariah, his tongue loosed, blesses God.
Key moments
- The angel announces John’s birth to Zechariah Luke 1:13
- Zechariah is struck mute for not believing Luke 1:20
- Elizabeth hides herself for five months Luke 1:24–25
- Elizabeth blesses Mary, “the mother of my Lord” Luke 1:42–43
- Elizabeth: “Not so; but he shall be called John” Luke 1:60
- Zechariah writes “His name is John” and speaks again Luke 1:63–64
- Zechariah prophesies: “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel” Luke 1:67–68
Strengths
- Godliness
- Patience
- Praise
- Obedience
Weaknesses
Zechariah hesitates to believe the angel’s announcement: “Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man.” Gabriel rebukes him for not believing and strikes him mute until the promise is fulfilled (Luke 1:18-20). Luke records no failing in Elizabeth.
Lessons for today
- God does not forget the faithfulness of a righteous couple: “thy prayer is heard” (Luke 1:6-7, 13).
- Unbelief has a cost, but it does not stop God’s plan: his words “shall be fulfilled in their season” (Luke 1:20).
- Recognize God’s work in others: Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, blesses Mary and her child (Luke 1:41-45).
- Obey God rather than custom: the child will not be called Zechariah, but John (Luke 1:13, 59-63).
And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.
But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.
People around Zechariah and Elizabeth
- John the Baptist — Their son, “the prophet of the Most High”
- Mary — Elizabeth’s relative, whom she greets as “the mother of my Lord”
- Gabriel — The angel who announces John’s birth to Zechariah
- Jesus — The Lord whom their son will precede; Elizabeth calls him “my Lord” before he is born
Stories with Zechariah and Elizabeth
Quiz: how well do you know Zechariah and Elizabeth?
What name did the angel tell Zechariah to give his son?
The angel said, “Thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.” Zechariah was his father’s name, and Jesus is the name Gabriel would announce to Mary. Luke 1:13
What affliction struck Zechariah after the angel’s announcement?
Gabriel said, “thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words.” Luke 1:20
According to the angel Gabriel, who was Elizabeth’s relative?
The angel Gabriel, sent to Mary in Nazareth, told her, “Thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age.” Luke 1:36
There are many more questions like these in Bible Academy, each with its explanation and verse. Start your free trial.