King James Bible
"And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth."
The angel promises Zechariah personal celebration over his son John's birth, using two overlapping terms that emphasize complete, overflowing happiness. This directly addresses Zechariah's years of childlessness and the shame it brought in Jewish society, where barrenness was seen as divine disfavor. The joy extends beyond the family circle to impact many in Israel, signaling that John's significance transcends personal blessing. This prophetic statement hints at John's future role as the Baptist who would prepare hearts for the Messiah, making his birth a matter of national spiritual importance.