King James Version

What Does Luke 1:20 Mean?

Luke 1:20 in the King James Version says “And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou... — study this verse from Luke chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Luke 1:20 · KJV


Context

18

And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years .

19

And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.

20

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.

21

And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple.

22

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Zacharias's muteness serves as both judgment for unbelief and a sign confirming the angel's words. The Greek 'siopa' (silent) indicates complete inability to speak—a physical manifestation of spiritual doubt. Yet even this discipline is gracious, giving Zacharias nine months to reflect on God's power and faithfulness. The prophecy would be fulfilled 'in their season,' emphasizing God's sovereign timing. Zacharias's sign differs from his request—instead of evidence to produce belief, he receives discipline to strengthen it. This teaches that God's word always accomplishes its purpose, even when we doubt.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The nine-month silence prevented Zacharias from publicly doubting God's promise while giving visible evidence to the community that something supernatural had occurred. His inability to speak forced reliance on God's word alone rather than human explanation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God use discipline to strengthen rather than destroy faith?
  2. What is the relationship between doubt and spiritual discipline in the Christian life?
  3. How does God's word accomplish its purposes despite human unbelief?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
καὶ1 of 26

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἰδού,2 of 26

behold

G2400

used as imperative lo!

ἔσῃ3 of 26

thou

G2071

will be

σιωπῶν4 of 26

shalt be dumb

G4623

to be dumb (but not deaf also, like 2974 properly); figuratively, to be calm (as quiet water)

καὶ5 of 26

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

μὴ6 of 26

not

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

δυνάμενος7 of 26

able

G1410

to be able or possible

λαλῆσαι8 of 26

to speak

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

ἄχρι9 of 26

until

G891

(of time) until or (of place) up to

ὧν10 of 26

that

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἡμέρας11 of 26

the day

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

γένηται12 of 26

shall be performed

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

ταῦτα13 of 26

these things

G5023

these things

ἀνθ14 of 26

because

G473

opposite, i.e., instead or because of (rarely in addition to)

ὧν15 of 26

that

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

οὐκ16 of 26

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἐπίστευσας17 of 26

thou believest

G4100

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

τοῖς18 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

λόγοις19 of 26

words

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

μου20 of 26

my

G3450

of me

οἵτινες21 of 26

which

G3748

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

πληρωθήσονται22 of 26

shall be fulfilled

G4137

to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute

εἰς23 of 26

in

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸν24 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

καιρὸν25 of 26

season

G2540

an occasion, i.e., set or proper time

αὐτῶν26 of 26

their

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 1:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 1:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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