Luke 1:22
New International Version
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.

New Living Translation
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.

English Standard Version
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.

Berean Standard Bible
When he came out and was unable to speak to them, they realized he had seen a vision in the temple. He kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak.

Berean Literal Bible
And having come out, he was not able to speak to them, and they recognized that he had seen a vision in the temple. And he was making signs to them, and remained mute.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
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.

New American Standard Bible
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.

NASB 1995
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 kept making signs to them, and remained mute.

NASB 1977
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 kept making signs to them, and remained mute.

Legacy Standard Bible
But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. And he kept making signs to them, and remained mute.

Amplified Bible
But when he did come out, he was unable to speak to them. They realized that he had seen a vision in the temple; and he kept making signs to them, and remained mute.

Christian Standard Bible
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.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When he did come out, he could not speak to them. Then they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He kept making signs to them and remained speechless.

American Standard Version
And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: and he continued making signs unto them, and remained dumb.

Contemporary English Version
When he did come out, he could not speak, and they knew he had seen a vision. He motioned to them with his hands, but did not say a thing.

English Revised Version
And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: and he continued making signs unto them, and remained dumb.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When he did come out, he was unable to speak to them. So they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple. He motioned to them but remained unable to talk.

Good News Translation
When he came out, he could not speak to them, and so they knew that he had seen a vision in the Temple. Unable to say a word, he made signs to them with his hands.

International Standard Version
But when he did come out, he was unable to speak to them. Then they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He kept motioning to them but remained unable to speak.

Majority Standard Bible
When he came out and was unable to speak to them, they realized he had seen a vision in the temple. He kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak.

NET Bible
When he came out, he was not able to speak to them. They realized that he had seen a vision in the holy place, because he was making signs to them and remained unable to speak.

New Heart English Bible
When he came out, he could not speak to them, and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple. He continued making signs to them, and remained mute.

Webster's Bible Translation
And 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.

Weymouth New Testament
When, however, he came out, he was unable to speak to them; and they knew that he must have seen a vision in the Sanctuary; but he kept making signs to them and continued dumb.

World English Bible
When he came out, he could not speak to them. They perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple. He continued making signs to them, and remained mute.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and having come out, he was not able to speak to them, and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple, and he was beckoning to them, and remained mute.

Berean Literal Bible
And having come out, he was not able to speak to them, and they recognized that he had seen a vision in the temple. And he was making signs to them, and remained mute.

Young's Literal Translation
and having come out, he was not able to speak to them, and they perceived that a vision he had seen in the sanctuary, and he was beckoning to them, and did remain dumb.

Smith's Literal Translation
And having come out, he could not speak to them: and they knew that he had seen a vision in the temple: and he was nodding to them, and remained dumb.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And when he came out, he could not speak to them: and they understood that he had seen a vision in the temple. And he made signs to them, and remained dumb.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then, 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 was making signs to them, but he remained mute.

New American Bible
But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He was gesturing to them but remained mute.

New Revised Standard Version
When he did come out, he could not speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He kept motioning to them and remained unable to speak.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
When Zacharias came out, he could not speak with them; and they understood that he had seen a vision in the temple; and he made signs to them with his eyes, but remained dumb.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But when Zechariah came out, he was not able to speak with them, and they perceived that he had seen a vision in The Temple and was making signs, gesturing to them, and he still remained mute.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But when he came out, he was not able to speak to them; and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple; and he made signs to them, and remained speechless.

Godbey New Testament
And having come out he was unable to speak to them; and they recognized that he had seen a vision in the temple; and he was beckoning to them and remained dumb.

Haweis New Testament
And when he came out, he could not speak to them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he himself made signs to them, and continued deaf and dumb.

Mace New Testament
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 intimated it to them by signs, and continued dumb.

Weymouth New Testament
When, however, he came out, he was unable to speak to them; and they knew that he must have seen a vision in the Sanctuary; but he kept making signs to them and continued dumb.

Worrell New Testament
And, having come out, he was not able to speak to them, and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple; and he kept making signs to them, and remained dumb.

Worsley New Testament
but when he came out he could not speak to them, and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple; and he made signs to them, and continued speechless:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Gabriel Foretells John's Birth
21Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he took so long in the temple. 22When he came out and was unable to speak to them, they realized he had seen a vision in the temple. He kept making signs to them but remained speechless. 23And when the days of his service were complete, he returned home.…

Cross References
Daniel 10:15
While he was speaking these words to me, I set my face toward the ground and became speechless.

Ezekiel 3:26
I 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.

Ezekiel 24:27
On that day your mouth will be opened to him who has escaped; you will speak and no longer be mute. So you will be a sign to them, and they will know that I am the LORD.”

Exodus 4:11
And 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 6:5
Then I said: “Woe is me, for I am ruined, because I am a man of unclean lips dwelling among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of Hosts.”

Isaiah 29:10
For the LORD has poured out on you a spirit of deep sleep. He has shut your eyes, O prophets; He has covered your heads, O seers.

Isaiah 29:18
On that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll, and out of the deep darkness the eyes of the blind will see.

Isaiah 35:5-6
Then the eyes of the blind will be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. / Then the lame will leap like a deer and the mute tongue will shout for joy. For waters will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert.

Isaiah 42:7
to open the eyes of the blind, to bring prisoners out of the dungeon and those sitting in darkness out from the prison house.

Isaiah 53:7
He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth.

Matthew 9:32-33
As they were leaving, a demon-possessed man who was mute was brought to Jesus. / And when the demon had been driven out, the man began to speak. The crowds were amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel!”

Matthew 12:22
Then a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute was brought to Jesus, and He healed the man so that he could speak and see.

Matthew 15:31
The crowd was amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled restored, the lame walking, and the blind seeing. And they glorified the God of Israel.

Matthew 17:15-18
“Lord, have mercy on my son,” he said. “He has seizures and is suffering terribly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. / I brought him to Your disciples, but they could not heal him.” / “O unbelieving and perverse generation!” Jesus replied. “How long must I remain with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy here to Me.” ...

Mark 7:32-35
Some people brought to Him a man who was deaf and hardly able to speak, and they begged Jesus to place His hand on him. / So Jesus took him aside privately, away from the crowd, and put His fingers into the man’s ears. Then He spit and touched the man’s tongue. / And looking up to heaven, He sighed deeply and said to him, “Ephphatha!” (which means, “Be opened!”). ...


Treasury of Scripture

And 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.

for.

John 13:24
Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake.

Acts 12:17
But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.

Acts 19:33
And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people.

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Luke 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.














When he came out and was unable to speak to them
This phrase refers to Zechariah, a priest serving in the temple. His inability to speak was a direct result of his encounter with the angel Gabriel, who announced the forthcoming birth of John the Baptist. This muteness served as a sign of the divine nature of the message. In biblical context, being struck mute is often associated with divine intervention or judgment (e.g., Ezekiel 3:26). The temple, where this event occurred, was the center of Jewish worship and a place where God's presence was believed to dwell, making it a fitting location for such a significant revelation.

they realized he had seen a vision in the temple
The people outside the temple understood that Zechariah had experienced a supernatural event. Visions were a common way God communicated with His people, as seen with prophets like Isaiah and Ezekiel. The temple setting underscores the sacredness of the vision, as it was a place where God often revealed His will. This vision was significant because it heralded the coming of John the Baptist, who would prepare the way for Jesus Christ, fulfilling prophecies such as Malachi 3:1.

He kept making signs to them
Zechariah's use of signs indicates his effort to communicate despite his muteness. This action highlights the human struggle to convey divine experiences. The use of signs can be seen throughout Scripture, such as Moses using signs to communicate God's power to Pharaoh (Exodus 4:1-9). This also foreshadows the importance of signs in the ministry of Jesus, who performed miracles as signs of His divine authority.

but remained unable to speak
The continued inability to speak emphasizes the seriousness of the angel's message and the fulfillment of Gabriel's words (Luke 1:20). This silence lasted until the naming of John, symbolizing the completion of God's promise. It serves as a reminder of the power and authority of God's word, as well as the importance of faith and obedience. This muteness can also be seen as a type of Christ's silence before His accusers, demonstrating submission to God's will (Isaiah 53:7).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Zechariah
A priest from the division of Abijah, serving in the temple. He is the father of John the Baptist and husband to Elizabeth. His encounter with the angel Gabriel in the temple leads to his temporary muteness.

2. The Temple
The holy place in Jerusalem where Zechariah was performing his priestly duties. It is a central place of worship and sacrifice for the Jewish people.

3. The Vision
Zechariah receives a divine message from the angel Gabriel, announcing the birth of his son, John, who will prepare the way for the Lord.

4. The People
The congregation waiting outside the temple for Zechariah to come out and bless them. They perceive something extraordinary has happened when he emerges speechless.

5. Gabriel
The angel who delivers God's message to Zechariah, foretelling the birth of John the Baptist.
Teaching Points
Faith and Doubt
Zechariah's initial doubt in God's promise led to his muteness. This teaches us the importance of trusting God's word, even when it seems impossible.

Divine Timing
God's plans unfold in His perfect timing. Zechariah's experience reminds us to be patient and trust in God's timing for our lives.

The Power of Silence
Zechariah's inability to speak serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of listening to God. Sometimes, silence can be a tool for reflection and spiritual growth.

Witness to God's Work
The people recognized that Zechariah had seen a vision. Our lives should also reflect God's work in us, serving as a testimony to others.

Preparation for God's Mission
Just as John the Baptist was to prepare the way for Jesus, we are called to prepare our hearts and lives for God's mission.(22) A vision.--The word is used as distinguished from "dream," to imply that what had been witnessed had been seen with the waking sense. The look of awe, the strange gestures, the unwonted silence, all showed that he had come under the influence of some supernatural power.

He beckoned unto them.--The tense implies continued and repeated action.

Verse 22. - When he came out, he could not speak unto them; and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple. Something in the face of the old man, as, unable to speak, he made signs to the congregation, told the awestruck people that the long delay and the loss of speech were owing to no sudden illness which had seized Zacharias. We know that, in the old days of the desert wanderings, the children of Israel could not bear to look on the face of Moses when he came down from the mount after dwelling for a brief space in the light of the glory of the Eternal. Zacharias had been face to face with one whose blessed lot it was to stand for ever in the presence of God. We may well suppose that there lingered on the old man's face, as he left the sanctuary, something which told the beholder of the presence just left.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
When
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

he came out
ἐξελθὼν (exelthōn)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1831: To go out, come out. From ek and erchomai; to issue.

[and] was unable
ἐδύνατο (edynato)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person 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 speak
λαλῆσαι (lalēsai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 2980: A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.

to them,
αὐτοῖς (autois)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 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.

they realized
ἐπέγνωσαν (epegnōsan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1921: From epi and ginosko; to know upon some mark, i.e. Recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge.

he had seen
ἑώρακεν (heōraken)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3708: Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.

a vision
ὀπτασίαν (optasian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3701: A vision, supernatural appearance. From a presumed derivative of optanomai; visuality, i.e. an apparition.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

the
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

temple.
ναῷ (naō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3485: A temple, a shrine, that part of the temple where God himself resides. From a primary naio; a fane, shrine, temple.

He
αὐτὸς (autos)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
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.

kept
ἦν (ēn)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd 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.

making signs
διανεύων (dianeuōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1269: To nod continually, beckon. From dia and neuo; to nod across an intervening space.

to them
αὐτοῖς (autois)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 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.

but
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

remained
διέμενεν (diemenen)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1265: To remain, continue. From dia and meno; to stay constantly.

speechless.
κωφός (kōphos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2974: (lit: blunted) dumb, dull, deaf. From kopto; blunted, i.e. of hearing or speech.


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NT Gospels: Luke 1:22 When he came out he could not (Luke Lu Lk)
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