Luke 1:62
And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.
Original Language Analysis
ἐνένευον
they made signs
G1770
ἐνένευον
they made signs
Strong's:
G1770
Word #:
1 of 11
to nod at, i.e., beckon or communicate by gesture
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατρὶ
father
G3962
πατρὶ
father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
4 of 11
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
αὐτόν
him
G846
αὐτόν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 11
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τί
how
G5101
τί
how
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
7 of 11
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
θέλοι
he would have
G2309
θέλοι
he would have
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
9 of 11
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
Historical Context
Despite Elisabeth's clear statement, the community defers to Zacharias as father and household head. His nine months of muteness would have made him dependent on written communication, adding weight to whatever he would write in response.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God use extended periods of discipline to work humility and obedience?
- What is the proper balance between respecting human authority and obeying divine direction?
- How do we respond when tested whether we'll maintain obedience under pressure?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Making signs to Zacharias 'how he would have him called' shows respect for paternal authority despite his muteness. Their expectation that Zacharias would choose the name reveals assumption of his decision-making role. The detail emphasizes Zacharias's continued inability to speak nine months after Gabriel's appearance, confirming the sign's duration and severity. This moment of requiring Zacharias's confirmation builds dramatic tension—will he agree with Elisabeth or contradict her? Will he obey God or yield to family pressure? His response will demonstrate whether nine months of silent discipline have produced humble submission to God's word. The community's seeking his input shows proper order even while he cannot speak.