King James Version

What Does Luke 1:22 Mean?

Luke 1:22 in the King James Version says “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 b...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Luke 1:22 · KJV

Context

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.

23

And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house.

24

And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Zacharias's inability to speak combined with his signs (Greek 'dianeuon'—nodding, beckoning) revealed to the people that he had experienced a vision. His muteness testified more powerfully than words could to the reality of divine encounter. The people's perception that 'he had seen a vision in the temple' shows spiritual discernment—they recognized God's hand in the unexpected. Zacharias's condition became a living sermon about God's power and the cost of unbelief, while simultaneously confirming the angel's message. God uses even our failures to accomplish His purposes.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Visions in the temple were extraordinarily rare, making this event significant to all who witnessed its effects. Zacharias's continued inability to pronounce the priestly blessing would have deeply impressed the community and generated expectation for what God was doing.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can God use our weaknesses and failures to testify to His power?
  2. What does this teach about God's ability to communicate truth even through imperfect vessels?
  3. How do unexplained experiences draw us to seek God's purposes more earnestly?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
ἐξελθὼν1 of 22

“when he came out”

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

δὲ2 of 22

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

οὐκ3 of 22

“not”

G3756

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

ἠδύνατο4 of 22

“he could”

G1410

to be able or possible

λαλῆσαι5 of 22

“speak”

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

αὐτοῖς6 of 22

“unto them”

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

καὶ7 of 22

“and”

G2532

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

ἐπέγνωσαν8 of 22

“they perceived”

G1921

to know upon some mark, i.e., recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge

ὅτι9 of 22

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ὀπτασίαν10 of 22

“a vision”

G3701

visuality, i.e., (concretely) an apparition

ἑώρακεν11 of 22

“he had seen”

G3708

by extension, to attend to; by hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear

ἐν12 of 22

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ13 of 22
G3588

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

ναῷ·14 of 22

“the temple”

G3485

a fane, shrine, temple

καὶ15 of 22

“and”

G2532

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

αὐτοῖς16 of 22

“unto them”

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

ἦν17 of 22
G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

διανεύων18 of 22

“he beckoned”

G1269

to nod (or express by signs) across an intervening space

αὐτοῖς19 of 22

“unto them”

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

καὶ20 of 22

“and”

G2532

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

διέμενεν21 of 22

“remained”

G1265

to stay constantly (in being or relation)

κωφός22 of 22

“speechless”

G2974

blunted, i.e., (figuratively) of hearing (deaf) or speech (dumb)

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 1:22 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 1:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 12:17Acts 21:40John 13:24Luke 1:62Acts 19:33

Places in This Verse

Holy Place 2Room · Modern: Mount Moriah · 31.78°N, 35.24°E23 verses across 8 books
View all places in Luke 1 →

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