Luke 1:63

KJV

And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he asked for {G154} a writing table {G4093}, and wrote {G1125}, saying {G3004}, His {G846} name {G3686} is {G2076} John {G2491}. And {G2532} they marvelled {G2296} all {G3956}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He motioned for a writing tablet, and to everyone's surprise he wrote, "His name is Yochanan."

Berean Standard Bible

Zechariah asked for a tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” And they were all amazed.

American Standard Version

And he asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 1:63 captures the climactic moment of Zacharias's obedience and the miraculous confirmation of God's plan for his son, John. After months of divinely imposed muteness due to his initial unbelief, Zacharias publicly affirms the angel's command by writing "His name is John," overriding family tradition. This decisive act immediately precedes the restoration of his speech and causes profound astonishment among all witnesses, underscoring the divine authority behind John's identity and mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a pivotal juncture within the opening chapters of Luke's Gospel, which meticulously details the annunciations and births of both John the Baptist and Jesus Christ. Immediately preceding this verse, Zacharias, a priest, was struck mute by the angel Gabriel for his doubt concerning the prophecy of his son's birth ([Luke 1:5-25](/luke/1-5-25 "Luke 1:5-25 - Annunciation of John's Birth")). After John's birth, on the eighth day—the traditional day for circumcision and naming—relatives and neighbors gather, expecting the child to be named Zacharias after his father, according to custom ([Luke 1:59-62](/luke/1-59-62 "Luke 1:59-62 - John's Circumcision and Naming")). Luke 1:63 marks Zacharias's definitive, non-verbal declaration that resolves the naming dispute and sets the stage for his miraculous speech restoration in the very next verse ([Luke 1:64](/luke/1-64 "Luke 1:64 - Zacharias's Speech Restored")). The subsequent narrative unfolds with Zacharias's prophetic song, the Benedictus, which further illuminates John's role as the forerunner to the Messiah ([Luke 1:67-80](/luke/1-67-80 "Luke 1:67-80 - Zacharias's Prophecy")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Jewish naming conventions typically involved naming a son after his father or a prominent ancestor, especially the firstborn. This custom was deeply rooted in the desire to honor family lineage and perpetuate a name. The circumcision ceremony on the eighth day was a covenantal command from God to Abraham ([Genesis 17:12](/genesis/17-12 "Genesis 17:12 - Covenant of Circumcision")), symbolizing inclusion in the covenant community. The "writing table" (Greek: _pinakidion_) mentioned in the verse refers to a small, portable wooden tablet often coated with wax, used for temporary notes, messages, or legal declarations. Such tablets were common in the ancient world, providing a practical means of communication for someone unable to speak. Zacharias's use of this common tool for a divinely ordained purpose highlights the intersection of everyday life with miraculous intervention.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's narrative. It underscores **divine sovereignty over human tradition**, as God's specific instruction to name the child "John" overrides the deeply ingrained custom of naming him after his father. It highlights the theme of **obedience and faith**, illustrating Zacharias's journey from initial doubt to a public act of submission, which immediately results in his miraculous restoration. The entire scene serves as a profound **miraculous confirmation** of God's active involvement and the unique, divinely appointed identity of John, causing the community to "marvel all" and ponder the significance of these events ([Luke 1:65-66](/luke/1-65-66 "Luke 1:65-66 - People's Reaction to John's Birth")). John's name itself, meaning "Yahweh is gracious," foreshadows his role in preparing the way for the ultimate manifestation of God's grace in Jesus Christ ([Luke 3:3-6](/luke/3-3-6 "Luke 3:3-6 - John's Ministry and Prophecy")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **asked for (Greek, _aitéō_):** This verb signifies a deliberate and earnest request. Despite his inability to speak, Zacharias actively sought the means to communicate, demonstrating his intention to comply with the divine instruction. His action was not passive but a clear, purposeful demand for the tool necessary to fulfill God's will.
* **wrote (Greek, _gráphō_):** This primary verb means "to grave" or "to write." In this context, it denotes a definitive and permanent act of inscription. Zacharias's writing was not merely a note but a public, undeniable declaration that settled the dispute over the child's name, confirming the divine mandate given by the angel Gabriel ([Luke 1:13](/luke/1-13 "Luke 1:13 - Angel's Instruction to Zacharias")).
* **John (Greek, _Iōánnēs_):** This name, derived from the Hebrew _Yochanan_, means "Yahweh is gracious" or "The Lord is gracious." Its divine imposition, overriding family tradition, emphasized God's specific grace in sending this child as the forerunner to the Messiah. The name itself encapsulates John's future ministry, which would herald the coming of God's ultimate grace in Jesus Christ.
* **marvelled (Greek, _thaumázō_):** This verb conveys a sense of wonder, astonishment, and even admiration. The collective reaction of "all" who witnessed Zacharias's act and its immediate consequence (the restoration of his speech in the following verse) indicates their recognition of a truly extraordinary, divinely orchestrated event, far beyond human explanation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he asked for a writing table":** This phrase highlights Zacharias's initiative and the physical limitation he endured. Unable to speak, he communicates his need for a specific tool, a _pinakidion_ (a small wax tablet), to express his will. This act is a silent yet powerful testament to his newfound submission to God's command.
* **"and wrote, saying, His name is John.":** This is the pivotal declaration. Zacharias's written statement directly contradicts the family's expectation and Elisabeth's earlier verbal insistence, solidifying the divinely appointed name. The phrase "saying" indicates that his writing was a form of verbal communication, a definitive pronouncement. This public act of obedience is a turning point, demonstrating his faith after a period of doubt.
* **"And they marvelled all.":** The immediate and universal reaction of the assembled crowd underscores the profound impact of Zacharias's action. Their astonishment was likely due to the unexpected name, the definitive nature of Zacharias's communication despite his muteness, and the immediate, miraculous restoration of his speech that followed (as detailed in the subsequent verse). This collective marveling serves to validate the divine origin of the events unfolding.

#### Literary Devices
Luke employs several literary devices to heighten the drama and theological significance of this moment. **Irony** is prominent, as Zacharias, struck mute for his initial unbelief, is now forced to communicate the divine truth through writing, a silent medium, thereby fulfilling the angel's prophecy of his silence. The act of writing itself becomes a **symbol** of divine communication breaking through human limitations. The unexpected naming of "John" despite strong family tradition creates **suspense** and then **resolution**, emphasizing God's will over human custom. Furthermore, the collective "marveling" of the witnesses functions as a **narrative device** to validate the miraculous nature of the event and prepare the reader for the subsequent unfolding of God's plan through John and Jesus.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 1:63 is a powerful testament to God's faithfulness to His promises and the transformative power of obedience. Zacharias's journey from doubt to definitive faith, culminating in this public declaration, illustrates that God's word will prevail regardless of human skepticism or tradition. The divine insistence on the name "John" ("Yahweh is gracious") underscores that this child's identity and mission were not arbitrary but divinely ordained, pointing to God's redemptive plan for humanity. This moment serves as a public confirmation of God's active involvement in human history, setting the stage for the greater work of salvation to be accomplished through Jesus Christ. It teaches us that God often works in ways that defy human expectations, requiring our trust and submission.

* [Luke 1:13](/luke/1-13 "Luke 1:13 - Gabriel's Prophecy of John's Name")
* [Luke 1:64](/luke/1-64 "Luke 1:64 - Zacharias's Speech Restored")
* [Isaiah 40:3](/isaiah/40-3 "Isaiah 40:3 - Prophecy of John the Baptist")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 1:63 invites us to reflect on the nature of obedience, faith, and God's sovereign plan in our own lives. Zacharias's journey from doubt, which led to temporary muteness, to an act of decisive obedience, which restored his voice, offers a profound lesson. It reminds us that God's plans often transcend our comfort zones, our traditions, and even our logical expectations. When God calls us to a path that seems unconventional or challenging, our obedience, even if initially hesitant, can unlock deeper blessings and serve as a powerful testimony to others. Just as the crowd "marvelled all," we too are called to cultivate a sense of wonder and awe at God's active presence and miraculous work in the world, recognizing that His hand is at work even in our limitations and through our acts of faith. This verse encourages us to prioritize God's specific instructions above all else, trusting that His ways are always perfect and purposeful.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might God be asking me to trust His plan over my own expectations or established traditions?**
* **How does Zacharias's journey from doubt to obedience encourage me when I face my own moments of skepticism or hesitation?**
* **What "marvelous" works of God have I witnessed recently, and how have I responded to them?**

### FAQ

**Why was Zacharias mute, and how did his muteness relate to this verse?**

Answer: Zacharias was struck mute by the angel Gabriel because he doubted the angel's prophecy that his elderly wife, Elisabeth, would bear a son ([Luke 1:18-20](/luke/1-18-20 "Luke 1:18-20 - Zacharias's Doubt and Muteness")). His muteness served as a sign of the truth of Gabriel's words and a consequence of his unbelief. In Luke 1:63, his inability to speak forced him to communicate through writing, making his public declaration of "His name is John" even more definitive and dramatic. His speech was immediately restored in the following verse ([Luke 1:64](/luke/1-64 "Luke 1:64 - Zacharias's Speech Restored")) after this act of obedience, signifying the completion of his period of discipline and the confirmation of his faith.

**What is the significance of the name "John"?**

Answer: The name "John" (Greek: _Iōánnēs_, from Hebrew _Yochanan_) means "Yahweh is gracious" or "The Lord is gracious." This name was divinely commanded by the angel Gabriel ([Luke 1:13](/luke/1-13 "Luke 1:13 - Angel's Instruction to Zacharias")) and perfectly encapsulated John's future role. He was the one who would prepare the way for the ultimate manifestation of God's grace in Jesus Christ, calling people to repentance and pointing them to the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). The name itself was a prophetic declaration of God's gracious intervention in human history.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 1:63, detailing the divinely commanded naming of John, serves as a crucial prelude to the advent of Jesus Christ, the ultimate embodiment of God's grace. John's miraculous birth, his unique name meaning "Yahweh is gracious," and the public confirmation of his identity all point forward to the one he was sent to announce. John's entire purpose was to prepare the way for the Lord, to make straight the path for the Messiah ([Luke 3:4-6](/luke/3-4-6 "Luke 3:4-6 - John's Ministry fulfilling Isaiah")). The "grace" signified by John's name finds its complete and perfect expression in Jesus, for "the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ" ([John 1:17](/john/1-17 "John 1:17 - Grace and Truth through Jesus Christ")). John himself testified, "He must increase, but I must decrease" ([John 3:30](/john/3-30 "John 3:30 - John the Baptist's Testimony about Jesus")), explicitly directing all attention to Jesus as the Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) and the one who would baptize with the Holy Spirit ([Matthew 3:11](/matthew/3-11 "Matthew 3:11 - John's Prophecy of Jesus's Baptism")). Thus, the events of Luke 1:63 are not merely about John's birth but are foundational to understanding the divine orchestration leading to the revelation of God's saving grace in Jesus Christ.

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

Luke 1:60

And his mother answered and said, Not [so]; but he shall be called John.

Luke 1:13

But 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.

Isaiah 30:8

¶ Now 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:

Proverbs 3:3

Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:

Habakkuk 2:2

And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make [it] plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.

Jeremiah 17:1

¶ The sin of Judah [is] written with a pen of iron, [and] with the point of a diamond: [it is] graven upon the table of their heart, and upon the horns of your altars;