King James Version

What Does Luke 1:64 Mean?

“And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.”

Context

And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.

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

And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.

And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea. sayings: or, things

And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(64) **His tongue loosed.**—The verb is supplied by the translators because the one previously used applied strictly only to the mouth. **He spake, and praised God.**—Probably, in substance, if not in words, as in the hymn that follows. The insertion of the two verses that follow seems to imply that some interval of time passed before its actual utterance.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 1:64 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.