62 Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child.
62 And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.
62 And they made signs to his father, inquiring what he wanted him to be called.
62 They used sign language to ask Zachariah what he wanted him named.
62 So they made signs to his father--what he would have him called.
62 So they used gestures to ask the baby's father what he wanted to name him.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Luke 1:62
Commentary on Luke 1:57-66
(Read Luke 1:57-66)
In these verses we have an account of the birth of John the Baptist, and the great joy among all the relations of the family. He shall be called Johanan, or "Gracious," because he shall bring in the gospel of Christ, wherein God's grace shines most bright. Zacharias recovered his speech. Unbelief closed his mouth, and believing opened it again: he believers, therefore he speaks. When God opens our lips, our mouths must show forth his praise; and better be without speech, than not use it in praising God. It is said, The hand of the Lord was working with John. God has ways of working on children in their infancy, which we cannot account for. We should observe the dealings of God, and wait the event.