Luke 1:64
And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.
Original Language Analysis
ἀνεῴχθη
was opened
G455
ἀνεῴχθη
was opened
Strong's:
G455
Word #:
1 of 15
to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
στόμα
mouth
G4750
στόμα
mouth
Strong's:
G4750
Word #:
4 of 15
the mouth (as if a gash in the face); by implication, language (and its relations); figuratively, an opening (in the earth); specially, the front or e
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 15
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 #:
7 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γλῶσσα
tongue
G1100
γλῶσσα
tongue
Strong's:
G1100
Word #:
9 of 15
the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 15
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 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εὐλογῶν
and praised
G2127
εὐλογῶν
and praised
Strong's:
G2127
Word #:
13 of 15
to speak well of, i.e., (religiously) to bless (thank or invoke a benediction upon, prosper)
Cross References
Luke 1:20And, 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.Jeremiah 1:9Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.Ezekiel 33:22Now the hand of the LORD was upon me in the evening, afore he that was escaped came; and had opened my mouth, until he came to me in the morning; and my mouth was opened, and I was no more dumb.Psalms 51:15O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.Isaiah 12:1And in that day thou shalt say, O LORD, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me.Matthew 9:33And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel.Ezekiel 3:27But when I speak with thee, I will open thy mouth, and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; He that heareth, let him hear; and he that forbeareth, let him forbear: for they are a rebellious house.
Historical Context
The gathered community for circumcision witnessed both the naming controversy and Zacharias's miraculous speech restoration. His immediate blessing of God would have profoundly impacted witnesses, confirming that supernatural power was at work in this family and child.
Questions for Reflection
- How does obedience lead to restoration of what discipline removed?
- What does Zacharias's immediate praise teach about proper response to God's mercy?
- How should we respond when God restores what He temporarily removed?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Zacharias's immediate opening of mouth and loosing of tongue when he obeyed demonstrates the connection between obedience and restoration. The instant recovery—'immediately'—shows this was miraculous, not natural healing. That he immediately spoke 'blessing God' reveals transformed character; his first words after nine months honor God rather than complain about discipline. The praise demonstrates that the discipline achieved its purpose—producing humble submission and grateful worship. Zacharias's testimony through both silence and speech proclaimed God's power and faithfulness. His blessing God publicly acknowledged divine justice in the discipline and mercy in the restoration.