Mary Visits Elizabeth

During those days, Mary traveled with haste to a city in the hill country of Judea, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-40). Upon hearing Mary's greeting, the babe within Elizabeth's womb leaped, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:41). Elizabeth spoke with a loud voice, declaring Mary blessed among women and calling her the mother of her Lord. She noted that as soon as the voice of Mary's greeting reached her ears, the babe in her womb leaped for joy (Luke 1:42-44). Elizabeth further stated that she who believed would see a fulfillment of the things told to her from the Lord (Luke 1:45).

Mary responded with a declaration of praise, stating that her soul magnified the Lord and her spirit rejoiced in God her Savior (Luke 1:46-47). She noted that God had regarded the low estate of His handmaiden and that from then on all generations would call her blessed (Luke 1:48). Mary described the Lord as one who is mighty, whose name is holy, and whose mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation (Luke 1:49-50). The text records her describing God’s actions in scattering the proud, putting down the mighty, and exalting those of low degree (Luke 1:51-52).

According to the passage, Mary spoke of the hungry being filled with good things and the rich being sent away empty. She stated that God had helped His servant Israel in remembrance of His mercy, as He had spoken to the fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed forever (Luke 1:53-55). Mary remained with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned to her own house (Luke 1:56). The text does not say what specific conversations the women had during the duration of those three months beyond the initial recorded exchange.