Whereby (κατα τ). According to what. It was too good to be true and Zacharias demanded proof and gives the reason (for, γαρ) for h…

Whereby shall I know this? The thing was improbable, and he desired evidence that it would take place. The testimony of an an…

And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. And, the angel answering…

St. John Chrysostom: Considering his own age and the barrenness of his wife, Zacharias doubted, as it is said: And Zachari…

Zechariah’s question (v.18) seems innocent, but v.20 reveals that it was asked in doubt. In contrast Mary’s question—“How can this be?” (v.34)—aris…

And Zacharias said to the angel. Next follows the doubt of Zacharias, and the punishment which the Lord inflicted on his unbelief. He had …

And Zacharias said unto the angel, whereby shall I know
this ?
&c.] Notwithstanding s…

The father and mother of John the Baptist were sinners, as all are, and were justified and saved in the same way as others; but they were distingui…