Luke 1:20

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532}, behold {G2400}, thou {G2071} shalt be dumb {G4623}, and {G2532} not {G3361} able {G1410} to speak {G2980}, until {G891} the day {G2250} that {G3739} these things {G5023} shall be performed {G1096}, because {G473}{G3739} thou believest {G4100} not {G3756} my {G3450} words {G3056}, which {G3748} shall be fulfilled {G4137} in {G1519} their {G846} season {G2540}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now, because you didn't believe what I said, which will be fulfilled when the time comes, you will be silent, unable to speak until the day these things take place."

Berean Standard Bible

And now you will be silent and unable to speak until the day this comes to pass, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.”

American Standard Version

And behold, thou shalt be silent and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall come to pass, because thou believedst not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 1:20 details the immediate, divinely imposed consequence of Zechariah the priest's unbelief following the angel Gabriel's prophecy. Because Zechariah questioned how his elderly, barren wife Elizabeth could conceive a son, Gabriel declared that Zechariah would be struck mute and unable to speak until the day the prophecy was fulfilled, emphasizing the absolute certainty and precise timing of God's word, regardless of human doubt.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment within the opening narrative of Luke's Gospel, which meticulously chronicles the miraculous births of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ. It directly follows the astounding angelic visitation to Zechariah in the Temple, where Gabriel announced that Zechariah and Elizabeth, despite their advanced age and her barrenness, would bear a son who would prepare the way for the Lord (as seen in [Luke 1:11-17](/luke/1-11-17 "Gabriel's Prophecy of John the Baptist")). Zechariah's subsequent question, "How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife well advanced in years" ([Luke 1:18](/luke/1-18 "Zechariah's Question to Gabriel")), reveals his skepticism. Verse 20 is Gabriel's stern and immediate response, serving as both a disciplinary sign and a confirmation of the prophecy's infallibility. The narrative then progresses to Zechariah's silent departure from the temple and Elizabeth's subsequent conception ([Luke 1:21-25](/luke/1-21-25 "Zechariah's Return and Elizabeth's Conception")), setting the stage for the parallel announcement to Mary.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Zechariah's role as a priest, performing the sacred duty of burning incense in the Holy Place, was a highly esteemed and rare privilege in first-century Judaism. This act was accompanied by the prayers of the people outside, who expected the priest to emerge and pronounce a blessing. His prolonged stay inside the temple and subsequent inability to speak would have been a profoundly unsettling and public spectacle, immediately signaling a divine intervention or judgment ([Luke 1:21-22](/luke/1-21-22 "The People's Reaction to Zechariah's Silence")). In a culture where barrenness was often seen as a curse or a sign of divine disfavor, the miraculous conception of a child in old age, as with Abraham and Sarah, was understood as a powerful demonstration of God's sovereign power and faithfulness to His covenant promises. The period between the Old and New Testaments was marked by a perceived silence from God, making any angelic appearance or prophetic word exceptionally significant and highly anticipated.

* **Key Themes:** Luke 1:20 powerfully underscores several core themes. Firstly, it highlights the **Consequence of Unbelief**, demonstrating that even a righteous individual like Zechariah can face tangible repercussions for doubting God's explicit word, especially when delivered by a divine messenger. His temporary muteness serves as a direct, physical manifestation of his spiritual inability to fully embrace the divine message. Secondly, the verse emphasizes the **Certainty and Sovereign Timing of God's Word**. Despite Zechariah's doubt, Gabriel firmly declares that God's words "shall be fulfilled in their season," affirming the absolute reliability and perfect timing of God's redemptive plan. This echoes the broader biblical truth that God's promises are always "Yes" and "Amen" in Christ ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "God's Promises are Yes and Amen")). Thirdly, Zechariah's muteness functions as a **Divine Sign**, not merely a punishment. It served to confirm the truth of Gabriel's message to Zechariah himself, acting as a constant, personal reminder, and also provided public evidence to the people of God's active hand, lasting until the miraculous restoration of his speech at John's naming ([Luke 1:64](/luke/1-64 "Zechariah's Speech Restored")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **dumb (Greek, _siōpáō'_):** This verb, referring to Zechariah's condition, means "to be dumb" or "to hold peace," specifically implying an involuntary inability to speak. It differs from a voluntary silence. In this context, it signifies a divinely imposed muteness, directly linked to Zechariah's lack of faith, rendering him incapable of uttering words.
* **believest not (Greek, _pisteúō'_ with _ou'_ and _mḗ'_):** The core verb _pisteúō_ means "to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing)," or "to credit." When combined with the absolute negative particle _ou_ and the qualified negative _mḗ_, it emphatically conveys a complete lack of belief or trust. Zechariah's failure to credit Gabriel's words is the explicit reason for his muteness, highlighting the critical importance of faith in receiving divine revelation.
* **fulfilled (Greek, _plēróō'_):** This verb means "to make replete," "to cram," "to furnish," "to satisfy," or "to execute." In the context of prophecy, it signifies "to verify" or "to coincide with a prediction." Here, it underscores the absolute certainty that Gabriel's words—God's promises—will be brought to completion precisely as declared, leaving no room for doubt regarding their eventual realization.
* **season (Greek, _kairós'_):** This noun denotes "an occasion," "a set or proper time," or "an opportune time." Unlike _chronos_ (linear time), _kairós_ emphasizes a specific, divinely appointed moment. The phrase "in their season" highlights God's perfect, sovereign timing for the unfolding of His plans, assuring that the prophecy will come to pass at the precise moment God has ordained.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak":** This clause pronounces the immediate and striking consequence for Zechariah. The interjection "behold" (G2400, _idoú_) draws attention to the dramatic nature of the impending affliction. Zechariah is not merely silenced but rendered truly "dumb" (G4623, _siōpáō_), indicating a complete inability to articulate words, a direct and fitting judgment for questioning the divine word.
* **"until the day that these things shall be performed":** This specifies the duration of Zechariah's muteness. It is not a permanent condition but a temporary one, lasting "until" (G891, _áchri_) the very moment the prophecy concerning John's birth and naming is "performed" or "brought to pass" (G1096, _gínomai_). This temporal limit signifies that the muteness also serves as a tangible, ongoing sign of the prophecy's eventual fulfillment.
* **"because thou believest not my words":** This is the explicit reason for Zechariah's affliction. The Greek preposition "because" (G473, _antí_) indicates the direct cause or substitution. Gabriel clearly states that Zechariah's inability to speak is a direct consequence of his "not believing" (G4100, _pisteúō_ with G3756, _ou_) the divine message. This highlights the seriousness of unbelief in the face of God's revelation.
* **"which shall be fulfilled in their season":** This final clause reaffirms the absolute certainty and sovereign timing of God's plan. Despite Zechariah's doubt, Gabriel's words (and by extension, God's words) "shall be fulfilled" (G4137, _plēróō_) without fail. The phrase "in their season" (G1519, _eis_ G2540, _kairós_ G846, _autós_) emphasizes that God's promises unfold according to His perfect, appointed time, not according to human expectation or perceived impossibility.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 1:20 employs several powerful literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as Zechariah, a priest whose duty it was to speak blessings to the people, is rendered speechless. His spiritual inability to believe is mirrored by his physical inability to speak, creating a striking contrast. **Symbolism** is also at play, with Zechariah's muteness symbolizing the spiritual blindness and deafness that can afflict even righteous individuals when confronted with God's seemingly impossible promises. His silence becomes a physical manifestation of his doubt. Furthermore, the event functions as a **Divine Sign**, serving not only as a consequence for Zechariah's unbelief but also as an undeniable confirmation to him and to the community that God's word is true and will inevitably be fulfilled. The duration of the muteness, "until the day that these things shall be performed," underscores its function as a living, ongoing testament to God's faithfulness and sovereign timing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 1:20 profoundly illustrates the theological truth that God's promises are utterly reliable and will be fulfilled according to His perfect timing, regardless of human doubt or perceived impossibility. Zechariah's temporary muteness serves as a stark reminder that while God is gracious, He also holds His servants accountable for their faith, especially when confronted with direct divine revelation. It underscores the seriousness of unbelief, even from a righteous heart, demonstrating that a lack of trust can hinder one's ability to participate fully in God's unfolding plan, at least temporarily. Yet, even in judgment, God's faithfulness shines through, as the muteness itself becomes a sign pointing to the inevitable fulfillment of His word, reinforcing the theme of divine sovereignty over all circumstances.

* [Numbers 11:23](/numbers/11-23 "Is the Lord's arm too short?")
* [Romans 4:20-21](/romans/4-20-21 "Abraham's unwavering faith")
* [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Faith is essential to please God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah's experience in Luke 1:20 offers a profound lesson for believers today. It challenges us to examine the areas in our lives where we might harbor doubt or unbelief regarding God's promises, especially when circumstances seem to contradict His word. Just as Zechariah, a man of God, faltered, so too can we. This passage reminds us that God's plans are not contingent upon our perfect faith, but rather upon His perfect faithfulness. His word "shall be fulfilled in their season," meaning His timing is always impeccable, even when it feels delayed or impossible from our perspective. Our call is to cultivate a posture of expectant trust, believing that what God has promised, He is also able to perform. While we may not experience physical muteness, a lack of faith can silence our praise, hinder our prayers, and diminish our testimony, preventing us from fully experiencing and proclaiming God's mighty works in our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically react when God's promises or guidance seem impossible or contrary to my current circumstances?**
* **Are there specific areas in my life where I struggle to fully trust God's word, perhaps due to past disappointments or overwhelming challenges?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate a deeper, more unwavering faith that anticipates God's perfect timing and unfailing fulfillment of His promises?**

### FAQ
**Was Zechariah's muteness a punishment or a sign?**

Answer: Zechariah's muteness was both a consequence of his unbelief and a powerful sign. It served as a direct, divinely imposed discipline for his doubt in the face of Gabriel's clear prophecy ([Luke 1:18](/luke/1-18 "Zechariah's Question to Gabriel")). At the same time, it functioned as a tangible, undeniable sign that the prophecy would indeed come to pass. His inability to speak served as a constant personal reminder to Zechariah of the divine encounter and the certainty of God's word, and it also acted as public evidence to the people who witnessed his silence ([Luke 1:21-22](/luke/1-21-22 "The People's Reaction to Zechariah's Silence")) that something extraordinary had occurred. The muteness lasted precisely "until the day that these things shall be performed," underscoring its role as a temporary, confirming sign that pointed to the imminent fulfillment of God's promise.

**Why was Zechariah, a righteous man, afflicted for his doubt?**

Answer: Zechariah's affliction highlights the seriousness with which God regards faith, especially when His word is delivered directly and miraculously. Even for a righteous man like Zechariah, who was "blameless according to the commandments and ordinances of the Lord" ([Luke 1:6](/luke/1-6 "Zechariah and Elizabeth's Righteousness")), doubt in the face of divine revelation carries consequences. This incident underscores that no one, regardless of their piety or position, is exempt from the need for faith in God's promises. It serves as a powerful lesson that God's word is absolute, and our response to it matters. Furthermore, it demonstrates God's sovereignty; He can use even human failings to further His purposes, turning a consequence into a sign that ultimately magnifies His faithfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah's temporary muteness due to unbelief in the face of God's spoken word serves as a profound contrast and foreshadowing of the ultimate "Word" who became flesh, [Jesus Christ](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"). While Zechariah was silenced for doubting a promise about a forerunner, Jesus is the very embodiment of God's promises, the "Amen" to all God's declarations ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "God's Promises are Yes and Amen")). Zechariah's inability to speak until the fulfillment of John's birth points to a deeper spiritual inability that characterized humanity's relationship with God prior to Christ—a spiritual muteness and inability to truly respond to God's truth due to sin and unbelief. The "words" Zechariah doubted were fulfilled "in their season," just as all Old Testament prophecies and the very promise of redemption found their perfect fulfillment "when the fullness of time had come" in the person and work of Christ ([Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - God Sent His Son in the Fullness of Time")). Zechariah's eventual restoration of speech, leading to his prophetic song, the [Benedictus](/luke/1-68-79 "Luke 1:68-79 - Zechariah's Prophecy (The Benedictus)"), speaks of the new speech and proclamation of salvation that is made possible through faith in Christ. Through Him, those once spiritually mute due to unbelief are given a voice to confess His Lordship ([Romans 10:9-10](/romans/10-9-10 "Romans 10:9-10 - Confession of Faith")) and declare the mighty works of God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 3:26

And 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 24:27

In 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.

Luke 1:22

And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless.

2 Timothy 2:13

If we believe not, [yet] he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

Hebrews 6:18

That 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:

Revelation 3:19

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

Genesis 18:10

And he said, I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard [it] in the tent door, which [was] behind him.