The Birth and Naming of John

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When the time came for Elizabeth to have her child, she gave birth to a son.

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Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they rejoiced with her.

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On the eighth day, when they came to circumcise the child, they were going to name him after his father Zechariah.

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But his mother replied, “No! He shall be called John.”

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They said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who bears this name.”

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So they made signs to his father to find out what he wanted to name the child.

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

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

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All their neighbors were filled with awe, and people throughout the hill country of Judea were talking about these events.

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And all who heard this wondered in their hearts and asked, “What then will this child become?” For the Lord’s hand was with him.