Event New Testament
The birth of John the Baptist
Also known as Zechariah's song, The Benedictus
Elizabeth gave birth to a son, and against family expectation both parents insisted his name was John. Zechariah's speech returned and, filled with the Holy Spirit, he prophesied that the child would go before the Lord to prepare His way.
Why it matters. John is the last prophet of the old order and the first witness of the new. His birth six months before Jesus' sets the stage for the baptism where the two stories meet.
- Primary passages
- Witnesses
Chronology confidence: medium
Luke alone records the birth. Zechariah's silence since Gabriel's earlier visit (Luke 1:20) ends when he confirms the child's name.
- Last reviewed
- 2026-08-30 by the FaithGraph team
Connections
Mary visits Elizabeth precedes The birth of John the Baptist
Explicit in ScriptureHigh confidenceMary stays about three months and returns home; Elizabeth's time to give birth then comes.
Evidence:The birth of John the Baptist precedes The birth of Jesus
Explicit in ScriptureHigh confidenceElizabeth was six months pregnant at the annunciation, so John is born about six months before Jesus.
Evidence:Elizabeth participates in The birth of John the Baptist
Explicit in ScriptureHigh confidenceElizabeth gives birth and insists the child be called John.
Evidence:John the Baptist participates in The birth of John the Baptist
Explicit in ScriptureHigh confidenceThe child born and named John is the one who will go before the Lord.
Zechariah, father of John participates in The birth of John the Baptist
Explicit in ScriptureHigh confidenceZechariah confirms the name in writing, regains his speech, and prophesies.
Evidence:The birth of John the Baptist develops the theme Promise and fulfillment
Explicit in ScriptureHigh confidenceZechariah's song ties the birth to God remembering His holy covenant and the oath sworn to Abraham.
Evidence: