{"id":78743,"date":"2025-12-27T04:53:15","date_gmt":"2025-12-27T03:53:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/how-old-was-elizabeth-when-she-had-john\/"},"modified":"2025-12-27T04:53:15","modified_gmt":"2025-12-27T03:53:15","slug":"how-old-was-elizabeth-when-she-had-john","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/how-old-was-elizabeth-when-she-had-john\/","title":{"rendered":"How old was Elizabeth when she had John: essential, complete guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"how_old_was_elizabeth_when_she_had_john\"><\/span>how old was elizabeth when she had john<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>For many readers of the Gospel of Luke, one of the most intriguing questions is straightforward yet surprisingly hard to answer: how old was Elizabeth when she had John? The Bible emphasises that Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, conceived in her \u201cold age\u201d, but it never gives a precise number. This article gathers the biblical evidence, explores historical context, and explains why the question matters\u2014both for understanding the text and for appreciating its message of hope.<\/p>\n<p>We will review what the canonical text actually says, look at ancient ideas about age and fertility, consider scholarly and traditional perspectives, and address common misunderstandings. While the simplest answer to how old was Elizabeth when she had John is \u201cwe aren\u2019t told\u201d, there is still a great deal we can learn about the likely range of her age, and why Luke made a point of telling us she was older.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_does_the_Bible_actually_say_about_how_old_was_elizabeth_when_she_had_john\"><\/span>What does the Bible actually say about how old was elizabeth when she had john?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The Gospel of Luke is our main source for Elizabeth\u2019s story. Luke states that both Elizabeth and her husband Zechariah were \u201cadvanced in years\u201d and that Elizabeth had been barren (Luke 1:5\u20137). When the angel announces the birth of John, Elizabeth later conceives and keeps her pregnancy quiet for five months (Luke 1:24). The text again underlines the marvel: \u201cThis is what the Lord has done for me\u2026 to take away my disgrace among the people.\u201d Crucially, Mary is told that Elizabeth has conceived \u201cin her old age\u201d (Luke 1:36).<\/p>\n<p>So, how old was Elizabeth when she had John according to Luke? The gospel deliberately avoids a number. Instead, it stresses the contrast between Elizabeth\u2019s long-standing barrenness and the miracle of her conception late in life. You can read the full account in Luke 1 in a modern English translation here: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.biblegateway.com\/passage\/?search=Luke%201&#038;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Luke 1 on Bible Gateway<\/a>. For a concise overview of Elizabeth\u2019s role within the Christian tradition, see <a href=\"https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Saint-Elizabeth-mother-of-Saint-John-the-Baptist\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Britannica\u2019s summary of Saint Elizabeth<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Because Scripture does not give a specific figure, any exact answer to how old was Elizabeth when she had John would be speculative. However, the repeated emphasis on \u201cold age\u201d strongly indicates that she was beyond the typical childbearing years for women in her time.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Basic_concepts_behind_the_question\"><\/span>Basic concepts behind the question<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Before estimating how old was Elizabeth when she had John, it\u2019s useful to clarify a few terms and ideas used in the biblical text and in ancient sources.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>\u201cAdvanced in years\u201d and \u201cold age\u201d:<\/strong> Phrases like these communicate that Elizabeth was well past the usual stage of life for pregnancy. They are qualitative, not numerical.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Miracle emphasis:<\/strong> Luke aligns Elizabeth with figures like Sarah (Genesis 18\u201321)\u2014women who conceived against ordinary expectations. The point is theological as much as biographical.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Relative timing:<\/strong> John\u2019s conception and birth are placed in relation to Jesus\u2019. Mary is told that Elizabeth is in her sixth month (Luke 1:36), making John about six months older than Jesus.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Historical_context_what_did_%E2%80%9Cold_age%E2%80%9D_imply_in_the_first_century\"><\/span>Historical context: what did \u201cold age\u201d imply in the first century?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>To approach how old was Elizabeth when she had John, we need to consider how people in the first century described age and what counted as \u201cold\u201d for women. The language of old age in the Bible is flexible. In various Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts, \u201cold\u201d might be applied from the fifties onwards, sometimes later. Categories were more about life stages than exact birthdays.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Lifespan_and_life_stages\"><\/span>Lifespan and life stages<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Average life expectancy in antiquity is not a useful guide because it is heavily skewed by infant and child mortality. Many adults, including priests and elders, lived into their 60s or beyond. The term \u201celder\u201d was a social and religious designation as much as a chronological one. When Luke says Elizabeth and Zechariah were \u201cadvanced in years\u201d, he portrays them as senior, respected, and beyond the usual time for childbearing.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Fertility_and_menopause_in_antiquity\"><\/span>Fertility and menopause in antiquity<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Even without modern medicine, some women conceived in their forties. But the language used in Luke suggests something more striking\u2014Elizabeth\u2019s pregnancy is presented as exceptional and gracious. In practical terms, a phrase like \u201cin her old age\u201d would likely mean she was past the typical age of menopause, which often occurred in the late forties to early fifties for many populations historically. Therefore, how old was Elizabeth when she had John is best understood as \u201cdecisively later than most motherhood,\u201d probably post-menopausal or right on the threshold, reinforcing the sense of a divine intervention.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reasoned_estimates_approaching_the_question_how_old_was_elizabeth_when_she_had_john\"><\/span>Reasoned estimates: approaching the question how old was elizabeth when she had john<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Since Luke does not give a number, scholars avoid precise claims. That said, careful reading allows a cautious estimate. The repeated notes\u2014barrenness, advanced age, and the astonishment of neighbours\u2014point to an age well beyond ordinary childbearing. If we asked a first-century audience how old was Elizabeth when she had John, a sensible inference might be the 50s, possibly late 40s, or even older.<\/p>\n<p>Why not the 30s or early 40s? Because it would be unusual but not extraordinary for a woman in her early 40s to conceive, whereas Luke describes Elizabeth\u2019s pregnancy as a sign of God\u2019s powerful favour and a cause of communal amazement. In effect, the narrative wants us to understand that nature had run its course and that this birth was a gracious surprise.<\/p>\n<p>Some later traditions put forward specific ages, but no canonical or firmly historical sources provide a number. The safest answer to how old was Elizabeth when she had John is a conservative range: older than the usual childbearing years\u2014very likely in her 50s, though the text leaves it open.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Parallels_in_Scripture_older_mothers_and_promised_sons\"><\/span>Parallels in Scripture: older mothers and promised sons<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Luke\u2019s listeners would instantly recall biblical stories where a child\u2019s birth signalled a new movement of God. Sarah bears Isaac in advanced old age (Genesis 21). Hannah, though not described as old, conceives Samuel after long barrenness (1 Samuel 1). Samson\u2019s mother, also previously barren, receives a promise (Judges 13). These accounts prepare the way for Elizabeth. Thus, when we ask how old was Elizabeth when she had John, the Bible points less to arithmetic and more to a pattern: a miraculous birth introduces a pivotal prophet.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Textual_and_traditional_voices_what_do_sources_beyond_Luke_say\"><\/span>Textual and traditional voices: what do sources beyond Luke say?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>What about early Christian writers? Church Fathers comment on the holiness and significance of John\u2019s birth, but they do not reliably preserve a specific age for Elizabeth. Later devotional materials sometimes include numbers, yet these are not grounded in the New Testament. In short, if the question is how old was Elizabeth when she had John, tradition underlines her seniority and the wonder of her conception but stops short of credible precision.<\/p>\n<p>A succinct reference overview is available on <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Elizabeth_(biblical_figure)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Wikipedia\u2019s article on Elizabeth (biblical figure)<\/a>, and a broader context for John\u2019s life and significance can be found at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Saint-John-the-Baptist\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Britannica\u2019s entry on John the Baptist<\/a>. While encyclopaedias summarise mainstream understanding, always prioritise the primary text when asking how old was Elizabeth when she had John.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_the_question_matters_theologically_and_pastorally\"><\/span>Why the question matters theologically and pastorally<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>On one level, how old was Elizabeth when she had John satisfies human curiosity about biography. On a deeper level, it illuminates Luke\u2019s message: God\u2019s promises break into ordinary lives even when hope seems long gone. The story affirms dignity and purpose in later life, and it connects John\u2019s mission to a lineage of \u201cimpossible\u201d births that herald turning points in salvation history.<\/p>\n<p>For readers today, Elizabeth\u2019s experience models patient faith. She and Zechariah kept serving, kept praying, and kept trusting. Then, unexpectedly, joy arrived. The question how old was Elizabeth when she had John becomes a way of seeing that timing is part of the story\u2019s meaning: John\u2019s arrival at just the right moment signals that God is at work on a grand stage, preparing the way for Jesus.<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<div id='video-container' data-video-id='7GQh_HUOijU' style='width:100%; height:auto; max-width:587px; position: relative;'>\n<div class='image-video-plugin' style='background:url(\"https:\/\/img.youtube.com\/vi\/7GQh_HUOijU\/0.jpg\") center no-repeat; background-size: cover;'><\/div>\n<p>        <span class='youtube-play-button'><\/span><br \/>\n        <noscript><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=7GQh_HUOijU\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/a><\/noscript>\n    <\/div>\n<p><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Common_misunderstandings_to_avoid\"><\/span>Common misunderstandings to avoid<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Assuming a precise age is in the Bible:<\/strong> It is not. When discussing how old was Elizabeth when she had John, be careful to distinguish between Scripture and later speculation.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Confusing average lifespan with maximum lifespan:<\/strong> Ancient averages were low due to infant mortality. Many adults lived to a mature age.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Underestimating the miracle:<\/strong> Luke names Elizabeth\u2019s pregnancy as extraordinary; it is not simply a late but natural conception.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Putting_the_timeline_together\"><\/span>Putting the timeline together<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Luke tells us Mary visits Elizabeth when the older woman is about six months pregnant (Luke 1:36, 39\u201345). This means John the Baptist is roughly half a year older than Jesus. Knowing this helps place both births historically and liturgically. If the query is how old was Elizabeth when she had John, the timeline shows that her pregnancy, while late in life, occurred just before Jesus\u2019 birth, deliberately pairing the two stories.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_language_shapes_our_answer_to_how_old_was_elizabeth_when_she_had_john\"><\/span>How language shapes our answer to how old was elizabeth when she had john<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Words like \u201cold\u201d, \u201celderly\u201d, and \u201cadvanced in years\u201d were used more fluidly in antiquity than today. The expression in Luke carries a tone of reverence and wonder. In Judean society, older couples who remained faithful were seen as honourable. Emphasising Elizabeth\u2019s age magnifies the gift: a long-cherished desire is fulfilled at a time when it could no longer be expected, and the child born will \u201cmake ready a people prepared for the Lord\u201d (Luke 1:17).<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_historians_respond_when_asked_how_old_was_elizabeth_when_she_had_john\"><\/span>How historians respond when asked how old was elizabeth when she had john<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Historians and biblical scholars tend to answer conservatively. They note that Luke\u2019s language is theological and narrative in intent. When pressed on how old was Elizabeth when she had John, many will say \u201cwe cannot know exactly; the text signals that she was beyond the ordinary childbearing years, probably post-menopausal.\u201d This approach respects the genre and purpose of the gospel while acknowledging physiological realities.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Practical_takeaways_for_readers\"><\/span>Practical takeaways for readers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Read the whole of Luke 1:<\/strong> This keeps the focus on the narrative\u2019s meaning, not only the number we wish we had.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Note the pattern of promised births:<\/strong> It situates Elizabeth within God\u2019s long story, making John\u2019s role clearer.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Hold details in proportion:<\/strong> How old was Elizabeth when she had John is a valuable question, but it should deepen, not eclipse, the theological message.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Recommended_external_resources\"><\/span>Recommended external resources<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.biblegateway.com\/passage\/?search=Luke%201&#038;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Gospel of Luke, chapter 1 (Bible Gateway)<\/a> \u2013 primary text describing Elizabeth, Zechariah, and John\u2019s birth.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Saint-Elizabeth-mother-of-Saint-John-the-Baptist\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Britannica: Saint Elizabeth (mother of John the Baptist)<\/a> \u2013 concise scholarly overview.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Saint-John-the-Baptist\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Britannica: John the Baptist<\/a> \u2013 background on John\u2019s life and significance.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Elizabeth_(biblical_figure)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Wikipedia: Elizabeth (biblical figure)<\/a> \u2013 summary with references to biblical passages and traditions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Related_articles\"><\/span>Related articles<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/gentiles-meaning\/\">meaning of \u201cGentiles\u201d in the Bible<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/book-of-enoch-summary\/\">overview of the Book of Enoch<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_asked_questions_about_how_old_was_elizabeth_when_she_had_john\"><\/span>Frequently asked questions about how old was elizabeth when she had john<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_the_Bible_state_Elizabeths_exact_age\"><\/span>Does the Bible state Elizabeth\u2019s exact age?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>No. The Gospel of Luke describes Elizabeth and Zechariah as \u201cadvanced in years\u201d and mentions that Elizabeth conceived \u201cin her old age\u201d, but it never gives a number. Therefore, any precise figure for how old was Elizabeth when she had John would be speculative.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Was_Elizabeth_definitely_post-menopausal\"><\/span>Was Elizabeth definitely post-menopausal?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The text implies that her pregnancy was beyond normal expectation, which many readers understand as post-menopausal. However, Luke does not use medical terms; instead, it stresses the miraculous nature of the conception. So, how old was Elizabeth when she had John remains an educated inference rather than a medical statement.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_much_older_was_John_than_Jesus\"><\/span>How much older was John than Jesus?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>About six months. Luke 1:36 indicates this clearly when Mary learns that Elizabeth is in her sixth month of pregnancy. This timeline frames John as the forerunner, preparing the way for Jesus.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_there_trustworthy_historical_sources_that_give_her_age\"><\/span>Are there trustworthy historical sources that give her age?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>No canonical source provides a number, and early Christian writers do not preserve a reliable figure. Later traditions sometimes mention ages, but these are not grounded in the New Testament. Consequently, the best answer to how old was Elizabeth when she had John is that she was notably older than typical mothers of the time.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_Elizabeths_age_change_the_meaning_of_Johns_ministry\"><\/span>Does Elizabeth\u2019s age change the meaning of John\u2019s ministry?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>It highlights it. John\u2019s birth to an older, previously barren mother echoes earlier biblical patterns where God signals a major turning point through a remarkable birth. Far from being incidental, the question how old was Elizabeth when she had John draws attention to divine timing and purpose.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Was_Elizabeth_related_to_Mary\"><\/span>Was Elizabeth related to Mary?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes. Luke calls her Mary\u2019s \u201crelative\u201d (often translated \u201ckinswoman\u201d or \u201ccousin\u201d), though the exact degree of kinship is not specified. This connection reinforces the pairing of John and Jesus in Luke\u2019s narrative.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion_on_how_old_was_elizabeth_when_she_had_john\"><\/span>Conclusion on how old was elizabeth when she had john<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>So, how old was Elizabeth when she had John? The most honest answer is that the Bible does not say. Instead, Luke purposefully describes her as \u201cadvanced in years\u201d and \u201cin her old age\u201d, signalling a pregnancy that defied ordinary expectation. This is the theological centre of the story: God brings life, hope, and purpose precisely where human possibilities seem spent.<\/p>\n<p>Reasoned estimates suggest Elizabeth was beyond the usual childbearing years, plausibly in her 50s or on the far side of menopause, but the gospel leaves the number open. In asking how old was Elizabeth when she had John, we learn to read the text on its own terms, appreciating how the miracle underscores John\u2019s prophetic calling and God\u2019s faithfulness.<\/p>\n<p>Ultimately, how old was Elizabeth when she had John is a question that illuminates more than it resolves. It reminds us that the timing of John\u2019s birth\u2014paired with Jesus\u2019\u2014is part of a carefully woven narrative of promise and fulfilment. Elizabeth\u2019s story offers enduring encouragement: even in late seasons of life, grace can arrive in ways both surprising and transformative.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_86 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Alternar tabla de contenidos\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/how-old-was-elizabeth-when-she-had-john\/#how_old_was_elizabeth_when_she_had_john\" >how old was elizabeth when she had john<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/how-old-was-elizabeth-when-she-had-john\/#What_does_the_Bible_actually_say_about_how_old_was_elizabeth_when_she_had_john\" >What does the Bible actually say about how old was elizabeth when she had john?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/how-old-was-elizabeth-when-she-had-john\/#Basic_concepts_behind_the_question\" >Basic concepts behind the question<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/how-old-was-elizabeth-when-she-had-john\/#Historical_context_what_did_%E2%80%9Cold_age%E2%80%9D_imply_in_the_first_century\" >Historical context: what did \u201cold age\u201d imply in the first century?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/how-old-was-elizabeth-when-she-had-john\/#Lifespan_and_life_stages\" >Lifespan and life stages<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/how-old-was-elizabeth-when-she-had-john\/#Fertility_and_menopause_in_antiquity\" >Fertility and menopause in antiquity<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/how-old-was-elizabeth-when-she-had-john\/#Reasoned_estimates_approaching_the_question_how_old_was_elizabeth_when_she_had_john\" >Reasoned estimates: approaching the question how old was elizabeth when she had john<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/how-old-was-elizabeth-when-she-had-john\/#Parallels_in_Scripture_older_mothers_and_promised_sons\" >Parallels in Scripture: older mothers and promised sons<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/how-old-was-elizabeth-when-she-had-john\/#Textual_and_traditional_voices_what_do_sources_beyond_Luke_say\" >Textual and traditional voices: what do sources beyond Luke say?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/how-old-was-elizabeth-when-she-had-john\/#Why_the_question_matters_theologically_and_pastorally\" >Why the question matters theologically and pastorally<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/how-old-was-elizabeth-when-she-had-john\/#Common_misunderstandings_to_avoid\" >Common misunderstandings to avoid<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/how-old-was-elizabeth-when-she-had-john\/#Putting_the_timeline_together\" >Putting the timeline together<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/how-old-was-elizabeth-when-she-had-john\/#How_language_shapes_our_answer_to_how_old_was_elizabeth_when_she_had_john\" >How language shapes our answer to how old was elizabeth when she had john<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/how-old-was-elizabeth-when-she-had-john\/#How_historians_respond_when_asked_how_old_was_elizabeth_when_she_had_john\" >How historians respond when asked how old was elizabeth when she had john<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/how-old-was-elizabeth-when-she-had-john\/#Practical_takeaways_for_readers\" >Practical takeaways for readers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/how-old-was-elizabeth-when-she-had-john\/#Recommended_external_resources\" >Recommended external resources<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/how-old-was-elizabeth-when-she-had-john\/#Related_articles\" >Related articles<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/how-old-was-elizabeth-when-she-had-john\/#Frequently_asked_questions_about_how_old_was_elizabeth_when_she_had_john\" >Frequently asked questions about how old was elizabeth when she had john<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/how-old-was-elizabeth-when-she-had-john\/#Does_the_Bible_state_Elizabeths_exact_age\" >Does the Bible state Elizabeth\u2019s exact age?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/how-old-was-elizabeth-when-she-had-john\/#Was_Elizabeth_definitely_post-menopausal\" >Was Elizabeth definitely post-menopausal?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/how-old-was-elizabeth-when-she-had-john\/#How_much_older_was_John_than_Jesus\" >How much older was John than Jesus?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/how-old-was-elizabeth-when-she-had-john\/#Are_there_trustworthy_historical_sources_that_give_her_age\" >Are there trustworthy historical sources that give her age?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/how-old-was-elizabeth-when-she-had-john\/#Does_Elizabeths_age_change_the_meaning_of_Johns_ministry\" >Does Elizabeth\u2019s age change the meaning of John\u2019s ministry?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/how-old-was-elizabeth-when-she-had-john\/#Was_Elizabeth_related_to_Mary\" >Was Elizabeth related to Mary?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/how-old-was-elizabeth-when-she-had-john\/#Conclusion_on_how_old_was_elizabeth_when_she_had_john\" >Conclusion on how old was elizabeth when she had john<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>how old was elizabeth when she had john For many readers of the Gospel of Luke, one of the most intriguing questions is straightforward yet surprisingly hard to answer: how old was Elizabeth when she had John? The Bible emphasises that Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, conceived in her \u201cold age\u201d, but it &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":78744,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-78743","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-chiristian"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/78743","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=78743"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/78743\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/78744"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=78743"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=78743"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=78743"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}