Book of Luke - Chapter 1 - Verse 41

When Elisabeth heard Mary's greeting, her unborn baby, John the Baptist, leaped in her womb. This remarkable event was a powerful sign from the Holy Spirit, signaling the presence and significance of Jesus, who was growing in Mary's womb. The leaping of the baby in Elisabeth's womb shows that even before their births, John and Jesus were connected and aware of each other's presence. The filling of Elisabeth with the Holy Spirit further emphasizes the divine nature of this encounter. It signifies the deep spiritual connection between Elisabeth and Mary, and the divine purpose behind the births of John and Jesus. This event serves as a prelude to the amazing work that John and Jesus would later perform in preparing the way for the coming of the Messiah. Through this verse, we witness the miraculous working of God's Spirit in bringing about His plan of salvation for all humanity.

When examining the theological interpretation of the verse, 'And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost,' there is a significant emphasis on the miraculous nature of the events described. The response of John the Baptist in the womb of Elisabeth to the presence of Jesus in Mary's womb serves as a foreshadowing of his role as the forerunner of Christ. The fact that Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost highlights the special purpose and divine appointment of the individuals involved in the story. This verse underscores the supernatural events surrounding the birth of Jesus and the unique spiritual significance of the moment. In terms of word studies, the term 'salutation' can be explored in its original Greek form 'chaire,' which carries connotations of joy, greeting, and rejoicing. This further emphasizes the joyful and transformative nature of the encounter between Mary and Elisabeth.