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Luke 1:20

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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.

And {G2532}, behold {G2400}, thou {G2071} shalt be dumb {G4623}, and {G2532} not {G3361} able {G1410} to speak {G2980}, until {G891} the day {G2250} that {G3739} these things {G5023} shall be performed {G1096}, because {G473}{G3739} thou believest {G4100} not {G3756} my {G3450} words {G3056}, which {G3748} shall be fulfilled {G4137} in {G1519} their {G846} season {G2540}.

Now, because you didn't believe what I said, which will be fulfilled when the time comes, you will be silent, unable to speak until the day these things take place."

And now you will be silent and unable to speak until the day this comes to pass, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.”

And behold, thou shalt be silent and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall come to pass, because thou believedst not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.

Commentary

Luke 1:20 describes the immediate consequence of Zechariah the priest's unbelief regarding the angel Gabriel's prophecy. After being told that his elderly, barren wife Elizabeth would conceive a son (who would be John the Baptist), Zechariah questioned how this could be, asking for a sign. In response, Gabriel declares that the sign will be Zechariah's inability to speak until the prophecy is fulfilled, specifically because he doubted God's infallible word.

Context

This verse is part of the opening narrative in Luke's Gospel, which details the miraculous births of both John the Baptist and Jesus Christ. Zechariah, a righteous priest of advanced age, was performing his priestly duties in the Temple when the angel Gabriel appeared to him with the astonishing news that he and his wife Elizabeth would have a son. Overwhelmed by the unexpected announcement and perhaps by their age, Zechariah expressed doubt, asking, "Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years" (Luke 1:18). Verse 20 is Gabriel's immediate and stern reply, serving as both a judgment and a confirming sign.

Key Themes

  • Consequence of Unbelief: Zechariah's temporary muteness serves as a direct, tangible consequence of his doubt in the face of a divine promise. It underscores that even righteous individuals can falter in faith, and that God holds His servants accountable.
  • Certainty of God's Word: Despite human doubt, the angel emphatically states that God's words "shall be fulfilled in their season." This highlights the absolute reliability and sovereign timing of God's plans, regardless of our ability to comprehend or believe them. God's promises are always fulfilled.
  • Divine Sign: Zechariah's muteness was not merely a punishment but also a sign. It confirmed the truth of Gabriel's message to Zechariah himself and to the people who witnessed his inability to speak and bless them after his temple service. This sign would last until the day of John's birth and naming, when his speech would be miraculously restored.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "thou shalt be dumb" translates the Greek word κωφός (kophos), which can mean both 'mute' or 'deaf'. In this context, it clearly refers to Zechariah's inability to speak. The reason for this affliction is explicitly stated: "because thou believest not my words" (οὐκ ἐπίστευσας - ouk episteusas), emphasizing a direct lack of faith. The phrase "in their season" (καιροῖς ἰδίοις - kairois idiois) underscores God's perfect and appointed timing for the fulfillment of His promises.

Practical Application

Luke 1:20 offers a powerful reminder of the importance of faith in God's promises. While Zechariah's experience was unique, it teaches us that doubting God's word can have consequences. However, it also illustrates God's patience and faithfulness; even in our moments of doubt, His plan continues to unfold precisely "in their season." We are encouraged to trust in God's infallible word, knowing that His promises are steadfast, even when they seem impossible from a human perspective.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 3:26 (10 votes)

    And I will make thy tongue cleave to the roof of thy mouth, that thou shalt be dumb, and shalt not be to them a reprover: for they [are] a rebellious house.

  • Ezekiel 24:27 (5 votes)

    In that day shall thy mouth be opened to him which is escaped, and thou shalt speak, and be no more dumb: and thou shalt be a sign unto them; and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.

  • Luke 1:22 (4 votes)

    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.

  • 2 Timothy 2:13 (3 votes)

    If we believe not, [yet] he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

  • Hebrews 6:18 (3 votes)

    That by two immutable things, in which [it was] impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:

  • Revelation 3:19 (2 votes)

    As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

  • Genesis 18:10 (2 votes)

    And he said, I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard [it] in the tent door, which [was] behind him.