New Testament
Luke 1:40
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Mary visits her relative Elisabeth, who is the wife of Zacharias.
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
She entered Zacharias's house and greeted Elisabeth.
And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Mary visits her relative Elisabeth, who is the wife of Zacharias. The act of entering Zacharias's house signifies a personal connection and the importance of family ties. Mary greets Elisabeth, which shows her respect and affection. This greeting is significant because it occurs during a time of great expectation for both women; Mary is pregnant with Jesus, and Elisabeth is pregnant with John the Baptist. Their meeting symbolizes the coming together of two important figures in the biblical narrative. The greeting also reflects the joy and excitement surrounding their pregnancies, as both women are experiencing miraculous events. This moment highlights the theme of divine intervention in their lives and sets the stage for the unfolding of God's plan through their children. The act of greeting also emphasizes the importance of community and support among family members during significant life events, reminding us of the value of relationships in our own lives.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Luke 1:40 to your life
This verse encourages us to value our relationships and reach out to family and friends during significant moments in our lives. Just as Mary visited Elisabeth, we should offer support and share joy with those we care about, fostering deeper connections.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 1:40 mean?
Luke 1:40 describes Mary visiting her relative Elisabeth, who is pregnant with John the Baptist. This visit highlights the importance of family connections and the shared joy of their miraculous pregnancies.
What is the significance of Mary greeting Elisabeth in Luke 1:40?
Mary's greeting of Elisabeth signifies respect and affection, emphasizing the bond between them. It also reflects the joy and excitement surrounding their pregnancies, marking a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative.
How does Luke 1:40 relate to family relationships?
Luke 1:40 emphasizes the value of family relationships by showing Mary reaching out to Elisabeth during a significant time. Their meeting underscores the importance of support and connection among family members.
What themes are present in Luke 1:40?
Key themes in Luke 1:40 include family connection, divine intervention, joyful greetings, and supportive relationships. The verse highlights the miraculous nature of both women's pregnancies and the joy of their shared experience.

The Book of Luke
Luke 1: The Births of John the Baptist and Jesus Foretold
In the days of Herod, king of Judaea, a priest named Zacharias serves in the temple. He and his wife Elisabeth are both righteous but have no children because Elisabeth is barren, and they are both old. While Zacharias burns incense, the angel Gabriel appears to him and says Elisabeth will bear a son who is to be named John. The child will be great before the Lord, will drink no wine or strong drink, and will be filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. Zacharias asks how he can know this, since he and his wife are old. Gabriel says Zacharias will be unable to speak until these things come to pass because he did not believe.
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