Luke 1:62

Luke 1:62, in plain English

Since Zechariah couldn't speak, the people made signs to ask him what he wanted to name the baby.

Why it's here

The fact that they used signs suggests Zechariah may have been deaf too, not just unable to speak. Either way, they needed the father's authority to settle the naming question.

Who's speaking

Luke describes how the community tried to involve the silent father in the decision.

Where it sits in the story

All eyes turn to Zechariah. He has been silent for nine months since the angel struck him mute in the temple. Now everyone waits to see if he will side with tradition or with Elizabeth.

The scholarly reading

The community resorts to sign language (eneneuon) with Zechariah, suggesting he may have been deaf as well as mute (kōphos can mean both). They seek the father's authoritative decision on the name.

Language and setting

The use of signs indicates Zechariah could not hear their verbal exchange. In patriarchal culture, the father held ultimate naming authority, making his input essential.

Voice

Luke describes the crowd's attempt to communicate with the mute Zechariah.

Significance

Unable to speak and possibly unable to hear, Zechariah has been a silent observer of his own son's naming dispute. The crowd now turns to him for the final word.

60But his mother replied, “No! He shall be called John.”

61They said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who bears this name.”

62So they made signs to his father to find out what he wanted to name the child.

63Zechariah asked for a tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” And they were all amazed.

64Immediately Zechariah’s mouth was opened and his tongue was released, and he began to speak, praising God.

Read all of Luke 1 — A physician writes the most detailed account of Jesus' life. Luke notices the people others overlook — the poor, the outcast, the women, the forgotten.