Luke 1:24

1:24 After some time his wife Elizabeth became pregnant, and for five months she kept herself in seclusion. She said,

Luke 1:56

1:56 So Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months and then returned to her home.


tn Grk “After these days.” The phrase refers to a general, unspecified period of time that passes before fulfillment comes.

tn Or “Elizabeth conceived.”

sn The text does not state why Elizabeth withdrew into seclusion, nor is the reason entirely clear.

tn Grk “she kept herself in seclusion, saying.” The participle λέγουσα (legousa) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.

tn Grk “And.” Here (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate the conclusion of the topic.

tn Grk “her”; the referent (Elizabeth) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

sn As is typical with Luke the timing is approximate (about three months), not specific.