The Birth of John the Baptist

When the time came for Elizabeth vvv 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[fn] John.” And vvv 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?” And[fn] the Lord’s hand was with him.

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