Bible fact · Direct biblical statement
Zechariah could not speak until John was named
Zechariah doubted the angel's message and could not speak until he wrote "His name is John". Luke 1:18–22Luke 1:62–64
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Gabriel told the priest Zechariah that his wife Elizabeth would have a son. Zechariah asked how he could be sure; the angel said he would be silent until it happened. Luke 1:13Luke 1:18–20
At the naming, Zechariah asked for a writing tablet and wrote "His name is John." Immediately his mouth was opened and he praised God. Luke 1:62–64
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Luke 1:18–22 WEB
18Zacharias said to the angel, “How can I be sure of this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.” 19The angel answered him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God. I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 20Behold, you will be silent and not able to speak until the day that these things will happen, because you didn’t believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.” 21The people were waiting for Zacharias, and they marveled that he delayed in the temple. 22When he came out, he could not speak to them. They perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple. He continued making signs to them, and remained mute.
Luke 1:62–64 WEB
62They made signs to his father, what he would have him called. 63He asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, “His name is John.” They all marveled. 64His mouth was opened immediately and his tongue freed, and he spoke, blessing God.
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For children
Zechariah could not talk for months! When his baby was born, he wrote "His name is John," and then he could speak again.