Luke 1 63

Luke 1:63 kjv

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

Luke 1:63 nkjv

And he asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, saying, "His name is John." So they all marveled.

Luke 1:63 niv

He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone's astonishment he wrote, "His name is John."

Luke 1:63 esv

And he asked for a writing tablet and wrote, "His name is John." And they all wondered.

Luke 1:63 nlt

He motioned for a writing tablet, and to everyone's surprise he wrote, "His name is John."

Luke 1 verses

Luke 1 63 Meaning

Luke 1:63 describes Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, still mute, decisively requesting a writing tablet and confirming the divinely appointed name of his son as "John." This public act of writing signifies his complete obedience and faith in the angelic message he had previously doubted, directly preceding the restoration of his speech. It serves as a profound affirmation of God's command over human tradition and the truthfulness of God's word.

Luke 1 63 Context

Luke 1:63 occurs within the significant narrative surrounding the birth of John the Baptist, preceding the birth of Jesus Christ. Zechariah, a priest, and his wife Elizabeth were old and childless. An angel, Gabriel, appeared to Zechariah while he was serving in the temple, announcing that Elizabeth would bear a son, John, who would prepare the way for the Lord (Lk 1:11-17). Due to his doubt regarding this seemingly impossible promise, Zechariah was struck mute until the day of John's birth (Lk 1:18-20).

The scene leading up to verse 63 is John's circumcision on the eighth day (Lk 1:59), a culturally significant event where a child would traditionally be named, often after the father or another family member. The relatives insisted on naming the child Zechariah, but Elizabeth, having been divinely informed (or trusting in God's prior revelation to Zechariah, possibly communicated silently), insisted "He shall be called John." As Zechariah was still mute, they made signs to him for his decision (Lk 1:62), leading directly to his action in Luke 1:63. This context highlights the clash between human tradition and divine command, culminating in Zechariah's definitive and obedient act.

Luke 1 63 Word analysis

• And he asked: Greek Kai ētesen (καὶ ᾔτησεν). This verb indicates an intentional, deliberate request. Zechariah actively sought out the means to communicate, showing a clear resolve to fulfill what was necessary, despite his inability to speak. This is not a passive acceptance, but an initiative.

• for a writing tablet: Greek pinakidion (πινακίδιον). This refers to a small, wooden or wax-covered tablet used for temporary notes, accounts, or messages. In a time when scrolls were expensive and permanent, these tablets were common for quick communication. Its use here emphasizes Zechariah's immediate need to convey something precise and public given his muteness. It’s a pragmatic tool enabling a divine revelation.

• and wrote: Greek kai egrapsen (καὶ ἔγραψεν). A straightforward past tense verb, emphasizing the physical act of writing. It underscores the decisive and unambiguous nature of his declaration, leaving no room for misinterpretation by the gathered family and neighbors.

• saying: Greek legōn (λέγων). This is a participle often translated as "saying" or "speaking." Although Zechariah is writing, the use of legōn here frames his action as an authoritative pronouncement or declaration, equivalent to speaking a powerful truth. It conveys the impact and finality of his message, not merely an inscription. It underscores the verbal nature of the communicated divine decree.

• His name: Greek onoma autou (ὄνομα αὐτοῦ). In ancient Jewish culture, a name (Hebrew: shem; Greek: onoma) was more than an identifier; it represented one's character, identity, and destiny. The focus here is not just on the sound, but on the profound significance attached to this divinely chosen name, indicating destiny and purpose.

• is John: Greek Iōannēs estin (Ἰωάννης ἐστίν). "John" (Hebrew: Yochanan) means "The Lord is gracious" or "God has shown favor." This name carries immense theological weight. It signifies God's mercy and grace manifest through John's ministry, preparing the way for the ultimate demonstration of God's grace in Christ. Zechariah's declaration confirms God's unique plan for this child, overriding all family traditions.

• Group of words: "And he asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, saying": This sequence of actions demonstrates Zechariah's urgent need and active participation in communicating the divinely mandated name. His physical disability forces him to use an alternative, yet equally effective, means of public proclamation. The deliberate "asking" and "writing" emphasize his shift from doubt to complete submission and affirmation of God's word.

• Group of words: "His name is John": This simple declaration is the pivot point of the narrative. It is not "we will name him," but "his name is John," signifying an existing, unchangeable reality decreed by God. This assertion, coming from the once-doubtful and mute Zechariah, publicly confirms the truthfulness of the angel's prophecy (Lk 1:13) and marks Zechariah's complete faith, immediately leading to his mouth being opened (Lk 1:64). It contrasts the expectations of family tradition with divine ordination.

Luke 1 63 Bonus section

• The Power of a Public Declaration: Zechariah's act on the writing tablet was not a private thought but a public testimony before family and neighbors. This communal witnessing solidified the divinely appointed identity of John, overcoming any family dispute and reinforcing the miraculous nature of his birth and calling. It prefigured John's own public ministry.
• Silence as a Crucible for Faith: Zechariah's period of muteness (Lk 1:20) provided him with an extended period of forced silence and reflection. In this silence, away from external distractions, his initial doubt transformed into complete conviction, leading to his final, unequivocal declaration of faith in Luke 1:63. It illustrates how challenging circumstances can deepen one's trust in God's promises.
• Divine Will vs. Human Tradition: The confrontation over John's naming vividly contrasts deeply ingrained Jewish cultural tradition (naming after family members, particularly the father) with God's specific, revealed will. Zechariah's written declaration prioritizes God's command, signaling the commencement of a new divine program that would transcend existing norms.
• The Written Word: In a world where oral tradition was primary, the act of writing was highly significant for records and legal matters. Zechariah's written statement served as an irrefutable legal and prophetic record of John's divinely appointed name, adding permanence to the supernatural decree.

Luke 1 63 Commentary

Luke 1:63 encapsulates a pivotal moment of obedience, faith, and divine vindication. Zechariah, rendered mute for his initial unbelief, uses the common tool of a writing tablet to unequivocally confirm the name "John" as dictated by the angel Gabriel. This act is profoundly significant. It is Zechariah's public recantation of his doubt and a testament to his renewed faith. By writing "His name is John," he embraces God's divine will, choosing it over centuries of familial custom which would have named the child after himself. This firm declaration of "The Lord is gracious" (the meaning of John) marks Zechariah's surrender to the extraordinary grace God was unfolding through his family. The immediate restoration of his speech, described in the subsequent verse, underscores that his muteness was not merely punishment, but a temporary sign meant to strengthen his faith and ensure God's specific command for John's name was honored without human interference. His written words, unlike fleeting speech, stood as a tangible witness to God's precise plan for the forerunner of the Messiah. It affirms that God's word is ultimate and His plans are perfectly fulfilled, often demanding personal humility and conformity.