The New Testament of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The common English version, corrected by the final committee of the American Bible Union. — Text and Context

Elisabeth was barren; and they both were now far advanced in years.

(8)And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God, in the order of his course, (9)it fell to his lot, according to the custom of the priest's office, to burn incense, going into the temple of the Lord. (10)And the whole multitude of the people were praying without, at the hour of incense. (11)And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. (12)And Zachariah seeing him was troubled, and fear fell upon him. (13)But the angel said to him: Fear not, Zachariah; for thy prayer was heard, and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. (14)And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. (15)For he shall be great before the Lord; and he shall not drink wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb. (16)And many of the sons of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. (17)And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a prepared people for the Lord.

(18)And Zachariah said to the angel: Whereby shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is far advanced in years. (19)And the angel answering said to him: I am Gabriel, that stands in the presence of God; and I was sent to speak to thee, and to bring thee these glad tidings. (20)And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou didst not believe thy words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.

(21)And the people were waiting for Zachariah; and they were wondering at his long tarrying in the temple. (22)And when he came out he was not able to speak to them, and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple; and he was making signs to them, and remained speechless.

(23)And it came to pass, when the days of his ministration were completed, that he departed to his own house.

(24)And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived; and she hid herself five months, saying: (25)Thus has the Lord dealt with me, in the days wherein he looked on me to take away my reproach among men.

(26)And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, (27)to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. (28)And the angel coming in to her, said: Hail, highly favored! The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women. (29)And she was troubled at the saying; and was considering what manner of salutation this might be. (30)And the angel said to her: Fear not, Mary; for thou didst find favor with God. (31)And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. (32)He shall be great, and shall be called Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give to him the throne of David his father; (33)and he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

(34)Then said Mary to the angel: How shall this be, seeing that I know not a man? (35)And the angel answering said to her: The Holy Spirit will come upon thee, and the power of the Highest will overshadow thee; therefore also the Holy One that is born shall be called the Son of God. (36)And, behold, Elisabeth thy kinswoman, she also has conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month with her who is called barren. (37)For with God nothing shall be[1:37] impossible.

(38)And Mary said: Behold the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.