Zechariah

The life of Zechariah

Zechariah, a priest of the division of Abijah and the father of John the Baptist. He doubted the angel’s promise, was struck silent, and spoke again in praise when his son was named.

Born

Not recorded. A priest of the division of Abijah, living in the hill country of Judea in the days of Herod ScriptureLuke 1:5, 39–40

Died

Not recorded in Scripture. An early tradition says he was killed in the Temple by Herod’s soldiers for refusing to reveal where his son was hidden TraditionProtoevangelium of James 23–24

Family

• Wife: Elizabeth, of the daughters of Aaron ScriptureLuke 1:5
• Son: John the Baptist ScriptureLuke 1:13, 57–63

1. He and Elizabeth are righteous before God, but childless and old.

   ScriptureLuke 1:6–7

2. Chosen by lot to burn incense in the Temple, he sees the angel Gabriel beside the altar.

   ScriptureLuke 1:8–17

3. He asks for a sign and is left unable to speak until the promise is fulfilled.

   ScriptureLuke 1:18–23

4. At the naming of his son he writes, “His name is John,” and his speech returns.

   ScriptureLuke 1:59–64

5. Filled with the Holy Spirit he prophesies the Benedictus: “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel.”

   ScriptureLuke 1:67–79

Sources: The Holy Bible (World English Bible); Protoevangelium of James (2nd century).

Drafted from the Bible and Church tradition. Each line says where it comes from; anything marked Tradition or History is not in Scripture itself. Waiting for review by a priest or editor.

Sundays with Zechariah

1. 6 December 2026

   Birth of John the Baptist

   Gospel: Luke 1:57–80

   His father, silent since the Temple, now able to speak.

   In the story

   • What will he be called? Luke 1:59–61
   • His name is John Luke 1:62–64
   • Zechariah’s song Luke 1:67–80

2. 15 November 2026This Sunday

   Annunciation to Zechariah

   Gospel: Luke 1:5–25

   A priest of the division of Abijah, on duty in Jerusalem.

   In the story

   • Righteous, and still waiting Luke 1:5–7
   • The lot falls on Zechariah Luke 1:8–10
   • How can I be sure? Luke 1:18–20
   • Silence, then a child Luke 1:21–25

Also in these readings

• Elizabethഎലീശബെത്ത്3 Sundays
• Gabrielഗബ്രിയേൽ2 Sundays
• John the Baptistയോഹന്നാൻ3 Sundays

About the icon

The Conception of John the Baptist, Russian icon. second half of the 15th century. Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.