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.
Study Helps
Interpretation
The father and mother of John the Baptist were sinners as all are, and were justified and saved in the same way as others; but they were eminent for piety and integrity. They had no children, and it could not be expected that Elisabeth should have any in her old age.
Glossary
- Elisabeth Person
- God her oath, the mother of John the Baptist ( Luke 1:5 ). She was a descendant of Aaron. She and her husband Zacharias (q. v. ) “were both righteous before God” ( Luke 1:5 , 13).
- John Person
- (1. ) One who, with Annas and Caiaphas, sat in judgment on the apostles Peter and John ( Acts 4:6 ). He was of the kindred of the high priest; otherwise unknown. (2. ) The Hebrew name of Mark (q. v. ).