King James Bible
"And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season."
The angel Gabriel pronounces judgment on Zechariah, rendering him mute as both a sign and consequence. This physical limitation serves as a tangible reminder of divine authority and the seriousness of doubting God's messenger. The muteness is temporary, with a specific endpoint tied to the fulfillment of the prophecy about John the Baptist's birth. This temporal boundary transforms the punishment into a period of silent witness to God's unfolding plan. Gabriel identifies unbelief as the cause of discipline, highlighting that Zechariah, despite being a priest, struggled to accept the miraculous promise. His doubt contrasts sharply with Mary's later response to a similar angelic announcement. The angel affirms the certainty of God's promises regardless of human doubt, emphasizing divine timing and sovereignty. This declaration underscores that Zechariah's unbelief cannot thwart God's predetermined plan.