King James Bible
"And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called."
The neighbors and relatives communicate with Zechariah through gestures, indicating he was both mute and deaf as a result of his earlier disbelief of Gabriel's announcement. This non-verbal communication emphasizes the supernatural nature of his condition and the community's respect for paternal naming rights in Jewish culture. Despite Elizabeth's declaration that the child should be named John, the gathering seeks Zechariah's final authority on the name. This moment sets up the dramatic confirmation when Zechariah will write 'His name is John,' breaking both tradition and his divinely imposed silence.