Luke 1:63
And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔγραψεν
and wrote
G1125
ἔγραψεν
and wrote
Strong's:
G1125
Word #:
4 of 13
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
λέγων,
saying
G3004
λέγων,
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
5 of 13
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄνομα
name
G3686
ὄνομα
name
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
9 of 13
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
αὐτοῦ
His
G846
αὐτοῦ
His
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 13
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
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Luke 1:60And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.Isaiah 30:8Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever:Luke 1:13But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
Historical Context
Writing tablets (Greek 'pinakidion') were common for communication by the mute. Zacharias's written declaration, confirming Elisabeth's announcement and contradicting family expectation, would have profound impact on gathered witnesses. His agreement proved both parents had received the same divine instruction.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's discipline produce transformation from doubt to decisive obedience?
- What is the significance of Zacharias stating 'is' rather than 'shall be called'?
- How does united parental obedience to God's word witness to the community?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Zacharias's request for a writing tablet and declaration 'His name is John' demonstrate transformed faith. The present tense 'is' (Greek 'estin') indicates settled reality, not mere preference—God has named him John. Zacharias doesn't write 'shall be called' or 'I want to name him' but affirms what God has already determined. This contrasts his earlier doubt (v18); nine months of silence produced humble submission. That 'they marvelled all' shows the community recognized something significant in this united parental stand against custom. Zacharias's written confirmation, agreeing with Elisabeth, publicly testified to divine revelation overruling human tradition. His obedience prepared for restoration of speech.