New Testament
Luke 1:63
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, "His name is John." Everyone was amazed.
Compare translations
And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all.
What Luke 1:63 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, is unable to speak due to a previous encounter with the angel Gabriel. When it is time to name his son, he asks for a writing tablet, showing his determination to communicate. He writes down, "His name is John," which surprises everyone present. This act signifies obedience to God's command, as the angel had instructed him to name the child John. The crowd's amazement reflects their astonishment at both the name and the miraculous events surrounding John's birth. This moment marks a significant turning point for Zechariah, as he regains his ability to speak after affirming his son's name, highlighting the importance of faith and divine purpose in their lives.
How to apply Luke 1:63 to your life
This verse encourages us to be obedient to God's guidance, even when it seems unconventional. Just as Zechariah wrote down his son's name, we should express our faith through our actions. Trusting in God's plan can lead to unexpected blessings and moments of amazement in our lives.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from John the Baptist's story: “His Name Is John” (Luke 1:57–66)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
John the Baptist
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Luke 1:63
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Luke 1:63
Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 1:63 mean?
Luke 1:63 describes Zechariah, who, unable to speak, uses a writing tablet to communicate his son's name as John. This act demonstrates his obedience to the angel's instruction and signifies a pivotal moment in his life.
What is the significance of the crowd's reaction in Luke 1:63?
The crowd's amazement in Luke 1:63 reflects their surprise at both the name John and the miraculous events surrounding his birth. Their reaction emphasizes the extraordinary nature of John's arrival and the fulfillment of God's promise.
What does the writing tablet symbolize in this verse?
The writing tablet in Luke 1:63 symbolizes Zechariah's determination to communicate despite his inability to speak. It represents a practical means of expressing faith and obedience to God's will.
How does Luke 1:63 relate to themes of faith and obedience?
Luke 1:63 illustrates themes of faith and obedience as Zechariah follows God's command to name his son John, despite the initial doubt he had. His actions demonstrate that true faith often requires us to act in accordance with divine guidance.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.