Luke 1:20

“And behold, thou shalt be dumb, etc.] Or “silent; and not able to speak”, if he would. Silence is sometimes voluntary; but this was what he could not help; until the day that these thing shall be performed; which he had said concerning the conception and birth of a son, and the imposition of a name on him; for this dumbness remained upon Zachariah, not only until his wife had conceived, and the child was born, but until the eighth day after, when he was circumcised, and his name was given him the angel directed to: “because thou believest not my words”: he was struck both deaf and dumb, as appears from his friends making signs to him, (<420162>Luke 1:62) which they had no need to have done,…”

“dumb--speechless. not able--deprived of the power of speech (Luk 1:64). He asked a sign, and now he got it. until the day that these things shall be performed--See on Luk 1:64.”

“Because thou believest not ... - This was both a sign and a judgment - a sign that he had come from God, and that the thing would be fulfilled: and a judgment for not giving credit to what he had said. There is no sin in the sight of God more aggravated than unbelief. When God speaks; man should believe; nor can he that “will not” believe escape punishment. God speaks only truth, and we should believe Him. God speaks only what is for our good, and it is right that we should suffer if we do not credit what He says. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Thou shalt be dumb - The Greek word signifies deaf, as well as dumb: and it seems plain, that he was as unable to hear, as he was to speak; for his friends were obliged to make signs to him, that he might understand them, Luk 1:62. Luke 1:21”

“1:20 now . . . you will be silent and unable to speak: This discipline for Zechariah’s lack of faith was also a sign that confirmed the prophecy. The Greek word translated silent in 1:22 can also mean “deaf” (7:22; cp. 1:62). • Zechariah is contrasted with Mary, who responded with faith (1:38).”

“thou shalt: Luk 1:22, Luk 1:62, Luk 1:63; Exo 4:11; Eze 3:26, Eze 24:27 dumb: Σιωπων \[Strong's G4623\], silent; for in this case, though there was no natural imperfection or debility of the organs of speech, as in dumbness, yet, thou shalt not be able to speak. This was at once a proof of the severity and mercy of God. of severity, in condemning him to nine months' silence for his unbelief; of mercy, in rendering his punishment temporary, and the means of making others rejoice in the events predicted. because: Luk 1:45; Gen 18:10-15; Num 20:12; Kg2 7:2, Kg2 7:19; Isa 7:9; Mar 9:19, Mar 16:14; Rev 3:19 which: Rom 3:3; Ti2 2:13; Tit 1:2; Heb 6:18 Luke 1:21”