Luke 1:64

KJV

And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue [loosed], and he spake, and praised God.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} his {G846} mouth {G4750} was opened {G455} immediately {G3916}, and {G2532} his {G846} tongue {G1100} loosed, and {G2532} he spake {G2980}, and praised {G2127} God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

At that moment, his power of speech returned, and his first words were a b'rakhah to God.

Berean Standard Bible

Immediately Zechariah’s mouth was opened and his tongue was released, and he began to speak, praising God.

American Standard Version

And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, blessing God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 1:64 records the miraculous restoration of Zacharias's speech, which had been divinely withheld due to his unbelief concerning the angel Gabriel's prophecy of John the Baptist's birth. Immediately upon confirming his son's name as "John," Zacharias's mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, enabling him to speak freely and, as his first act, to praise God, signifying the fulfillment of God's word and the appropriate response of worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic moment following a period of divine silence imposed on Zacharias. Earlier, in [Luke 1:11-20](/luke/1-11-20 "Luke 1:11-20 - Gabriel's Annunciation to Zacharias"), the angel Gabriel appeared to Zacharias in the temple, announcing that his elderly, barren wife Elisabeth would bear a son, John, who would prepare the way for the Lord. Because Zacharias doubted this extraordinary promise, he was struck mute as a sign and consequence of his unbelief, unable to speak until the day of the child's naming. The immediate preceding verses ([Luke 1:59-63](/luke/1-59-63 "Luke 1:59-63 - John's Circumcision and Naming")) describe the circumcision ceremony where relatives expected the child to be named after his father or another family member. Elisabeth's insistence on "John," and Zacharias's subsequent written confirmation of this divinely appointed name, served as the act of obedience that triggered the miraculous restoration of his speech, leading directly into his prophetic hymn of praise, the Benedictus, recorded in [Luke 1:67-79](/luke/1-67-79 "Luke 1:67-79 - Zacharias's Prophecy (Benedictus)").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish society, naming a child was a significant event, often occurring at circumcision on the eighth day. Children were typically named after their fathers or other prominent family members, reflecting lineage and continuity. The community's surprise at Elisabeth's insistence on "John" (a name not in their family) and their appeal to Zacharias underscore these customs. Muteness, or any physical disability, was often perceived as a sign of divine displeasure or judgment, or at least a significant impediment. For a priest like Zacharias, who would normally speak blessings and prayers, muteness was a particularly profound and public disablement, emphasizing the divine nature of the sign given to him. His restoration, therefore, was a public vindication of God's power and faithfulness, witnessed by the entire community, as noted in [Luke 1:65-66](/luke/1-65-66 "Luke 1:65-66 - The Community's Reaction").
* **Key Themes:** Luke 1:64 powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent throughout the Gospel of Luke and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Promise and Fulfillment**, demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness to His word, even when faced with human doubt. Secondly, it illustrates the **Consequences of Unbelief and the Grace of Restoration**, showing that while doubt may lead to temporary discipline, obedience and affirmation of God's will can bring about miraculous freedom. Thirdly, the immediate act of praise underscores the theme of **Appropriate Response to God's Work**, teaching that the natural and proper reaction to divine intervention and blessing is profound worship and adoration. Finally, this event contributes to the overarching theme of **God's Breaking into History**, signaling the imminent arrival of the Messiah through the ministry of His forerunner, John, and preparing the hearts of the people for the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, as prophesied by Zacharias in [Luke 1:68-79](/luke/1-68-79 "Luke 1:68-79 - Zacharias's Prophecy").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **opened (Greek, _anoígō'_):** This word (G455) signifies a literal or figurative opening, emphasizing that Zacharias's mouth was not merely unsealed by natural means but was supernaturally unbarred by divine power. It highlights the instantaneous and miraculous nature of the event, a direct act of God reversing the physical impediment.
* **immediately (Greek, _parachrēma'_):** This adverb (G3916) stresses the instantaneousness of the restoration. There was no delay, no gradual recovery; the moment Zacharias wrote his affirmation, his speech was fully and completely restored. This immediacy underscores the direct causal link between his obedience and God's powerful intervention.
* **praised (Greek, _eulogéō'_):** This verb (G2127) means "to speak well of," "to bless," or "to thank." It reveals Zacharias's immediate and appropriate response to God's faithfulness. His first words were not complaints or questions, but an outpouring of worship, demonstrating a heart transformed from doubt to profound gratitude and adoration for the God who keeps His promises.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And his mouth was opened immediately":** This clause describes the instantaneous physical change that occurred. The "opening" of his mouth was a direct, supernatural act, not a natural recovery. It signifies the removal of the divine impediment that had kept him silent, highlighting God's power and the precise fulfillment of Gabriel's prophecy in [Luke 1:20](/luke/1-20 "Luke 1:20 - Zacharias Struck Mute").
* **"and his tongue [loosed]":** This phrase further clarifies the nature of the miracle. The "loosening" of his tongue implies that whatever physical or spiritual bond had restrained his speech was now unbound. It points to a complete restoration of his vocal capabilities, allowing him to articulate words clearly and freely after months of silence.
* **"and he spake, and praised God":** This final clause reveals the immediate and profound consequence of his restoration. Zacharias's first act upon regaining his voice was not to question or to lament his previous condition, but to speak and, more specifically, to praise God. This demonstrates a heart of gratitude and worship, acknowledging God's faithfulness and power, and setting the stage for his subsequent prophetic utterance known as the Benedictus in [Luke 1:68-79](/luke/1-68-79 "Luke 1:68-79 - Zacharias's Prophecy").

#### Literary Devices
Luke 1:64 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Miracle**, as the immediate and complete restoration of Zacharias's speech is a supernatural event, demonstrating God's direct intervention in human affairs. This miracle serves as a public sign, validating the divine origin of John's birth and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. There is also strong **Symbolism** at play: Zacharias's muteness symbolized his initial unbelief and doubt in God's promise, while the opening of his mouth and the loosening of his tongue symbolize the restoration of faith, the breaking of spiritual bonds, and the freedom to declare God's truth. The immediate shift from silence to praise creates a powerful **Contrast**, highlighting the transformative power of God's faithfulness and the appropriate human response. Furthermore, the event serves as **Foreshadowing**, as Zacharias's restored voice will soon be used to prophesy about John's role as the forerunner and the coming of the Messiah, setting the stage for the greater redemptive work that is about to unfold.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 1:64 stands as a profound testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and His sovereign control over all circumstances, even human doubt. Zacharias's muteness was a consequence of his unbelief, a temporary discipline designed to solidify his faith and serve as an undeniable sign. His restoration, however, was not merely a reversal of punishment but an act of grace, demonstrating God's readiness to restore when His word is affirmed and His will embraced. This narrative illustrates that God's purposes will always prevail, and His promises will be fulfilled, often in ways that transcend human expectation or understanding. Zacharias's immediate response of praise underscores the theological truth that true worship flows from a heart that recognizes and responds to God's mighty acts, acknowledging His goodness, power, and faithfulness as the source of all blessing and liberation.

* [Exodus 4:11-12](/exodus/4-11-12 "Exodus 4:11-12 - God Equips Moses to Speak")
* [Psalm 51:15](/psalms/51-15 "Psalm 51:15 - Open My Lips, Lord")
* [Isaiah 35:5-6](/isaiah/35-5-6 "Isaiah 35:5-6 - The Mute Will Sing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The story of Zacharias's restored speech in Luke 1:64 offers timeless lessons for our spiritual journey. It reminds us that even when we falter in faith, God remains steadfastly faithful to His promises and purposes. Our moments of doubt or unbelief, while they may carry consequences, do not derail God's ultimate plan. Just as Zacharias's obedience in naming his son "John" was a pivotal moment for his restoration, our alignment with God's revealed will, even after periods of doubt, can unlock profound blessings and freedom. This verse challenges us to cultivate a heart of immediate and profound praise when God acts in our lives. Do we, like Zacharias, respond with spontaneous worship when we witness God's faithfulness or experience His grace? Or do we allow our past struggles or lingering questions to stifle our praise? Luke 1:64 calls us to move beyond our doubts and limitations, to embrace God's word, and to let our lives be a testament of His power and goodness, expressed through genuine and unreserved adoration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might God be calling you to move from doubt to a renewed act of obedience, similar to Zacharias?**
* **When God demonstrates His faithfulness in your life, is your immediate response one of praise and worship, or do you tend to dwell on past struggles?**
* **How can you cultivate a more consistent and spontaneous spirit of praise, even in challenging circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Why was Zacharias struck mute, and why was his speech restored at this specific moment?**

Answer: Zacharias was struck mute by the angel Gabriel because he expressed doubt regarding the divine promise that his elderly, barren wife Elisabeth would conceive a son ([Luke 1:18-20](/luke/1-18-20 "Luke 1:18-20 - Zacharias's Doubt and Consequence")). His muteness served as a sign to him, a temporary consequence of his unbelief, and a confirmation of the angel's word. His speech was restored precisely at the moment he obediently affirmed the divinely appointed name "John" for his son, writing it on a tablet ([Luke 1:63](/luke/1-63 "Luke 1:63 - Zacharias Writes John's Name")). This act of obedience and affirmation of God's word was the catalyst for the miraculous reversal of his condition, signifying the fulfillment of the angel's prophecy and God's faithfulness.

**What is the significance of Zacharias's immediate praise upon regaining his voice?**

Answer: Zacharias's immediate praise ([Luke 1:64](/luke/1-64 "Luke 1:64 - Zacharias's Speech Restored and Praise to God")) is highly significant. It demonstrates a heart transformed from doubt to profound gratitude and worship. His first words were not complaints or questions about his long silence, but an outpouring of adoration for God. This immediate response highlights the appropriate human reaction to divine intervention and fulfilled promise. It also sets the stage for his subsequent prophetic hymn, the Benedictus ([Luke 1:68-79](/luke/1-68-79 "Luke 1:68-79 - Zacharias's Prophecy")), which further elaborates on God's redemptive plan and the role of his son, John, as the forerunner of the Messiah. His praise serves as a model for believers to respond to God's mighty acts with immediate and heartfelt worship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 1:64, detailing Zacharias's miraculous restoration of speech and immediate praise, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. Zacharias's silence, a consequence of unbelief, and his subsequent release into prophetic speech, powerfully foreshadow the spiritual condition of humanity and the liberating work of Christ. Just as Zacharias's mouth was opened, Jesus, the Word made flesh, came to open the eyes of the blind, the ears of the deaf, and the mouths of the mute, both physically and spiritually ([Matthew 9:32-33](/matthew/9-32-33 "Matthew 9:32-33 - Jesus Heals a Mute Man"); [Mark 7:32-35](/mark/7-32-35 "Mark 7:32-35 - Jesus Heals a Deaf and Mute Man")). More profoundly, Christ's work liberates humanity from the muteness of sin and unbelief, enabling us to speak forth God's praises and declare His truth. Zacharias's first act of praise, followed by his prophecy about John preparing the way for the Lord ([Luke 1:76](/luke/1-76 "Luke 1:76 - John as Prophet of the Most High")), points directly to Jesus as the one who brings ultimate salvation and causes our hearts to overflow with worship. Through Christ, our spiritual tongues are loosed, empowering us to offer a sacrifice of praise to God continually ([Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - Sacrifice of Praise Through Jesus")), fulfilling the very purpose for which Zacharias's voice was restored.

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 1:20

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.

Jeremiah 1:9

Then 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 33:22

Now 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.

Exodus 4:15

And thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in his mouth: and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye shall do.

Exodus 4:16

And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people: and he shall be, [even] he shall be to thee instead of a mouth, and thou shalt be to him instead of God.

Psalms 51:15

O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.

Daniel 4:34

¶ And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion [is] an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom [is] from generation to generation: