1:64a–b

Immediately Zechariah’s mouth was opened and his tongue was released, and he began to speak: The Greek expression that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Zechariah’s mouth was opened and his tongue was released is a figure of speech. It means that Zechariah became able to speak again. This happened as soon as he wrote the words in 1:63. Then he began to speak.

In many languages a literal translation of the figure of speech may imply a wrong meaning. For example, it may indicate that Zechariah had not been able to open his mouth (and so was unable to eat). If this is true in your language, you should translate the meaning of the figure of speech. For example:

At once, Zechariah regained his ability to speak
-or-
Suddenly, Zechariah was able to speak (God’s Word)

he began to speak: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as he began to speak is literally “he was speaking.” It does not indicate that he began to speak and did not finish what he planned to say. Another way to translate this is:

and he spoke (Revised Standard Version)

speak, praising God: When Zechariah was able to speak again, the first words he spoke were words of praise to God. These words of praise may have been the words in 1:67–79. Another way to translate this is:

64aInstantly Zechariah could speak again, 64band he began praising God. (New Living Translation (2004))

praising: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as praising is literally “blessing.” It refers here to expressing praise and gratitude to God. See bless, Meaning 4, in the Glossary.

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