Zacharias
maleNew TestamentMeaning: “The LORD remembers”
A priest to whom the angel Gabriel announced the birth of John the Baptist; struck mute for unbelief until the child was named, he then prophesied.
Biography
Zacharias was a priest of the course of Abijah, married to Elisabeth, a descendant of Aaron. The two were "righteous before God... blameless," but childless and well advanced in years (Luke 1:5–7).
Gabriel's announcement
While serving in the temple, Zacharias was met by the angel Gabriel, who announced that Elisabeth would bear a son to be named John, who would go before the Lord "in the spirit and power of Elias" (Luke 1:13–17). Because Zacharias doubted, Gabriel struck him mute until the promise was fulfilled.
The Benedictus
When the child was born and Zacharias confirmed in writing, "His name is John," his speech returned at once, and "he prophesied" the great song known as the Benedictus: "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people" (Luke 1:67–79). His son became John the Baptist, the forerunner of the Messiah.
Life Timeline
Gabriel announces John's birth; Zacharias is struck mute
Names the child John; his speech returns and he prophesies
On the Bible timeline
Zacharias belongs to the The Intertestamental Period era (c. 430 – 6 BC).
Family Tree
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Themes & lessons from Zacharias
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Zacharias appears.
People they appear with
Scripture Appearances
10 verses in 1 bookLuke10 verses
Luke 1:5
There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.
Luke 1:12
And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.
Luke 1:13
But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
Luke 1:18
And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.
Luke 1:21
And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple.
Luke 1:40
And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.
Luke 1:59
And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.
Luke 1:67
And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying,
Luke 3:2
Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.
Luke 11:51
From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation.
Frequently asked about Zacharias
Who was Zacharias in the Bible?
A priest to whom the angel Gabriel announced the birth of John the Baptist; struck mute for unbelief until the child was named, he then prophesied.
What does the name Zacharias mean?
The name Zacharias means “The LORD remembers”.
What did Zacharias do in the Bible?
Zacharias served as priest, of the tribe of Levi.
Who were Zacharias's children?
Zacharias's children include John the Baptist.
Where does Zacharias appear in the Bible?
Zacharias is mentioned 10 times across 1 book: Luke.
What can we learn from Zacharias?
The story of Zacharias touches on themes of elizabeth, gabriel, vision, abia — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Zacharias's life.
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