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.

And {G1161} when he came out {G1831}, he could {G1410} not {G3756} speak {G2980} unto them {G846}: and {G2532} they perceived {G1921} that {G3754} he had seen {G3708} a vision {G3701} in {G1722} the temple {G3485}: for {G2532} he {G846} beckoned {G2258}{G1269} unto them {G846}, and {G2532} remained {G1265} speechless {G2974}.

But when he came out unable to talk to them, they realized that he had seen a vision in the Temple; speechless, he communicated to them with signs.

When he came out and was unable to speak to them, they realized he had seen a vision in the temple. He kept making signs to them but remained speechless.

And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: and he continued making signs unto them, and remained dumb.

Luke 1:22 describes the immediate consequence of Zechariah's disbelief regarding the angel Gabriel's prophecy concerning the birth of his son, John the Baptist. Having lingered in the temple longer than expected, Zechariah emerges unable to speak, a physical manifestation of his temporary judgment for doubting God's word.

Context

This verse follows Zechariah’s profound encounter with the angel Gabriel in the Holy Place of the Temple while performing his priestly duties. Gabriel had announced that Zechariah’s barren wife, Elizabeth, would bear a son who would prepare the way for the Lord. When Zechariah expressed doubt due to his and Elizabeth's old age, Gabriel declared that Zechariah would be silent until the fulfillment of the prophecy, serving as a sign and a consequence of his unbelief. The people waiting outside for Zechariah to pronounce the blessing (as mentioned in Luke 1:21) quickly discerned that something extraordinary had transpired within the temple.

Key Themes

  • Divine Consequence for Doubt: Zechariah's inability to speak serves as a tangible sign of God's power and a consequence for his initial disbelief. It underscores the seriousness of doubting God's promises, even when they seem humanly impossible.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: The immediate silence of Zechariah confirms the truthfulness of the angel's words in Luke 1:20, marking the beginning of the divine plan unfolding for the birth of John the Baptist.
  • Perception of the Sacred: The people's quick understanding that Zechariah had "seen a vision" highlights their awareness of divine encounters and the sanctity of the temple. His gestures and silence were clear indicators of a supernatural event.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "he beckoned unto them" uses a word that in Greek (eneue) implies nodding or making signs, clearly indicating non-verbal communication. His inability to speak is emphasized by "remained speechless" (Greek: kophos), which means dumb or unable to speak, further underscoring the severity and completeness of his temporary affliction.

Practical Application

Zechariah's experience reminds us of the importance of faith in God's promises, even when circumstances seem to contradict them. While God's judgment is often redemptive, aiming to strengthen faith, it also serves as a powerful reminder that God's word is true and will be fulfilled. His silence prepared him to listen more intently to God's voice and to fully appreciate the miracle of his son's birth, which would eventually be detailed in Luke 1:57 and following verses.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Luke 1:62

    And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.

  • Acts 21:40

    And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto [them] in the Hebrew tongue, saying,

  • Acts 19:33

    And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people.

  • John 13:24

    Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake.

  • Acts 12:17

    But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.
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