Luke 1:20
And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
σιωπῶν
shalt be dumb
G4623
σιωπῶν
shalt be dumb
Strong's:
G4623
Word #:
4 of 26
to be dumb (but not deaf also, like 2974 properly); figuratively, to be calm (as quiet water)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
6 of 26
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ὧν
that
G3739
ὧν
that
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
10 of 26
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἡμέρας
the day
G2250
ἡμέρας
the day
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
11 of 26
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
γένηται
shall be performed
G1096
γένηται
shall be performed
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
12 of 26
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ἀνθ
because
G473
ἀνθ
because
Strong's:
G473
Word #:
14 of 26
opposite, i.e., instead or because of (rarely in addition to)
ὧν
that
G3739
ὧν
that
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
15 of 26
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἐπίστευσας
thou believest
G4100
ἐπίστευσας
thou believest
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
17 of 26
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγοις
words
G3056
λόγοις
words
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
19 of 26
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
οἵτινες
which
G3748
οἵτινες
which
Strong's:
G3748
Word #:
21 of 26
which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same
πληρωθήσονται
shall be fulfilled
G4137
πληρωθήσονται
shall be fulfilled
Strong's:
G4137
Word #:
22 of 26
to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute
εἰς
in
G1519
εἰς
in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
23 of 26
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
24 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Ezekiel 3:26And I will make thy tongue cleave to the roof of thy mouth, that thou shalt be dumb, and shalt not be to them a reprover: for they are a rebellious house.Ezekiel 24:27In that day shall thy mouth be opened to him which is escaped, and thou shalt speak, and be no more dumb: and thou shalt be a sign unto them; and they shall know that I am the LORD.Revelation 3:19As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.Hebrews 6:18That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:
Historical Context
The nine-month silence prevented Zacharias from publicly doubting God's promise while giving visible evidence to the community that something supernatural had occurred. His inability to speak forced reliance on God's word alone rather than human explanation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God use discipline to strengthen rather than destroy faith?
- What is the relationship between doubt and spiritual discipline in the Christian life?
- How does God's word accomplish its purposes despite human unbelief?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Zacharias's muteness serves as both judgment for unbelief and a sign confirming the angel's words. The Greek 'siopa' (silent) indicates complete inability to speak—a physical manifestation of spiritual doubt. Yet even this discipline is gracious, giving Zacharias nine months to reflect on God's power and faithfulness. The prophecy would be fulfilled 'in their season,' emphasizing God's sovereign timing. Zacharias's sign differs from his request—instead of evidence to produce belief, he receives discipline to strengthen it. This teaches that God's word always accomplishes its purpose, even when we doubt.