The Birth of John the Baptist

57 When the time came for Elizabeth to have her child, she gave birth to a son. 58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that [the] Lord had shown her great mercy, and they rejoiced with her.

59 On the eighth day, when they came to circumcise the child, they were going to name [him] after his father Zechariah. 60 But his mother replied, “No! He shall be called John.”

61 They said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who bears this name.” 62 [So] they made signs to his father [to find out] what he wanted to name [the child].

63 [Zechariah] asked for a tablet [and] wrote, “His name is John.” And they were all amazed. 64 Immediately [Zechariah’s] mouth was opened and his tongue [was released], and he began to speak, praising God.

65 All their neighbors were filled with awe, and [people] throughout the hill country of Judea were talking about these events. 66 And all who heard [this] wondered in their hearts [and] asked, “What then {will} this child become?” For the Lord’s hand was with him.