John Bengel Commentary - Luke 1:20 - 1:20

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John Bengel Commentary - Luke 1:20 - 1:20


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Luk 1:20. Ἰδοὺ, behold) as much as to say, by this thou shalt be made know. An appropriate sign is given to him who asked for a sign, though the sign given was not such as he would have desired.-σιωπῶν, silent) in the matter of fact [actually].-μὴ δυνάμενος λαλῆσαι, not able to speak) in the want of the ability to speak [physically]. Comp. [accordingly in his recovery both are specified] Luk 1:64, the mouth and the tongue. For the most part, those to whom a great revelation is vouchsafed, are wont to lose something of their natural power, without however real hurt to them. So Jacob was made lame; but his lameness proved, not a blemish, but a mark of honour to him: so Zacharias here was made dumb: Saul (Paul) was for a time deprived of sight. This dumbness of Zacharias at the same time acted as a spiritual medicine, lest he should too much pride himself on account of the prophecy as to the greatness of his son.-ἄχρι ἧς) Comp. Luk 1:64 [His mouth opened] with Luk 1:13 [Thou shalt call his name John], 63 [When the ‘things’ foretold were ‘performed,’ and Zacharias, ceasing from unbelief, wrote, “His name is John”]. [The day alluded to was the day of John’s circumcision, on which he received his name.-V. g.]-ἀνθ ̓ ὧν, because) Therefore it was, strictly speaking, a punishment.-οὐκ ἐπιστεύσας, thou hast not believed) He did not believe: on this account he was not able to speak.[6]-πληρωθήσονται, shall be fulfilled) It is the event which chiefly produces faith.-εἰς τὸν καιρὸν αὐτῶν, at their own season) their proper season. Comp. at this time [will I come], Rom 9:9. 2Ki 4:16.

[6] See 2Co 4:13.-ED. and TRANSL