New International VersionAnd now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.”
New Living TranslationBut now, since you didn’t believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time.”
English Standard VersionAnd behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.”
Berean Standard BibleAnd 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.”
Berean Literal BibleAnd behold, you will be silent, and not able to speak until that day these things shall take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their season."
King James BibleAnd, 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.
New King James VersionBut behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.”
New American Standard BibleAnd behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day when these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.”
NASB 1995“And behold, you shall be silent and unable to speak until the day when these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.”
NASB 1977“And behold, you shall be silent and unable to speak until the day when these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which shall be fulfilled in their proper time.”
Legacy Standard BibleAnd behold, you shall be silent and unable to speak until the day when these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.”
Amplified BibleListen carefully, you will be continually silent and unable to speak until the day when these things take place, because you did not believe what I told you; but my words will be fulfilled at their proper time.”
Christian Standard BibleNow listen. You will become silent and unable to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.”
Holman Christian Standard BibleNow listen! You will become silent and unable to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.”
American Standard VersionAnd 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.
Contemporary English VersionYou have not believed what I have said. So you will not be able to say a thing until all this happens. But everything will take place when it is supposed to."
English Revised VersionAnd 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.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationBut because you didn't believe what I said, you will be unable to talk until the day this happens. Everything will come true at the right time."
Good News TranslationBut you have not believed my message, which will come true at the right time. Because you have not believed, you will be unable to speak; you will remain silent until the day my promise to you comes true."
International Standard VersionBut because you did not believe my announcement, which will be fulfilled at its proper time, you will become silent and unable to speak until the day this happens."
NET BibleAnd now, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time, you will be silent, unable to speak, until the day these things take place."
New Heart English BibleAnd look, you will be silent and not able to speak, until the day that these things will happen, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time."
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd 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.
Weymouth New TestamentAnd now you will be dumb and unable to speak until the day when this has taken place; because you did not believe my words--words which will be fulfilled at their appointed time." Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd 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.”
World English BibleBehold, you will be silent and not able to speak until the day that these things will happen, because you didn’t believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand behold, you will be silent, and not able to speak, until the day that these things will come to pass, because you did not believe my words that will be fulfilled in their season.”
Berean Literal BibleAnd behold, you will be silent, and not able to speak until that day these things shall take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their season."
Young's Literal Translation and lo, thou shalt be silent, and not able to speak, till the day that these things shall come to pass, because thou didst not believe my words, that shall be fulfilled in their season.'
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd, behold, thou shalt be silent, and not able to speak, till the day in which these things shall be, because thou didst not believe my words, which shall be completed in their time. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd behold, thou shalt be dumb, and shalt not be able to speak until the day wherein these things shall come to pass, because thou hast not believed my words, which shall be fulfilled in their time.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd behold, you will be silent and unable to speak, until the day on which these things shall be, because you have not believed my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.”
New American BibleBut now you will be speechless and unable to talk until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.”
New Revised Standard VersionBut now, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time, you will become mute, unable to speak, until the day these things occur.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFrom henceforth you will be dumb, and not able to speak, till the day these things happen, because you did not believe these my words which are to be fulfilled in their time.
Aramaic Bible in Plain English“Henceforth, you will be dumb, and you will not be able to speak until the day that these things will occur, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd behold, you shall be dumb and not able to speak, till the day in which these things shall take place, because you did not believe my words, which shall be fulfilled in their proper time.
Godbey New TestamentAnd behold thou shalt be dumb and unable to speak, unto the day upon which these things may take place; because thou didst not believe my words, which shall be fulfilled in their time.
Haweis New TestamentAnd behold, thou shalt be dumb, and unable to speak, until that day when these things shall come to pass, because thou hast not believed my words, which shall be fulfilled at their exact time.
Mace New Testament
you shall now become dumb and not recover your speech, till the very day when these things shall happen; because you distrusted my words, which in due time shall have their effect.
Weymouth New Testament
And now you will be dumb and unable to speak until the day when this has taken place; because you did not believe my words--words which will be fulfilled at their appointed time."
Worrell New Testament
And, behold, you shall be silent, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall come to pass; because you did not believe my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season."
Worsley New Testament
and now shalt thou be dumb, 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 at their season.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Gabriel Foretells John's Birth… 19“I am Gabriel,” replied the angel. “I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 20Andnowyou will besilentandunableto speakuntilthedaythiscomes to pass,becauseyou did not believemywords,whichwill be fulfilledattheirproper time.”21Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he took so long in the temple.…
Cross References Numbers 20:12But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust Me to show My holiness in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them.”
Ezekiel 3:26I will make your tongue stick to the roof of your mouth, and you will be silent and unable to rebuke them, though they are a rebellious house.
Daniel 10:15While he was speaking these words to me, I set my face toward the ground and became speechless.
Exodus 4:11And the LORD said to him, “Who gave man his mouth? Or who makes the mute or the deaf, the sighted or the blind? Is it not I, the LORD?
Isaiah 6:9-10And He replied: “Go and tell this people, ‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’ / Make the hearts of this people calloused; deafen their ears and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.”
2 Kings 7:2But the officer on whose arm the king leaned answered the man of God, “Look, even if the LORD were to make windows in heaven, could this really happen?” “You will see it with your own eyes,” replied Elisha, “but you will not eat any of it.”
2 Kings 7:19And the officer had answered the man of God, “Look, even if the LORD were to make windows in heaven, could this really happen?” So Elisha had replied, “You will see it with your own eyes, but you will not eat any of it!”
Genesis 18:10-15Then the LORD said, “I will surely return to you at this time next year, and your wife Sarah will have a son!” Now Sarah was behind him, listening at the entrance to the tent. / And Abraham and Sarah were already old and well along in years; Sarah had passed the age of childbearing. / So she laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?” ...
Habakkuk 2:3For the vision awaits an appointed time; it testifies of the end and does not lie. Though it lingers, wait for it, since it will surely come and will not delay.
1 Samuel 2:3Do not boast so proudly, or let arrogance come from your mouth, for the LORD is a God who knows, and by Him actions are weighed.
Matthew 12:36But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.
Mark 9:19“O unbelieving generation!” Jesus replied. “How long must I remain with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy to Me.”
John 12:39-40For this reason they were unable to believe. For again, Isaiah says: / “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so that they cannot see with their eyes, and understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.”
Acts 13:41‘Look, you scoffers, wonder and perish! For I am doing a work in your days that you would never believe, even if someone told you.’”
Romans 3:3What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God’s faithfulness?
Treasury of Scripture And, behold, you shall be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because you believe not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season. thou shalt. Luke 1:22,62,63 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… Exodus 4:11 And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD? Ezekiel 3:26 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 theyare a rebellious house. dumb. because. Luke 1:45 And blessedis she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord. Genesis 18:10-15 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 heardit in the tent door, whichwas behind him… Numbers 20:12 And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them. which. Romans 3:3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? 2 Timothy 2:13 If we believe not,yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself. Titus 1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; Jump to Previous AbleAppointedBelieveBelievedBelievestDumbEffectFaithFulfilledHappensLanguagePerformedProperRightSeasonSilentSpeakTimeUnableVoiceTrue.WordsJump to Next AbleAppointedBelieveBelievedBelievestDumbEffectFaithFulfilledHappensLanguagePerformedProperRightSeasonSilentSpeakTimeUnableVoiceTrue.WordsLuke 1 1.The preface of Luke to his whole gospel.5.The conception of John the Baptist;26.and of Jesus.39.The prophecy of Elisabeth and of Mary, concerning Jesus.57.The nativity and circumcision of John.67.The prophecy of Zachariah, both of Jesus,76.and of John.And now you will be silent and unable to speakThis phrase indicates a divine judgment and sign given to Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist. The silence serves as both a punishment for disbelief and a sign of the truth of the angel Gabriel's message. In biblical times, being unable to speak was often seen as a sign of divine intervention. This mirrors other instances in Scripture where God uses physical conditions to convey a message, such as the blindness of Saul ( Acts 9:8-9) before his conversion to Paul. until the day this comes to pass
This specifies the duration of Zechariah's muteness, linking it directly to the fulfillment of the prophecy concerning the birth of John the Baptist. It underscores the certainty of God's promises and the importance of faith. The temporary nature of the punishment also highlights God's mercy and the restoration that follows obedience and fulfillment of His word. because you did not believe my words
This phrase highlights the reason for Zechariah's punishment: his lack of faith. In the context of Jewish tradition, faith in God's promises was paramount, as seen in the stories of Abraham and Moses. Zechariah's doubt contrasts with Mary's faith later in the chapter (Luke 1:38), emphasizing the importance of trust in God's plan. This disbelief is significant given Zechariah's role as a priest, who was expected to have a deep faith in God's power and promises. which will be fulfilled at their proper time.
This assures the fulfillment of God's promises, emphasizing divine timing. The phrase reflects the biblical theme that God's plans unfold according to His perfect schedule, as seen inEcclesiastes 3:1. It reassures believers that, despite human doubt, God's word is reliable and will come to pass. This also connects to the broader narrative of salvation history, where God's timing is crucial, such as the coming of Jesus Christ "in the fullness of time" (Galatians 4:4). Persons / Places / Events 1. ZechariahA priest serving in the temple, Zechariah is the father of John the Baptist. He is visited by the angel Gabriel while performing his priestly duties. 2. GabrielAn angel of the Lord who delivers God's message to Zechariah, announcing the birth of John the Baptist. 3. Temple in JerusalemThe holy place where Zechariah is serving when he receives the angelic visitation. 4. John the BaptistThe son of Zechariah and Elizabeth, who will prepare the way for Jesus Christ. 5. ElizabethZechariah's wife, who is barren but will miraculously conceive John the Baptist. Teaching Points The Consequences of DoubtZechariah's inability to speak serves as a tangible consequence of his doubt. This teaches us that disbelief can hinder our ability to fully participate in God's work. God's Faithfulness to His PromisesDespite Zechariah's doubt, God's promise is fulfilled. This reassures us that God's plans are not thwarted by human disbelief. The Importance of FaithFaith is crucial in our walk with God. Zechariah's account encourages us to trust in God's word, even when circumstances seem impossible. Divine TimingThe phrase "at their proper time" reminds us that God's timing is perfect. We are encouraged to be patient and trust in His schedule. The Role of Silence in Spiritual GrowthZechariah's silence can be seen as a period of reflection and growth. Sometimes, stepping back and listening can deepen our faith and understanding. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Luke 1:20?
2.How does Luke 1:20 illustrate the consequences of doubting God's promises?
3.What can we learn about faith from Zechariah's experience in Luke 1:20?
4.How does Zechariah's silence connect to other biblical examples of divine discipline?
5.In what ways can we strengthen our faith to avoid Zechariah's mistake?
6.How can Luke 1:20 inspire us to trust God's timing in our lives?
7.Why was Zechariah punished with silence in Luke 1:20 for his disbelief?
8.How does Luke 1:20 illustrate the consequences of doubting God's promises?
9.What does Luke 1:20 reveal about the nature of faith and obedience?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 1?
11.How does hell appear?
12.In Ezekiel 3:24–26, can the sudden and temporary muteness be explained naturally or does it conflict with known medical facts?
13.What role does silence play in the Bible?
14.Who was John the Baptist and what was his role?What Does Luke 1:20 Mean And nowThe angel’s opening words shift from promise to consequence in a heartbeat. Heaven does not procrastinate when dealing with unbelief. Think of how quickly the floodwaters came after Noah entered the ark (Genesis 7:11–12) or how immediately Lot was urged out of Sodom (Genesis 19:15–16). God acts in real time, and the angel’s “now” tells Zechariah that divine discipline is not theoretical—it is happening this very moment.
you will be silent and unable to speakZechariah’s voice is taken as both sign and sentence. • A sign: Every time he tries to speak and nothing comes out, he is reminded—and so are others—of the angel’s credibility (compareExodus 4:8–9, where signs authenticate God’s word). • A sentence: Muteness is corrective, not destructive. Like Ezekiel, who was rendered mute until God opened his mouth to prophesy (Ezekiel 3:26–27), Zechariah experiences a holy hush that disciplines doubting lips while preserving his life.
until the day this comes to passDiscipline is time-limited, hope-bounded. • God often couples judgment with a finish line: the forty years in the wilderness (Numbers 14:34) or Jonah’s “forty days” over Nineveh (Jonah 3:4). • Here, the clock is tied to fulfillment of the promise—the birth of John. The silence lasts only as long as it takes God’s word to blossom, underscoring that divine correction always serves a redemptive end (Psalm 30:5).
because you did not believe my wordsUnbelief is never shrugged off in Scripture. • Israel fell in the wilderness “because of unbelief” (Hebrews 3:19). • The disciples were rebuked for not believing the resurrection reports (Mark 16:14). Zechariah’s doubt is serious precisely because God’s words are utterly trustworthy. The angel links the penalty directly to the heart issue, teaching us that faith is the conduit through which God’s promises flow into experience (James 1:6–7).
which will be fulfilled at their proper timeGod’s calendar is perfect. • “Though it lingers, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay” (Habakkuk 2:3). • “When the fullness of time had come, God sent His Son” (Galatians 4:4). The phrase reassures Zechariah—and us—that divine timing is never off. Even human doubt cannot derail God’s schedule. His word carries its own power to reach maturity exactly when He has ordained (Isaiah 55:11).
summaryLuke 1:20 shows that God lovingly yet firmly disciplines unbelief. Zechariah’s temporary muteness serves as a living sign of God’s unbreakable promise: John will be born. The episode teaches that • God acts decisively (“And now”), • He disciplines to correct, not destroy (“you will be silent”), • He sets a definite limit to chastening (“until the day”), • He identifies unbelief as the root issue (“because you did not believe”), and • He guarantees the absolute reliability of His timetable (“which will be fulfilled at their proper time”). The verse invites us to trust every word God speaks, confident that His promises will arrive right on schedule. (20) Behold, thou shalt be dumb.--The question was answered, the demand for a sign granted, but the demand had implied a want of faith, and therefore the sign took the form of a penalty. The vision and the words of the angel, harmonising as they did with all Zechariah's previous convictions, ought to have been enough for him.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.nowἰδοὺ(idou)Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 2400:See! Lo! Behold! Look! Second person singular imperative middle voice of eido; used as imperative lo!you will beἔσῃ(esē)Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.silentσιωπῶν(siōpōn)Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4623:To keep silence, be silent, either voluntarily or involuntarily. From siope; to be dumb; figuratively, to be calm.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.unableδυνάμενος(dynamenos)Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1410:(a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.to speakλαλῆσαι(lalēsai)Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 2980:A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.untilἄχρι(achri)Preposition
Strong's 891:As far as, up to, until, during. Or achris akh'-rece; akin to akron; until or up to.theἧς(hēs)Personal / Relative Pronoun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3739:Who, which, what, that.dayἡμέρας(hēmeras)Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 2250:A day, the period from sunrise to sunset.[this]ταῦτα(tauta)Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3778:This; he, she, it.comes to pass,γένηται(genētai)Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1096:A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.becauseἀνθ’(anth’)Preposition
Strong's 473:A primary particle; opposite, i.e. Instead or because of.you did not believeἐπίστευσας(episteusas)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4100:From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust.myμου(mou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.words,λόγοις(logois)Noun - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3056:From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.whichοἵτινες(hoitines)Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3748:Whosoever, whichsoever, whatsoever.will be fulfilledπληρωθήσονται(plērōthēsontai)Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 4137:From pleres; to make replete, i.e. to cram, level up, or to furnish, satisfy, execute, finish, verify, etc.atεἰς(eis)Preposition
Strong's 1519:A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.theirαὐτῶν(autōn)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.proper time.”καιρὸν(kairon)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2540:Fitting season, season, opportunity, occasion, time. Of uncertain affinity; an occasion, i.e. Set or proper time.
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NT Gospels: Luke 1:20 Behold you will be silent and not (Luke Lu Lk) |
