Chapter

Luke 1:22

ESV And when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple. And he kept making signs to them and remained mute.
NIV When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak.
NASB But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them; and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple, and he repeatedly made signs to them, and remained speechless.
CSB When he did come out, he could not speak to them. Then they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He was making signs to them and remained speechless.
NLT When he finally did come out, he couldn’t speak to them. Then they realized from his gestures and his silence that he must have seen a vision in the sanctuary.
KJV 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.
NKJV But when he came out, he could not speak to them; and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he beckoned to them and remained speechless.

What does Luke 1:22 mean?

The priest offering incense in the temple (Exodus 30:1–8; 40:26–27) has delayed coming out of the Holy Place long enough that worshippers grew curious (Luke 1:21). The man who emerges, Zechariah, cannot speak (Luke 1:20), nor apparently hear (Luke 1:62), and the people recognize that he's had some divine encounter. Scripture does not say how much Zechariah told others—through signs or writing—so we're not sure whether he told the entire story right away.

He has, indeed, seen something miraculous. God sent a messenger to tell him wonderful news. Though older and childless (Luke 1:5–7), Zechariah and his wife will soon have a son (Luke 1:13–17). This child will come to be known as John the Baptist, a powerful preacher and herald of Jesus Christ (Luke 3:2–3; Malachi 3:1; 4:5–6). Zechariah's handicap is temporary: a mild punishment for doubting the message delivered by the angel Gabriel (Luke 1:18–20). Once John is born, he will regain his speech (Luke 1:63–64).
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