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

LUKE 1:64KJV
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Luke 1:64 (KJV)

What does Luke 1:64 mean?

Luke 1:64 describes how Zechariah’s ability to speak returned immediately after his son John was named, and he began to speak by praising God. This moment marks the end of Zechariah’s period of silence, which had been a sign from God because of his earlier disbelief.

Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, had been unable to speak since the angel Gabriel told him he would have a son and he doubted the message. The verse takes place just after John’s birth, when Zechariah confirms the baby’s name as John. As soon as he does, his mouth is opened and his tongue is freed, showing a direct response from God and highlighting the importance of faith and obedience in this story.

The Greek behind Luke 1:64

  • στόμα (stoma; G4750): This word means "mouth." The verse specifically notes that Zechariah’s mouth was "opened," emphasizing the physical change that allowed him to speak again.
  • παραχρῆμα (parachrēma; G3916): This word is often translated as "immediately." It stresses that Zechariah’s ability to speak returned at once, not gradually, showing the suddenness of God’s action.
  • ἐλάλησεν (elalēsen; G2980): This verb means "he spoke." The Greek highlights that Zechariah’s first action after regaining speech was to speak out loud, not just quietly or to himself.
  • εὐλόγει (eulogei; G2127): This word means "he praised" or "he blessed." The Greek here carries the sense of giving thanks or speaking well of God, showing that Zechariah’s first words were words of gratitude and worship.

Why Luke 1:64 matters

  • Luke 1:64 clears up that Zechariah’s silence was not permanent but directly tied to his faith and obedience; his speech returns only after he follows God’s instructions about his son’s name.
  • The verse emphasizes the miraculous nature of John the Baptist’s birth and the fulfillment of God’s promises, connecting Zechariah’s personal experience to the larger story of God’s work in history.
  • Luke 1:64 sets the stage for Zechariah’s prophetic speech that follows, showing that his restored voice is now used to honor God, which contrasts with his earlier doubt.

Where else these words appear

“immediately” Greek G3916 · used in 19 verses

  • Matthew 21:19 And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.
  • Luke 8:55 And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat.
  • Acts 5:10 Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.

“praised” Greek G2127 · used in 41 verses

  • Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
  • Luke 1:42 And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
  • Romans 12:14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

“tongue” Greek G1100 · used in 47 verses

  • Mark 7:33 And he took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit, and touched his tongue;
  • 1 Corinthians 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
  • 1 Corinthians 14:39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

“mouth” Greek G4750 · used in 72 verses

  • Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
  • Acts 4:25 Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?
  • James 3:3 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.