18 And Zeḵaryah said to the messenger, “By what shall I know this? For I am old, and my wife advanced in years.”
19 And the messenger answering, said to him, “I am Gaḇri’ĕl, who stands in the presence of Elohim, and was sent to speak to you and announce to you this good news.
20 “But see, you shall be silent and unable to speak until the day this takes place, because you did not believe my words which shall be filled in their appointed time.”
21 And the people waited for Zeḵaryah, and marvelled at his delay in the Dwelling Place.
22 And when he came out, he was unable to speak to them. And they recognised that he had seen a vision in the Dwelling Place, for he was beckoning to them and remained dumb.
23 And it came to be, as soon as the days of his service were completed, he went away to his house.
24 And after those days his wife Elisheḇa conceived. And she hid herself five months, saying,