Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 1:20. It's a really important and somewhat mysterious passage about Jesus’ early life. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse says that Jesus will be unable to speak until the time God has planned for him. Let's unpack that a little further: “And, behold…” – This is a Greek phrase meaning “and indeed” or “it is clear.” It’s a way of emphasizing something. “…thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak…” – This means Jesus will initially be unable to talk or communicate. He won't be able to respond to people, tell stories, or even express his own thoughts. “until the day that these things shall be performed…” – This is the crucial part. It’s saying that this silence isn’t just temporary; it's a long-term thing. It will last until God fulfills His plan for Jesus. “…because thou believest not my words…” – This is the core of the verse. It emphasizes that Jesus himself doesn’t believe what he’s being told. He’s initially resistant to understanding and accepting God's instructions. So, putting it all together: Jesus will be silent for a long time because he doesn't fully understand or accept God’s plan. It’s like a seed that needs time to grow before it can blossom. What does this mean in the bigger picture? This verse is often interpreted as a sign of Jesus' early struggle with understanding God’s will and the mysteries of faith. It suggests: God's Plan is Complex: God has a plan for Jesus, but it's not immediately clear to us. Faith is Essential: It highlights that true faith – believing in what God says – is necessary for Jesus to understand and follow His path. Do you want me to explain any of these concepts further? For example, would you like a more detailed look at the context of Luke 1 or perhaps explore why this verse is significant within the New Testament?