en_obs-tn/content/22/02.md

The angel

This refers to the angel that came to Zechariah in 22:01.

You will name him John.

This is a command. The angel is telling Zechariah exactly what he must name John. (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative)

fill him with the Holy Spirit

That is, “give him wisdom and power through the Holy Spirit.”

My wife and I are too old to have children!

This sentence emphasizes that Zechariah and Elizabeth were far too old to have children by natural means. That would require God to work a miracle. (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations)

How can I know you are telling me the truth?

Here, "know" means to learn by experience, suggesting Zechariah was asking for a sign as proof. Alternate translation: "What can you do to prove to me that this will happen?" (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit)