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Ἐλισάβετ (Elisabet)

Elisabet

Elizabeth

G1665 · Greek · New Testament · 8 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
8 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The name Elisabet appears eight times in the New Testament, exclusively within the Gospel of Luke. It is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Elisheba, which means "God is my oath" or "oath of God." This etymology connects the character to a tradition of faithful naming that reflects trust in divine promises.

Elizabeth is introduced as the wife of Zechariah and the mother of John the Baptist. Luke describes her as a descendant of Aaron, placing her within the priestly lineage of Israel. The narrative highlights her advanced age and barrenness, circumstances that set the stage for the miraculous birth of her son. Her relative Mary visits her, confirming the angel’s message to Zechariah through Elizabeth’s own prophetic greeting.

While the name itself carries theological weight regarding God's faithfulness, its primary function in Scripture is to identify a key figure in the infancy narratives. Through her, the connection between the old priestly order and the new covenant is established. The sources confirm that this proper noun serves as a historical marker for the family of John the Baptist, anchoring the Gospel account in specific human relationships.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Elisabet means "God is my oath," a quiet reminder that God keeps His promises even when circumstances seem impossible. In Luke’s Gospel, Elizabeth and Zechariah waited many years for a child, facing the cultural shame of barrenness and the physical reality of advanced age. Yet their story shows us that God’s timing is not bound by human limitations or biological odds.

When Mary visited, Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and recognized the significance of what God was doing. Her faith did not depend on seeing immediate results but on trusting the word spoken to her husband. This name invites us to rest in the certainty that God honors His commitments, even when we cannot yet see how He will fulfill them.

Elizabeth’s life demonstrates that faithful waiting is not passive resignation but active hope. Her story connects the old priestly lineage with the new covenant, showing how God weaves individual lives into a larger redemptive plan. We can find comfort in knowing that our own seasons of waiting are seen and held by the same faithful God.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • Elizabeth6×
  • Elizabeth.2×
  • Elizabeth,1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • Ἐλισάβετ6×
  • Ἐλισάβετ.¶2×
  • Ἐλισάβετ,1×

Key Verses

  • Luke 1:7
    But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they both were well advanced in years.

    This verse establishes the human impossibility of Elizabeth’s situation, highlighting that the coming birth depends entirely on divine intervention rather than natural possibility.

  • Luke 1:41
    When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

    Here Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit, showing that her recognition of Mary’s role comes from spiritual insight rather than mere familial connection.

  • Luke 1:57
    Now the time that Elizabeth should give birth was fulfilled, and she gave birth to a son.

    The fulfillment of the birth narrative confirms God’s faithfulness to the promise made earlier, closing the loop on Elizabeth’s long period of waiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Elisabet mean?

Elisabet is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Elisheba, which means "God is my oath" or "oath of God." This etymology reflects a tradition of naming that emphasizes trust in divine promises and faithfulness.

Why is Elizabeth important in the Gospel of Luke?

Elizabeth serves as a key link between the old priestly order and the new covenant. As a descendant of Aaron, she connects the lineage of Israel’s priests with the birth of John the Baptist, who prepares the way for Jesus.

How does Elizabeth’s story relate to modern believers?

Her experience of barrenness and advanced age shows that God’s promises are not limited by human circumstances. Believers can find hope in her example, knowing that God remains faithful even during long seasons of waiting.

Every Occurrence (8 verses across 1 books)

Luke 8 verses
Luke 1:5

There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the priestly division of…

Luke 1:7

But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they both were well advanced in years.

Luke 1:13

But the angel said to him, “Don’t be afraid, Zacharias, because your request has been heard. Your wife, Elizabeth, will…

Luke 1:24

After these days Elizabeth his wife conceived, and she hid herself five months, saying,

Luke 1:36

Behold, Elizabeth your relative also has conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month with her who was…

Luke 1:40

and entered into the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth.

Luke 1:41

When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

Luke 1:57

Now the time that Elizabeth should give birth was fulfilled, and she gave birth to a son.