The Birth and Naming of John

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¶ Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son.

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And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.

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And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.

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

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And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name.

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

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

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

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And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea.

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And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him.